Valorization of polyethylene waste by vacuum cracking

ABSRACT In this study, polyethylene-pyrolysis was investigated under vacuum to yield cracking-oils as substitutes for petro-diesel. At 430 degrees C and 670 mmHg, highest yield of 86.68% liquid, 6.46% of residues and 6.86% of gas fractions were obtained. The liquid-fraction composition (180-350 degrees C) was dominated by paraffinic and olefin, as confirmed by GC-MS. The fuel qualities were analyzed using ASTM standards and then compared to the commercial-diesel. The depolymerized oil characteristics are similar to conventional-fuel except for the density, which was increase by adding an appropriate amount of petro-fuel. This process could significantly serves in managing wastes to produce clean-fuels.

Automated summary

In this study, polyethylene-pyrolysis under vacuum was used to obtain cracking-oils as substitutes for petro-diesel. The liquid fraction was dominated by paraffinic and olefin compounds, and the fuel qualities were similar to commercial-diesel, making it suitable for clean-fuel production.