High-density polyethylene degradation into low molecular weight gases at 1823 K: An atomistic simulation

Using molecular dynamics simulation, we present a comprehensive study of the volatile thermal degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) across a temperature range of 300 K to 1823 K. We find that degradation at temperatures higher than ∼1373 K generates significant quantities of reducing gases such as CHn and hydrogen molecules which are beneficial to the steelmaking industry. Our results provide a new understanding of HDPEʹs phase transformation from solid to gas that occurs during superheating at steelmakingʹs electric arc furnace environment offering a new method for eliminating end-of-life HDPE from landfill.