Research on Comparative Study on the Conversion of Waste Plastic Materials to Liquid Hydrocarbons through Catalytic Pyrolysis

Research on Comparative Study on the Conversion of Waste Plastic Materials to Liquid Hydrocarbons through Catalytic Pyrolysis.

Abstract

This research involves the application of pyrolysis has been viewed as an efficient means for the proper disposal of waste plastics in the environment amongst others.

In this research, the influence of two catalysts namely; Zeolite and Titanium (IV) oxide are examined. Zeolite as a catalyst has obtained approval due to its ability to ensure the production of liquid hydrocarbons when applied in the pyrolysis of waste plastics.

It has also been used a bench mark to determine the effectiveness of other catalyst in producing liquid hydrocarbons. Whereas, Titanium (IV) oxide which is known for its many applications in paints, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is another catalyst which is used in catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastics for the first time.

Titanium(IV) oxide has several appealing properties such as its mesoporous structure, mechanical resistance and high stability which are some of the reasons which prompted its use.

This comparative study between this two catalysts were done at the same time in order to monitor the changes in temperature and other reaction conditions.

The waste plastics used in this research were low density polyethylene and polypropylene. Positive results were gotten as the liquid hydrocarbons were formed.

Introduction

Background of Study

In our present-day society there has been a dynamic drive for new sources of energy possessing the qualities of commercial viability and environmental sustainability.

In contrast, there has been an increased use in the consumption of materials involving plastics leading to an increased amount of waste plastics and thus the problem of disposal.

The disposal of waste plastics has been a major contemporary issue all over the world today. The uses of plastics are broad and for that reason, they can be seen everywhere.

The problem which has been encountered in the use of these plastics is in their disposal. Since the invention of plastic materials, there have not been discoveries related to the biodegradable waste plastic material.

For that reason various suggestions have been proposed for the disposal of these waste plastics such as landfills, incineration and burying.1

These plastic materials which are used so regularly just occupy space in landfills; which would obviously one day get full. With the rise in demand for workable land, such practices should not be supported.

Another means which has been proposed for the removal of these waste plastics is the process of incineration.1 Incineration involves the burning of waste substances.

The problem with this is that it leads to the release of harmful and toxic gases into the environment such as CO2.¹ A method of waste disposal also popularly used in rural areas is burying.

References

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