Pulverization of Waste Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Film by Low Temperature Heat Treatment and Properties of Pulverized Product for Blast Furnace Injection as Alternative Fuel

Abstract

Recycling of waste plastics is of great significance for human society. The pulverization of waste film plastics is a key technical link in the development of collaborative utilization of waste plastics in the steel industry. In this study, waste polyvinyl chloride film plastics were first heated at different temperatures; then the de-chlorination ratio pulverization and the properties of the pulverized products closely related to blast furnace injection, such as powdery properties, combustion and explosiveness, were further analyzed. The weight loss ratio increased significantly with an increase in temperature and was not obvious between 370 °C and 400 °C. The highest de-chlorination ratio was approximately 84% at 370 °C, and the relative chlorine content in the product was 9%. The crushing performance of heat-treated polyvinyl chloride film increased with increasing temperature. Before 370 °C, there were more pores in the samples, and the surface of the sample seemed to be damaged with the temperature was further increased. The pulverized polyvinyl chloride had better fluidity and strong jet flow compared to industrial injection coals. At the same time, compared with other carbonaceous materials, it also exhibited better combustion performances. The pulverized polyvinyl chloride belonged to non explosiveness substance despite its high volatile content. The obtained results demonstrated that the pulverized polyvinyl chloride obtained under the present conditions could be used for blast furnace injection to some extent.