Catalytic fractionation for recycling multilayer films
A novel catalytic fractionation method using solvent-based processing and heterogeneous catalysis to recycle multilayer films, enabling recovery of monomers and valuable chemicals from polymers like PE and PVDC, offering a cost-effective alternative to pyrolysis.
Overview
Catalytic fractionation offers an innovative solution for recycling multilayer films, which are notoriously difficult to process due to their complex structure and chemical inertness. This cutting-edge method utilizes solvent-based processing combined with heterogeneous catalysis to selectively target and deconstruct individual layers within films. By extracting monomers and valuable chemicals from polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), this approach presents a lucrative alternative to traditional methods like pyrolysis or gasification, which yield heterogeneous product streams.
Technical specifications
- Solvent-based processing: Facilitates selective targeting of film layers for efficient recycling.
- Heterogeneous catalysis: Utilizes earth-abundant catalysts, such as metal oxide/zeolite and carbide-based catalysts, to lower costs and enhance scalability.
- Process steps:
- Solvolysis-based extraction of monomers from PET.
- Absorptive dechlorination of PVDC.
- Catalytic polyolefin hydrogenolysis to alkanes.
- Benefits: Enables conversion of inexpensive and mixed polymer streams, reduces energy requirements, and enhances environmental feasibility.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating it has been demonstrated experimentally and is in the validation phase. Future plans include securing post-consumer films for testing and refining the process to ensure effective recovery of monomers and valuable chemicals from multilayer films.
About University of Washington
The University of Washington is a large public research university with campuses in Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma, known for a broad portfolio from fundamental discovery to applied innovation. Industry partners engage through a South Lake Union research campus adjacent to a major life sciences district and through collaboration programs that place faculty and students alongside corporate R&D. The university’s integration with a major academic health system enables clinical translation and large-scale trials. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NIH, NSF, DOE, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup incubation with prototyping resources.
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