Co-pyrolysis for bio-oil production via fixed bed reactor using date seeds and plastic waste as biomass

Abstract

The consumption of plastic bottles is relatively high in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Therefore, in this study authors investigated the potential of combined plastic waste and locally available biomass (date seeds) to produce value-added products (bio-oil, bio-char and syngas) via pyrolysis process. The experiments were performed in a fixed bed pyrolizer, operated at different temperatures. Experimental results showed that 500 °C would be a better option for a higher bio-oil yield (59.16%), while lower temperatures (300 °C) produced more bio-char yields (24.97%). A plastic ratio of 70% gives the highest bio-oil content (62.57%), and lowest amounts of bio-char (12.14%). Experiment performed at 400 °C with a plastic waste ratio of 30% have the highest bio-oil density (1.020 g/cm 3 ). The results obtained in this study showed that the co-pyrolysis of plastic waste and date seeds are suitable for bio-oil production as sustainable biofuel in UAE.