Supercritical extraction of volatile organic components from polyethylene pellets

► We studied supercritical extraction of VOCs from polyethylene pellets experimentally using CO2 and ethane as the supercritical fluids. ► Single extractions using ethane were as effective as multiple extractions using CO2. ► VOC reduction levels ranging from 70 to 90% of the initial VOC content are attainable at the process conditions used in this study.