Co-chlorination of low-density polyethylene in paraffin: An intensified green process alternative to conventional solvent-based chlorination

Abstract This study experimentally demonstrates the potential of co-chlorination as a green process alternative to conventional independent chlorination polyolefins, which involves use non-environment-friendly solvents like carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ). Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was used representative polymer in this and co-chlorinated with paraffin. Apart from being reactant, paraffin also acts solvent, thus eliminating need for using CCl during reaction. Test runs were first conducted measure LDPE-paraffin solution viscosities at different LDPE concentrations investigate solubility Co-chlorination experiments then carried out covering range temperatures (100–130°C), chlorine flow rates (150–350 mL·min −1 ), (10–30%) agitation speeds (100–400 rpm). The chlorinated products subsequently characterized post separation FTIR/ 1 H NMR spectroscopy differential scanning calorimetry. Specific properties these two compared independently found compare well terms content quality. A preliminary comparative perspective between is reported. results obtained confirm an environmentally friendly alternative.