Pyrolysis of waste surgical masks into liquid fuel and its life-cycle assessment

Pyrolysis of the middle layer of a surgical mask (MLM) and inner and outer layers of a surgical mask (IOM) was performed to assess their potential valorization as waste-to-energy feedstocks, and the characteristics of the resulting products were investigated. Pyrolysis of the main organics in waste surgical masks occurred at a very narrow temperature range of 456-466 degrees C. The main product was carbon-rich and oxygen-deficient liquid oil with a high heating value (HHV) of 43.5 MJ/kg. From the life-cycle perspective, environmental benefits and advantages of this upcycling approach were verified compared with conventional waste management approaches. This study advocated the potential application of waste surgical masks as feedstocks for fuels and energy, which is beneficial to mitigate plastic pollution and achieve sustainable plastic waste-to-energy upcycling, simultaneously.

Automated summary

This study investigated the pyrolysis process and characteristics of products from waste surgical masks, and demonstrated the potential of utilizing these masks as feedstocks for energy production. Compared to conventional waste management approaches, this upcycling method offers environmental and economic benefits, contributing to the reduction of plastic pollution and sustainable energy recovery.