Pyrolysis of polypropylene over zeolite mordenite ammonium: kinetics and products distribution

Abstract

Abstract The present work reveals pyrolysis kinetics of polypropylene (PP) over zeolite modernite using thermogravimetry. The activation energy (Ea) and frequency factor (A) were calculated applying Ozawa Flynn Wall, Coats-Redfern, and Tang Wanjun methods. The Ea calculated by all the methods were found in accord with each other. The pyrolysis was also performed in a salt bath in the temperature range 350°C–390°C. It was observed that a temperature of 370°C is the optimum temperature for maximum liquid fuel production. Moreover, the amount of solid residue decreases with the rise in temperature. Similarly, gas fraction also shows linear relationship with temperature. The condensable and noncondensable fractions were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The fuel properties of the oil produced were assessed and compared with commercial fuel. These properties agree well with fossil fuel and therefore have potential applications as fuel.