Effect of Co-pyrolysis of mahua seed and waste polystyrene on quality of liquid fuel

Mahua seed (Madhuca indica) was co-pyrolyzed with waste polystyrene (Thermocol) with an aim to increase the yield and fuel properties of the pyrolytic oil. Co-pyrolysis was carried out at a temperature of 525 degrees C in a semi-batch reactor. Co-pyrolysis experiments were performed by varying Mahua seed to waste polystyrene ratios such as 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, and 8:1. The condensed liquid product was collected as aqueous and oil phase. The fuel properties and composition of the co-pyrolytic oil were evaluated and compared with that of Mahua seed pyrolytic oil. The process was optimized on the basis of high energy content of the pyrolytic oil. The synergistic effect of waste polystyrene during co-pyrolysis with Mahua seed (at the ratio of 2:1) yielded high calorific value, low pH, and low viscous co-pyrolytic oil in comparison with seed pyrolytic oil. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of co-pyrolytic oil confirmed that the amount of esters increased during co-pyrolysis, which resulted in an increased calorific value. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.