Engineering polyolefin end-of-life: controlled catalytic mineralization without microplastics

Abstract: Polyethylene and polypropylene resist biodegradation by design. They have high molecular weight and are chemically inert while being structurally inaccessible to microbial metabolism. RAWS addresses this through two coordinated catalytic systems incorporated as a masterbatch at 1% loading. A proprietary Time-Control Agent (TCA), a surface-modified molecular sieve, suppresses activation through controlled antioxidant release for 0-72 months. Activation engages when simultaneous temperature exceeding 77οF (25οC) and sufficient humidity conditions deplete the TCA reservoir, triggering the Thermal Activation Complex (TAC): a cerium-based redox catalyst cycling Ce 3+/Ce4+, abstracting hydrogen from tertiary carbons in PP and methylene units in PE, initiating beta-scission. A secondary nanostructured catalyst with ferrocene derivatives sustains fragmentation through oxidative radical pathways, active even under anaerobic conditions. Chain scission continues until the catalyst is consumed, progressively reducing molecular weight to bioaccessible thresholds. End products are CO2, H2O, biomass, and mineral salts. Zero microplastics confirmed under independent anaerobic and aerobic verification.