www.seipub.

org/aee Advances in Energy Engineering (AEE) Volume 1 Issue 3, July 2013

Experimental Optimization of Process for the

Thermo-catalytic Degradation of Waste
Polypropylene to Liquid Fuel
Achyut K. Panda1; R.K.Singh2
Achyut K. Panda, Asst. Professor, Chemistry, C/O School of Engineering and Technology, ParlakhemundiCampus,
1

Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India, Department of Chemistry, R. Sitapur,
Upalada, Gajapati, odisha, PIN: 761211, India, Mobile Number: 09437132916;
2Prof. (Dr.) R. K. Singh, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (Odisha),
India, PIN: 769008, Phone: 91 661 2462260 (O), 91 661 2463260 (R), 91 9861285425 (Mob), Fax: 0661-2472926, 0661-
2471169
*1 [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract to the present problem, and that energy or chemical

Waste polypropylene was cracked thermally and recovery is a more attractive one. In this method, the
catalytically in the presence of kaolin clay in a batch reactor waste plastics are thermally or catalytically degraded
in the temperature range 400-550°C in order to obtain into gases and oils, which can be used as resources
suitable liquid fuels. The dependencies of process for fuels or chemicals. Catalytic degradation of
temperature, effect of catalyst, feed composition on yield of polyolefins to oil has been preferred over thermal
the fuel fraction were determined. It was observed that up to pyrolysis due to narrow product distribution, high
450°C, the major product of thermal pyrolysis was liquid oil reaction rate and lower temperature of degradation.
and the major products at other higher temperatures (475- One of the most commonly used solid catalysts in
550°C) are either viscous liquid or wax. The highest yield of polymer degradation studies are zeolites due to their
pyrolysis liquid product was 82.85% by weight at 500°C. Use
strong acidity, pore size and specific pore structure
of kaolin as catalyst decreased the reaction time and
effects. Amongst the numerous kinds of zeolites
increased the yield of liquid fraction. Again, the major
pyrolysis product in catalytic pyrolysis i.e. the liquid fraction
investigated in polyolefin pyrolysis, the most
at all the temperature was low viscous liquid oil. The commonly used are Beta, USY, ZSM-11, REY,
maximum oil yield using kaolin to plastic ratio 1:3 was 87.5% Mordenite, ZSM-5 etc. Some other solid acid catalysts
at 500°C. The oil obtained in this process was analyzed using used for plastic pyrolysis include molecular sieves,
FTIR and GC-MS for its composition. Fuel properties of the silica alumina, and MCM-41. Reports on the use of
oil studied by IS methods are identical with the different FCC catalysts are also found in literature. Other
petro fuels. On the basis of the obtained results, hypothetical catalytic materials such as clays (montmorillonite,
continuous process of waste polypropylene plastics saponite), reforming catalysts, activated carbon, metal
processing for engine fuel production can be presented. oxides, metal complexes of the type MCln-AlCl3 or
Keywords M(AlCl4)n (M=Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Ba; n=1–2), and
alkali metal carbonates or alkaline metal carbonates
Waste Polypropylene; Pyrolysis; Kaolin; FTIR; GC-MS; Engine
have also been tested for polymer degradation [Panda,
Fuel
Singh and Mishra, 2010].
I nt roduc t ion A number of laboratory studies have been conducted
for the direct catalytic cracking of different type of
Plastic waste disposal has been identified as
plastics. A large variety of catalysts hasbeen used, even
worldwide environmental problem. In recent years,
if wellperformed, many of them can be unrealistic from
attention has been paid more towards the recycling of
the point of view of practical use due to the cost of
synthetic polymer waste for solving pollution
manufacturing and the high sensitivity of the process.
problems and the reuse of cheap and abundant waste
products. Though several methods have been Ali Durmus et al. investigated the thermal degradation
proposed for recycling waste plastics, it is generally of polypropylene powder by thermogravimetric
accepted that material recovery is not an ideal solution analysis (TGA) employing four different heating rates

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over different type of zeolite catalysts such as BEA, mesoporous silica catalyst (FSM) in a semi batch
ZSM-5 and MOR with different surface areas, pore reactor without external gas flow[Uddin, Koizumi,
structures, acidities and Si/Al molar ratios and Murata, and Sakata, 1997, Uddin, Sakata, Muto,
calculated the apparent activation energies of the Shiragam, Koizumi and Kanada, 1998]. Catalytic
processes by the Kissinger equation[Durmus, NaciKoc, cracking of polypropylene has been carried out in a
Selda, Pozan, and Kasgoz, 2005]. The performance semi batch stirred reactor using spent equilibrium
of several differently treated clinoptilolite zeolites catalyst from FCC units, large pore zeolites as well as
(dealuminatedclinoptilolite catalysts) in the degradation amorphous and ordered silica–alumina in order to
of polypropylene was investigated in a semi-batch study extensively the influence of pore size (micro and
reactor at 400°C [Kim, Kim, Yoon, Park, and Woo, meso), crystallite size and the number and strength of
2002]. The effects of different zeolites as H-Y, the active acid sites [Salvador, Cardona and Corma.
Na-Y, H-mordenite and Na-mordenite on the 2000].
catalytic degradation of polypropylene was studied
usingthermogravimetry under nitrogen flow [Zhao, Lin et al. used a laboratory catalytic fluidised-bed
Hasegawa, Fujita, Yoshii, Sasaki, and Makuuchi, 1996]. reactor to obtain a range of volatile hydrocarbons by
The catalytic cracking of polypropylene was carried degradation of polypropylene in the temperature
out by silica–alumina and H-ZSM-5 at temperatures range 290-430°C using different zeolitic and non
between 350°C and 420°C and sulfated zirconia at zeolitic catalysts such as HZSM-5, HMOR and HUSY,
temperatures below 300°C, and also by means of MCM-41 and SAHA and found product streams
thermogravimetry under helium flow[Negelein, Lin varied markedly depending on catalysts type and
and White, 1998]. The catalytic degradation of structure[Lin and Yen, 2005]. The thermogravimetric
polypropylene under vacuum in a semi batch reactor, study of the thermal and catalytic decomposition (with
using catalysts as Al2O3, SiO2, SiO2–Al2O3, and Na-Y, MCM-41, ZSM-5 and an FCC as a catalyst) of
H-Y and REY zeolites, at temperatures between 200°C polypropylene showedthat the addition of MCM-41
and 600°C was reported [Audisio, Silvani, Beltrame, produceda remarkable decrease of almost 110°C in
and Carniti, 1884]. Meanwhile, Sakata et al. studied the temperature of maximum decomposition rate
the catalytic cracking of polypropylene with silica– [Marcilla, Go´ mez, Reyes-Labarta and Giner, 2003].
alumina catalyst at 380°C in a semi batch reactor Zhao et al. found that the degradation temperature of
without external gas flow[Sakata, Uddin, Koizumi, polypropylene strongly depended on the type of
and Murata, 1996]. Ishihara et al. investigated the zeolite used and the amount added and one type of
catalytic degradation of polypropylene by silica– HY zeolite (320HOA) was shown to be a very effective
alumina at temperatures between 180°C and 300°C in catalyst [Zhao, Hasegawa, Fujita, Yshii and Sasaki,
a semi batch reactor under a nitrogen flow[Ishihara, 1996]. The catalytic degradation of polypropylene has
Nanbu, Iwata, Ikemura, and Takesue, 1989]. been investigated using solid acid catalysts, such as
Aguado et al. have studied the catalytic cracking of silica-alumina and zeolites (HZSM-5, natural zeolite,
LDPE, HDPE and polypropylene in a semi batch Mordenite etc.), in the range of 350-450°C [Hwang,
reactor at 400°C under a nitrogen flow using MCM-41, Choi, Kim, Park and Woo, 1998].
H-ZSM-5 zeolite and silica–alumina as solid acid Achilias et al. carried out the catalytic pyrolysis of low-
catalysts[Aguado, Serrano, Romero, and Escola. density polyethylene(LDPE), high-density polyethylene
1996,Aguado, Sotelo, Serrano, Calles and Escola, 1997]. (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) in a laboratory fixed
Lin et al. have investigated the catalytic cracking of bed reactor with an FCC catalyst [Achilias, Roupakias,
HDPE and polypropylene in a fluidized bed reactor Megalokonomos, Lappas and Antonakou, 2007].
using H-ZSM-5, H-USY, H-mordenite, silica–alumina
Pyrolysis of polyolefin wastes (PP and PE fractions)
and MCM-41, with nitrogen as fluidizing gas[Lin,
was carried out in a fluidized bed reactor equipped
Sharratt, Garforth, and Dwyer,1998]. Mordi et al. have
with a char removal system, under various reaction
reported the catalytic degradation of LDPE and PP at
conditions (temperature, feed rate, and fluidizing
350°C in a batch reactor under vacuum, using zeolite
medium [Jung, Cho, Kang and Kim,.2010].
catalysts as H-ZSM-5, H-Theta-1 and H-mordenite
[Mordi, Fields, and Dwyer, 1994, Mordi, Fields,and Degradations of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene
Dwyer,1992]. Uddin et al. have studied the catalytic (PE) over pure hexagonal mesoporous silica and
cracking of PE and PP at 430°C and 380°C with silica– aluminum-containing hexagonal mesoporous silica
alumina, H-ZSM-5, silicalite and a non-acidic catalysts were studied in a fixed bed catalytic reactor

