The physicochemical characterization of diesel-like fuels derived from plastic waste pyrolysis

Background

This research investigates liquid fuel derived from the pyrolysis of plastic waste as a renewable biofuel for diesel engines, particularly in agricultural machinery. The study addresses waste management challenges while exploring sustainable energy solutions.

Methods

Pyrolysis at 500 °C in a non-catalytic process produced over 63 ± 2 wt% liquid fuel. Activated carbon treatment enhanced fuel quality by removing particles, yielding activated carbon-treated waste plastic pyrolysis oil (P-WPPO) with a slightly reduced yield of 85 ± 3 wt%. Advanced techniques, including ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, FT-IR, and GC–MS, were employed for chemical analysis, while fuel properties were assessed against EN-14214 and ASTM-D6751 standards. Thermal degradation behavior was evaluated using TGA.

Significant findings

Both crude and treated P-WPPO contained approximately 99 % hydrocarbons, predominantly unsaturated compounds, with a heating value of 10,907 ± 67 kcal/kg, only 1.60 % lower than B10 diesel. Thermal decomposition occurred between 40 and 250 °C, completing at 550 °C. P-WPPO demonstrated excellent potential as a renewable and energy-dense diesel substitute. This research underscores the dual benefits of mitigating plastic waste pollution and producing sustainable fuels, advancing innovative waste-to-energy strategies.