From Waste to Fuel: Pyrolysis of Plastic Packaging

Abstract

The problem of plastic waste has recently attracted more attention due to the nonbiodegradable of plastic. The thermochemical method through pyrolysis is one of the most effective methods used in processing of plastic waste into fuel. Here we report on the pyrolysis of plastic packaging using a batch pyrolysis reactor at 430 o C. The derived liquid has a compound distribution starting from the light aliphatic compounds. In addition, this liquid has a gross calorific value of 11090.9 kcal/kg. This value is in the range of the gross calorific value of commercial gasoline. Thus, the pyrolysis process of plastic packaging has the potential to become a fuel.