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at 380 and 430°C, respectively [Chaianansutcharit, Ex pe rim e nt a l

Katsutath, Chaisuwan, Bhaskar, Nigo and Muto,.2007].
Materials
From the extensive literature survey, it is observed
that the suitability of all the catalysts used by different Waste Polypropylene (used plastic disposable glasses)
researchers are due to their surface structure and was collected from the waste yards of National
acidity. In addition, kaolin has not been used so far as Institute of Technology Rourkela. The waste plastic
catalyst, in the plastic pyrolysis process. disposable glasses were cut into flakes by a shredder.
Thermogravimetric analysis of the sample was carried
Kaolin, a clay material, is thermally stable and has out with a SHIMADZU DTG-60/60H instrument. A
some acidity, which would support cracking reactions known weight of the sample was heated in a silica
at high temperature. Again, the cost of the material is crucible at a constant heating rate of 10°C/min
also comparatively lower as compared to that of other operating from 35°C to 600 °C.
catalysts used in this process. In addition, a study on
the comparsion of catalytic activity of the kaolin with The catalyst employed in this study, commercial grade
silica alumina in the degradation of virgin kaolin clay (Composition: SiO2 43.12%, Al2O3 46.07%,
polypropylene sample was carried out by us. Kaolin is Fe2O3 nil, MgO 0.027%, CaO 0.030%, ZnO 0.0064%,
found suitable for plastic degradation although not as K2O 0.01%, TiO2 0.74, LOI at 1000°C 9.9%, BET surface
efficient as silica alumina [Panda and Singh, 2011].So area: 23m2/g, ammonia TPD acidity: 0.049mmol/g with
in the present work, studies have been carried out for mesoporous surface) was procured from Chemtex
the thermal and catalytic degradation of waste Corporation, Kolkata, India [Panda, Mishra, Mishra
polypropylene in batch reactor using kaolin as catalyst. and Singh, 2010]
Emphasis has been on the study of the performance of
Experimental Set up and Procedure
kaolin on the yield of liquid product and total reaction
time with a view to optimizingthe yield of liquid The experimental setup used in this work consists of a
fraction of the reaction.The reusability of the kaolin batch reactor made of stainless steel (SS) tube (length-
was also studied in this work. 145 mm,

FIG. 1a EXPERIMENTAL SET UP AND SS TUBE

FIG. 1b SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION EXPERIMENTAL SET UP

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internal diameter- 37 mm and outer diameter- 41 mm) Re sult s a nd Disc ussion

sealed at one end and an outlet tube at other end
Figure 1 a and 1 b. The SS tube is heated externally by TGA of Polypropylene Sample
an electric furnace, with the temperature measured by The thermal degradation of polypropylene samples
a Cr-Al: K type thermocouple fixed inside the reactor was carried out using TGA in order to know the
and the temperature is controlled by external PID thermal properties. Figure 2 shows the normalized
controller. Shimaden PID controller SR1 was used to weight loss for both the samples as a function of
controlthe temperature of the furnace. The accuracy of temperature. The degradation of waste polypropylene
this PID controller is ± 0.3% FS (FS =1200ºC). So the occurred between 220°C to 440°C and the weight loss
temperature can be measured at±3.6ºC. of 50% (T50) takes place at 382°C.
20g of waste polypropylene samples (disposable glass TGA of waste polypropylene
flakes) were loaded in each pyrolysis reaction. In the 100

