Thermochemical liquefaction of thermoplastic into fuel using toluene: Product distribution and behaviour
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2025
Abstract
The escalating accumulation of plastic waste presents a critical environmental challenge due to its resistance to degradation. Liquefaction, a thermochemical conversion process, emerges as a promising solution to convert plastic waste into valuable resources like fuel. The objective of this study was to investigate the behaviour of plastic polymer degradation in solvothermal liquefaction. This study comprehensively examines the liquefaction processes HDPE, LDPE, PS, and PP under 350-400 C-degrees conditions and 30-90 min reaction times, using toluene as a solvent in an autoclave batch reactor. The results indicate that temperature significantly impacts liquefaction efficiency, with the following sequence: PS > PP > LDPE > HDPE. The liquefied products exhibit high heating values (HHV) of 40-44 MJ/kg, with viscosity and density comparable to gasoline and diesel. GC-MS and FTIR analyses reveal a composition rich in olefins, paraffins, and aromatics, producing carbon chain lengths from C6 to C20, aligning with conventional fuel. Finally, the mechanism of liquefaction for the polymers is proposed based on the chemical components found.
Keywords
Liquefaction, Waste-To-Energy, Plastic Waste, Alternative Fuel Source, Toluene
Divisions
sch_che
Funders
Lotte Chemical Titan (M) Sdn. Bhd. (PV004-2020)
Publication Title
Energy Conversion and Management
Volume
323
Issue
A
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Location
THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND