The catalytic degradation of polyethylene to short-chain hydrocarbons is possible with zirconium hydride compounds (see picture), and represents the first step in the reversal of Ziegler - Natta polymerization. Thus, even in the case of polyolefins the important target of plastics recycling, the recovery of reusable monomers from polymer waste, may be achieved.
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Kaminsky et al. (2000) studied this question.