Value Addition of Plastic Waste to Fuel

Abstract

The accumulation of plastic waste has risen tremendously in the last few decades and is posing a significant threat to the environment. To reduce its negative impact various methods of developing biodegradable plastics are underway but there have not been many conclusive steps for the existing problem. The conversion of plastic waste into valuable fuels offers a compelling solution that simultaneously tackles the pressing issues of plastic waste accumulation and the scarcity of traditional fuel sources. The process described here is Pyrolysis. Plastic Pyrolysis is the thermal degradation of plastic waste at different temperatures (300 – 900 °C), in the absence of oxygen. The valuable products obtained from this technique are fuel oil, syn gas, and a solid residue of carbon black. As the calorific value of the fuel oil produced is similar to that of conventional fuels, it can be used as a great alternative. The fuel oil produced needs to be refined before it can be used as a fuel for domestic purposes, vehicles and industries. Plastic pyrolysis is a promising technology for the conversion of plastic waste into needed fuels but further research is required in this field to optimize the process and increase its efficiency.