catalytic pyrolysis, a mixture of catalyst and the

plastics in different catalyst to plastics proportion (1:2, 80

1:3, 1:4, 1:6, 1:10, 1:20, 1:40) was subjected to pyrolysis

in the reactor set up and heated at a rate of 20°C/min. 60

Weight(%)
up to the desired temperature. The condensable liquid
products were collected through the condenser and 40

weighed. After pyrolysis, the solid residue left out

20
inside the reactor was weighed. Then the weight of
gaseous product was calculated from the material
0
balance. Reactions were carried out at different 100 200 300 400 500

temperatures ranging from 400-550°C. The reaction Temperature(0C)

time was calculated from the start of reaction (when

FIG. 2 TGA OF POLYPROPYLENE SAMPLES
the feed was taken in the reactor and temperature
raised from the room temperature) till the completion Results of Pyrolysis
of reaction (the time when no more oil comes through
1) Effect of Temperature on Product Distribution
outlet tube).
in Thermal Pyrolysis
Analysis Methods Three different fractions namely condensable low
Thermogravimetric analyses of the samples were carried viscous liquid/high viscous liquid/wax like product,
out with a SHIMADZU DTG-60/60H instrument. A non condensable gases/volatiles and solid residue
known weight of the sample was heated in a silica were obtained during pyrolysis. At different
crucible at a constant heating rate of 10°C/min operating temperatures, the yield distribution of different
in a stream of air with a flow rate of 40ml/min fractions clearly differed and is summarized in figure
from 35°C to 600°C. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption 3. The condensable fraction (oil/wax) obtained at low
measurements (BET method) were performed at liquid temperature (400 and 450°C) was less viscous and
nitrogen temperature with an autosorb BET apparatus highly volatile oil, as that obtained above 475°C were
from Quantachrome Corporation. The acid properties of viscous liquid or wax. The recovery of condensable
the catalysts were probed by ammonia TPD fraction was low (59.2wt.%) at 400°C and increased
measurements in Micromeritics 2900 TPD equipment. to the highest yield of 82.25 wt.% at 500°C and then
FTIR spectra were recorded on a Perkin-Elmer infrared gradually decreased with further increase in
spectrophotometer as with resolution of 4 cm-1, in the temperature. The vapour/volatile fractions increased
range of 400-4000 cm-1. The components of liquid at high and low temperatures leading to low
product were analyzed using GC-MS-QP 2010 condensable. At low temperature, the reaction time
[SHIMADZU] using flame ionization detector. All the was more (figure 5a), due to thatsecondary cracking
fuel properties of the oil were tested by prescribed IS of the pyrolysis product occured inside the
methods.Precision balance of SHINKODENSHI Co. reactor and resulted in large amount of highly
LTD, JAPAN, Model: DJ 300S was used to measure the volatile/gaseous product. Similarly, the low liquid
weight of thesamples. This machine capacity is 200 and high gaseous yield at higher temperature was
gram and accuracy is 0.0001 gram and so the weight due to the formation of more non condensable
can be measured within ±0.0001g. gaseous/ volatile fractions by rigorous cracking.

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Thermal pyrolysis
100 Catalytic pyrolysis
100
Oil PP:catalyst = 3:1
Residue 90
Gas
80
80

70
60

Wt % of Liquid
60
weight %

50
40
40

30
20
20

10
0 0
375 400 425 450 475 500 525 550 575 400 425 450 475 500 525 550
0
Temperature ( C) Temperature (0C)

FIG. 3 EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON PRODUCT FIG. 4b EFFECT OF CATALYST ON OIL YIELD AT DIFFERENT
DISTRIBUTION OF WASTE POLYPROPYLENE TEMPERATURE

2) Effect of catalyst From Figure 5a, it is observed that the reaction time of
the pyrolysis reaction also decreased with addition of
The thermal decomposition of polypropylene was
catalyst. Figure 5b provides a comparison of the rate of
carried out in presence of kaolin as catalyst with
production of oil in thermal and catalytic pyrolysis. In
different polypropylene to catalyst ratio. Reaction thermal pyrolysis, there was gradual increase in oil
time decreased and oil yield increased with production with time. Whereas there was sharp increase
incrementin catalyst amount (Figure 4a). The highest in oil yield with time observed in presence of the catalyst.
yield of oil (87.5wt.%) was obtained at the ratio of
plastics to catalyst 3:1 at 500°C. The effect of catalyst
Plastic:Catalyst = 3:1 Thermal Reaction
was not significant at the ratio of polymer to catalyst 500 Kaoline catalysed reaction
20:1and it is almost negligible at 40:1. Figure 4b
400
shows the effect of presence of catalyst on oil yield at
Reaction time (Minutes)

