TGA/FTIR study of the evolution of the gases evolved in the catalytic pyrolysis of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers. Comparison among different catalysts

The evolution of the gases evolved during the catalytic pyrolysis of three commercial ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers has been studied by TGA/FTIR. Three zeolites have been selected as catalysts: HUSY, HY and HZSM-5. The results obtained have been compared with those corresponding to the thermal pyrolysis and to the catalytic pyrolysis in the presence of mesoporous MCM-41. The effect of the catalysts consists mainly an increase in the yield of alkenes and a shortening and/or an increasing of the branching of the hydrocarbons obtained. The extent of such effects depends on the catalytic activity of the acid solids studied.