Microwave-assisted oxidative degradation of polyethylene for enzymatic conversion into new biopolymers
A novel recycling approach that uses microwave irradiation with an oxidising agent to break down low-density polyethylene (LDPE) into functional wax byproducts. These byproducts can serve as feedstock for enzymatic hydrolysis to produce new biopolymers, supporting a circular polymer economy.
Overview
This research presents a novel recycling pathway for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) that transforms waste plastic into functional chemical byproducts suitable for enzymatic conversion. By applying microwave irradiation in combination with a moderate concentration of an oxidising agent, the approach accelerates the breakdown of LDPE into low molecular weight products and functional chemicals. These byproducts can potentially be tailored by adjusting the recycling duration and oxidising agent concentration, and they serve as feedstock for enzymes to generate new biopolymers. The technology supports circular economy objectives by enabling the conversion of polymer waste into raw ingredients for new polymerisation processes.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Microwave-assisted degradation of LDPE in powder, pellet, and film forms
- Use of an oxidising agent at varying concentrations to drive breakdown
- Tunable process parameters including microwave exposure time and oxidising agent concentration to control byproduct characteristics
- Production of a wax byproduct showing significant changes in FTIR structures and melting temperature, confirming LDPE structural breakdown
- Enzymatic hydrolysis or enzymatic/microbial degradation of the wax byproduct to generate new biopolymers
- Characterisation of byproducts using FTIR, HPLC, and additional analytical techniques
Technology readiness level
This technology is at an early-to-intermediate research stage. Preliminary studies in the lab have demonstrated wax formation from LDPE degradation across powder, pellet, and film forms, with confirmed structural changes via FTIR and melting temperature analysis. Further validation is planned to optimise time intervals and oxidising agent concentrations, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis testing of the byproducts. The research team is seeking funding partnerships to support the required resources for continued development.
About Technological University of Shannon
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a multi‑campus technological university spanning seven sites across Ireland’s Midlands and Midwest, combining applied research with strong industry engagement. Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways on TUS campuses provide industry‑accessible labs, testbeds and prototyping with rapid routes to collaboration. A network of campus‑based enterprise and innovation centres offers incubation and co‑located collaboration space for startups and corporate R&D, while work placements are embedded across programmes and coordinated centrally for employers. Research is supported by national agencies such as Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Research Council, alongside European funding programmes. A dedicated Knowledge Transfer and Commercialisation Office streamlines IP, licensing and spin‑out support.
delivered to your inbox.