The catalytic oxidative degradation of polyethylene in the solid phase was studied. Cobalt(II), manganese(II), or iron(III) acetylacetonates were used as catalysts. The influences of type and amount of catalyst, temperature, and type of oxidizing agent on polyethylene oxidation were investigated. The obtained products were characterized by determination of acid and ester numbers as well as by means of FTIR spectroscopy. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 118: 1414-1420, 2010