different temperatures. It is observed that the oil

300
yield increased in catalytic pyrolysis compared to
thermal reaction. Again, unlike in thermal pyrolysis, 200

the condensable products in catalytic pyrolysis, even

at higher temperature are also low viscous liquid and 100

not high viscous liquid or in wax form. All the above

0
changes in the reaction in presence of kaolin can be 375 400 425 450 475 500 525 550 575

explained by its mesoporous surface and acidity, Temperature (0C)

which facilitated the cracking reaction. FIG. 5a EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND CATALYST ON
REACTION TIME
100
Temperature = 5000C Reaction time
Wt.% of oil 20
Reaction time in minute/Wt. % of Liquid

18
Volume of condensable fraction (ml)

80 16

14

12

10 Thermal
60
Kaoline catalysed
8

4
40 2
2:1 3:1 4:1 6:1 10:1 20:1 40:1 Thermal
Plastic:catalyst 0
40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
Reaction time (minutes)
FIG. 4a EFFECT OF PLASTIC: CATALYST RATIO ON THE
REACTION TIME AND OIL YIELD OF PYROLYSIS OF
POLYPROPYLENE FIG. 5b EFFECT OF CATALYST ON RATE OF PRODUCTION OF OIL

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A comparison of product distribution and basic physical observed that the yield and quality of liquid oil
properties of the oil obtained from thermal and catalytic product remain almost same up to four times repeated
pyrolysis of waste polypropylene is summarized in the use of the catalyst and yield decreased at 5th reuse.
Table 1. The density and viscosity of the oil obtained in The reaction time of the reaction increased gradually
the two processes show a remarkabledifference. for every repeated use.
The decrease in the catalytic activity may be due to the
Reusability of Catalyst
deposition of carbon and other plastics impurities over
The activity of kaolin catalyst was studied by re-using the surface. The SEM EDX (Figure 6 a b c d) of the
it repeatedly in the degradation of polypropylene and catalyst sample clearly distinguishes the deposition of
the results are summarized in the Table 2. It is carbon over the surface of used catalyst.
TABLE 1 PYROLYSIS OF POLYPROPYLENE IN OPTIMUM CONDITION

Type of pyrolysis reaction

Parameters
Thermal (Temperature = 500 °C) Kaolin catalysed (Plastic: catalyst = 3:1 and Temperature = 500 °C)
Liquid product (wt. %) 82.85 87.5
Gaseous/volatile(wt.% )) 16.25 11.75
Solid residue (wt. %) 0.9 0.75
Density of oil at 15 °C (in g/cc) 0.84 0.745
Viscosity of oil at 30 °C (in Cst) 4.31 2.18

TABLE 2 PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION, REACTION TIME AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF OIL OBTAINED IN CATALYTIC PYROLYSIS WITH FEED- KP: WP-1:3 AT
TEMPERATURE- 500 °C

Weight of different fractions in weight % Residence time in Specific gravity of oil @ Viscosity of oil
No of times re-used
Oil Gas Solid residue minutes 15 °C/15 °C at 30°C in Cst
Fresh 89.5 8.9 1.6 44 0.7777 2.27
1st time 87.5 10.6 1.9 58 0.7776 2.27
2nd time 87.5 10.4 2.1 64 0.7645 2.27
3rd time 88 10.25 1.75 68 0.7641 2.26
4th time 88 10.4 1.6 68 0.7638 2.26
5th time 84 14.25 1.75 73 0.7630 2.24
Regenerated catalyst 88 10.25 1.75 45 0.7732 2.26

FIG. 6a SEM OF FRESH KAOLIN

FIG. 6b EDX OF FRESH KAOLIN

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FIG. 6c SEM OF USED KAOLIN

FIG. 6d EDX OF USED KAOLIN

Thermal pyrolysis oil

140
Kaoline Catalysed pyrolysis oil

120

100

80
%T

60

40

20

500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500

Wavelength (cm-1)

FIG. 7 FTIR OF OIL

The kaolin after usefor 5th run degradation was Characterization of Liquid Products
regenerated by calcinating it inside a muffle furnace
at 750°C for one hour. The catalytic activity of The oil sample was characterized using FTIR for
regenerated catalyst was found to be almost same as functional group composition, GC-MS for detail
that of the fresh kaolin. When the used catalysts were composition and fuel properties to know its usability
regenerated at high temperature, the deposited carbon as an engine fuel. Figure 7 indicates the FTIR of
burnt off and surface of catalyst become free of all thermal and catalytic pyrolysed oil at 500°C.The
depositions. important assignments were summarized in Table 3.

