Saturday, March 18, 2023

Use of Catalyst in Pyrolysis of Polypropylene Waste into Liquid Fuel

 Introduction:

Polypropylene (PP) is a widely used thermoplastic material that is found in a variety of products such as packaging materials, automotive parts, and household items. While PP has many advantages, such as its low cost and high durability, it also poses a significant waste management challenge. PP waste often ends up in landfills, where it takes hundreds of years to degrade or is incinerated, which releases harmful emissions into the atmosphere. To mitigate these environmental concerns, researchers have been exploring the use of pyrolysis to convert PP waste into liquid fuel, with the help of a catalyst, like natural zeolite.


          


                                                          Polypropylene

 

Materials and Methods:

Polypropylene collected from various places like ice-cream parlors, canteens, etc. is used as feedstock or raw material for this reaction. Natural zeolite, after refining, is used as a catalyst as it is easily available, affordable and flexible chemical properties.

The pyrolysis reactor has the following components-

1.       Nitrogen Gas Cylinder

2.       Heating Mantle

3.       Borosilicate Glass Reactor with Recovery Bend

4.       Thermocouple with Temperature Indicator

5.       Condenser

6.       Collection Flask

200 grams of waste polypropylene is used as the reactant and it is prepared in pyrolytic conditions. The reaction is carried out at around 450. Depolymerization of the polypropylene takes place and the fumes produced are passed through the condenser. On condensation, liquid fuel is obtained in the collection tank.

A Pyrolysis Reactor

 

Oil obtained

 

Result Obtained:

The original melting point of pure polypropylene is 130 but due to the presence of additives and other impurities, the melting point of polypropylene increased to 135. Maximum yield was obtained at the temperature range of 400-450, in around 20 minutes when the catalyst, natural zeolite was used. In the absence of the catalyst, the product was obtained in about 25 minutes. The entire process takes 90 minutes without the presence of natural zeolite while it takes 65 minutes in the presence of it.

Percent oil obtained with and without the use of a catalyst is obtained by using the following formula:

Percent Oil Obtained =× 100

                                          


Values of oil and wax percent obtained for polypropylene and reaction time required for the process in absence of catalyst and by using Natural Zeolite

 

 

Values of oil samples in absence of Natural Zeolite and with Natural Zeolite

 

Conclusion:

The paper concluded that polypropylene can undergo a pyrolytic reaction to give liquid fuel, waxy hydrocarbons, and gas. The use of catalysts like natural zeolite increases the rate of the reaction significantly and the reaction takes place at a temperature of 400-450 .  In conclusion, the use of catalysts in the pyrolysis of PP waste can significantly improve the efficiency of the process, leading to higher yields of liquid fuel and lower formation of solid residues. Pyrolysis of PP waste with the help of a catalyst has the potential to reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and provide an alternative source of liquid fuel that is more environmentally sustainable.

Reference:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344781726


Credits: Bhakti Gujarathi (SY Manufacturing)

 Team R&D


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