Characterization of the Liquid Phase Obtained by Copyrolysis of Mustafa Kemal Paşa (M.K.P.) Lignite (Turkey) with Low Density Polyethylene

Abstract

This study describes the detailed hydrocarbon type characterization of the tar (liquid phase) obtained by copyrolysis of Mustafa Kemal Pasa (M.K.P.) lignite (Turkey) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) and by pyrolysis of coal and LDPE individually. Various spectroscopic techniques [gas chromatography−mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC)] are used for characterization, and the effect of the experimental conditions [temperature, lignite:low density polyethylene (LDPE) ratio, and catalyst] on the hydrocarbon distributions is discussed. The results show that the tars obtained by copyrolysis have similar properties with commercial gasoline (especially in the presence of Red mud). Red mud and bentonite used as catalysts make a positive effect on the production of olefins instead aromatics. Polyethylene acts as a hydrogenation medium for the coal product as revealed by FTIR results.