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TABLE 3 FTIR ASSIGNMENTS OF PYROLYSIS OIL

Wave number (cm -1) Type of vibration Nature of functional group

2956/2916 C-H stretching Alkane
1377 C-HScissoring and Bending Alkane
2870 C-H stretching Alkane
1651 C=C stretching Alkene
1456 C=C stretching alkene
970 C-H Bending Alkene
887 C-H out of plane bending Alkene
738 C-H Bending Alkene, Phenyl ring substitution
1110, 1156 C-O stretching Alcohols, Ethers, Carboxylic acids, Esters
1694, 1710, 1770 C=O stretching Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic acids, Esters

TABLE 4 GC-MS COMPOSITION OF OIL OBTAINED BY THE CATALYTIC PYROLYSIS OF POLYPROPYLENE AT 5000C

Peak Retention Time In Minute Area% Molecular Formula

1 3.071 1.68 C12H24
2 3.900 1.30 C10H20
3 4.683 2.58 C11H24
4 4.744 1.81 C10H22
5 5.483 3.57 C12H24
6 5.543 2.90 C12H24
7 5.771 3.59 C12H24
8 5.836 3.62 C14H30O
9 6.118 1.85 C12H24
10 6.318 1.60 C12H24
11 6.388 0.64 C10H20O
12 6.518 0.83 C12H24
13 6.617 0.70 C13H28O
14 8.261 1.01 C10H22O
15 8.739 8.82 C12H24
16 8.843 1.84 C11H22
17 8.944 1.84 C12H24
18 9.081 7.39 C11H22
19 9.144 7.24 C13H28O
20 9.264 3.11 C13H28O
21 9.382 4.98 C11H24O
22 9.761 1.24 C12H24
23 11.618 2.26 C12H24
24 12.007 1.80 C13H28O
25 14.152 3.42 C12H24
26 14.427 2.24 C12H24
27 14.503 1.69 C12H26O
28 14.527 1.72 C12H24
29 14.878 1.58 C12H24
30 16.410 1.65 C18H36
31 18.452 1.53 C18H36
32 18.832 1.01 C12H24
33 19.131 0.78 C12H24
34 20.312 0.97 C18H36
35 22.607 0.53 C18H36
36 24.145 0.41 C18H36

The GC-MS of the oil obtained in thermal and kaolin alcohol, ketone, etc. are also found in the oil, which
catalytic pyrolysis reaction at 500°C are shown in Figure 8. may be due to oxidative degradation of polypropylene
in presence of limited quantity of oxygen inside the
Different components present in the oil obtained by
reactor as the reaction is not carried out in inert
comparing NIST library are summarized in the Table 4.
atmosphere.
This result indicates the presence of different
hydrocarbons mostly alkanes and alkenes in the oil. In Hayashi J et al. reportedthatpolypropylene is more
addition, some oxygenated compounds such as susceptible to oxidation than others because it contains

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TABLE 5 FUEL PROPERTIES OF THE OIL OBTAINED AT 500 °C OBTAINED FROM KAOLIN CATALYSED PYROLYSIS

Tests Test Protocol pyrolysis oil

Colour --------- Yellow
Specific Gravity@ 15°C/15 °C I.S.1448: P.16 0.7777
Density @ 15 °C in gm/cc I.S.1448: P.16 0.7771
Kinematic Viscosity in Cst@ 30 °C I.S.1448:P: 25 2.27
Pour Point I.S.1448: P:10 < - 45oC
Cloud Point I.S.1448: P:10 < - 45oC
Gross calorific Value in Kcals/kg I.S. 1448: P:6 11,256
Flash Point by Abel I.S.1448: P:20 < - 12oC
Fire Point I.S. 1448: P:20 < - 12oC
Boiling point range (°C) I.S. 1448: P.18 68-346

