Decomposition reactions of plastic model compounds in sub- and supercritical water

Plastic model compounds having ether linkage were reacted in sub- and supercritical water to obtain information on the optimum conditions of plastic decomposition reaction into monomeric compounds. Conversion of dinaphthylether to naphthol was attained by the reaction in 3 ml of water including basic additives at 703 K. In the reaction in supercritical water, no production of naphthalene was confirmed suggesting chemical participation of water. Diphenylether was also decomposed into phenol in the reaction in supercritical water including Na2CO3. Decomposition reactions of 1,4-diphenoxybenzene and p-phenoxyphenol were also confirmed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]