Mild Catalytic Degradation of Crystalline Polyethylene Units in Solid State Assisted by Carboxylic Acid Groups

Summary

This study investigated a mild catalytic method for degrading crystalline polyethylene in the solid state, assisted by carboxylic acid functional groups. The approach offers a lower-energy pathway for breaking down polyethylene under conditions milder than conventional high-temperature methods, contributing to sustainable chemical recycling strategies for one of the most widely used plastics.