FIG. 8 GC-MS OF OIL OBTAINED IN THE CATALYTIC PYROLYSIS WITH 1:3 CATALYST TO POLYPROPYLENE FEED AT 500 °C

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tertiary carbons and forms peroxide in the chemical Aguado, J., Serrano, D.P., Romero, M.D., Escola, J.M.,
form of –C–O–O–H in presence of oxygen even at “Catalytic conversion of polyethylene into fuels over
150°C. Peroxides are further decomposed to more
mesoporous MCM-41”, Chemical Communications Vol.
stable oxygen-containing groups such as hydroxyl and
carbonyl groups [Hayash, Nakahara, and Kusakabe, 6, 1996, PP. 725-732.
Morooka, 1998]. Aguado, J., Sotelo, J., Serrano, D.P., Calles, J.A.,
Escola,J.M.,“Catalytic conversion of polyolefins into
All the fuel properties of the oil were tested by
prescribed IS methods and the results are summarized liquid fuels over MCM-41: Comparision with ZSM-5 and
in Table 5. amorphous SiO2-Al2O3”, Energy and Fuels, Vol.11, 1997,

From the distillation report of the oil, it was observed PP. 1225-1232.
that the boiling point range of the oil is 68-346°C using Audisio, G., Silvani, A., Beltrame, P.L., Carniti,P.,“Catalytic
kaolin, which inferedthe presence of mixture of thermal degradation of polymers : Degradation of
different oil components such as gasoline, kerosene polypropylene”, Journal of Analytical and Applied
and diesel in the oil. Again, 30% oil recovery occuredat
Pyrolysis, Vol.7, 1984, PP. 83-90.
160°C, which was the boiling range of gasoline, while
Chaianansutcharit, S., Katsutath, R., Chaisuwan, A., Bhaskar,
the rest must be in the range of kerosene and diesel.
All the other fuel properties of the oil obtained using T., Nigo, A., Muto,A.,“Catalytic degradation of
the catalyst was almost similar and comparable to that polyolefins over hexagonal mesoporous silica: Effect of
of petro fuels. Based onthis result, it can be concluded aluminum addition”, Journal of Analytical and Applied
that the oil produced in the catalytic pyrolysis can be Pyrolysis, Vol.80, 2007, PP. 360-368.
used as a substitute of petro fuels in engine.
Durmus, A.¸ NaciKoc, S.,¸Selda,Pozan, G., Kasgoz, A.,
“Thermal-catalytic degradation kinetics of polypropylene
Conc lusion
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plastic waste management and manufacture of value
Panda Achyut Kumar, born in 1976,
added products—A world prospective”, Renewable and
Odisha state, India, got M.Sc. (Organic
Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol 14, No 1, 2010, PP. 233- chemistry) from Khallikote (Auto)
248. college Berhampur, Odisha, M.Phil.from
Berhampur University, Odisha and
Panda, A.K., Mishra, D.K., Mishra, B.G., Singh, R.K., “Effect Ph.D.(Chemical Engg.) from NIT
of Sulphuric acid treatment on the physicochemical Rourkela, Odisha, India. He is presently working as assistant
characteristics of Kaolin clay”, Colloids and Surfaces A: professor in Chemistry in Centurion University of
Technology and Management, Odisha. His research area of
Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, Vol.363, interest includes waste to energy, catalysis and bioenergy.
No.1-3, 2010, PP. 98-104.
Singh Raghubansh Kumar, born in
Panda, A.K., Singh, R.K.,“Catalytic performances of kaoline 1955, obtained his B.Sc.ChemicalEngg.
and silica alumina in the thermal degradation of from BIT Sindri, India, M.E. and Ph.D.
from Sambalpur University.
polypropylene”,Journal of Fuel Chemistry and
Currently,he is working as Professor in
Technology, Vol. 39, No.3,2011, PP.198-202. Chemical Engineering from National
Sakata, Y., Uddin, M.A., Koizumi, K., Murata, K. , “Catalytic Institute of Technology, Rourkela,
Odisha, India. His reaearch area includes
Degradation of Polypropylene into Liquid Hydrocarbons
Fluidisation, Waste plastics to fuel, bioenergy etc. He has
Using Silica-Alumina Catalyst” Chemical letters, Vol. 8, published more than 100 research papers and 4 patents.

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