Catalytic degradation of polystyrene in the presence of active charcoal

To obtain useful products from polystyrene degradation waste, the catalytic degradation of polystyrene over an active charcoal catalyst was carried out. By controlling the reaction conditions, the selective recovery of styrene dimer derivatives, a promising sourse of useful industrial additives, was investigated. Cis- and trans-l,3-diphenyl-2-butene. 1,3-diphenyl-1-butene and 1,3-diphenylbutane were detected as the main products. The yield of styrene dimer derivatives was about 15 wt.% of the total liquid products recovered. Also. selective recovery of the styrene dimer derivatives by the catalytic reaction of polystyrene in the presence of a catalyst was possible by controlling the contact time and activity of the catalyst.