Characterisation of Fractionated oil from Pyrolysis of Low-Density Polyethylene: Comparison between Catalytic Process and Non-Catalytic Process

Abstract

The environmental impact of waste plastics and the need to meet the increased demand for energy, coupled with the available technology for the conversion of waste plastic to liquid fuel, triggered this research. Montmorillonite clay was used as a green catalyst for the pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene to liquid fuel. The montmorillonite was calcinated at 600°C, and mixed metal oxides were found as its chemical composition using XRF. The common elements found in CMMR are silica oxide (SiO2 , 51. 34%), iron (ii) oxide (Fe2O3, 16.23%), potassium oxide (K2O, 5.03%), Aluminum oxide (Al2O3 , 19.65%) tin oxide (TiO2 , 3.00%), calcium oxide (CaO,1.47%) and oxides of chlorides (Cl, 1.46%). The gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis of the various distillate fractions from the crude pyrolysis liquid revealed the present various chemical differences such as alkane, alkene, alkyne, cycloalkene, cycloalkane, aromatic, alcohol, and ester. Analysis of the pyrolysis oil based on the carbon range revealed the presence of gasoline (C5-C12) (gasoline), diesel (C13-C24) and fuel oil (>C24). The API, specific gravity and kinematic viscosity of some of the oil confirmed them as diesel oil. The research has demonstrated the possibility of waste reduction and the potential of producing hydrocarbon fuel from waste low-density polyethylene waste plastic using pyrolysis.