Co-pyrolysis of Juliflora biomass with low-density polyethylene for bio-oil synthesis

An indigenous reactor with a capacity to hold a maximum temperature of 1,000 degrees C was developed for investigating the co-pyrolysis of Juliflora (JF) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The length of the reactor was 1.49 m and width was 0.49 m. A screw feeder of 1.5 m, with a 0.051-m circular pipe, delivered the feed along the length of the reactor. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis reported that the optimum temperature of LDPE and JF was 450 and 600 degrees C, respectively. Fast pyrolysis is conducted to investigate the effect of oil quality and quantity from JF biomass and LDPE. Different blend of the feedstock 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, and 0:1 of JF and LDPE was tested for co-pyrolysis. Experiments were conducted at varying temperature of 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, and 700 degrees C. The optimum heating rate was found to be 10 degrees C min(-1). The elemental analysis of the biomass and plastic was performed. JF and LDPE at the blend of 1:2 yielded maximum liquid content. Increase in ratio of LDPE increased the calorific value and lowered oxygen content in the bio-oil. The pyrolytic oil is characterized and analyzed by GC-MS and FT-IR. The calorific value of the oil produced was found to be 27.14 MJ kg(-1). The energy and exergy of JF, LDPE, and blend of both were 76.45, 92.15, 101.25, 73.48, 80.46, and 93.97 MJ, respectively.

Automated summary

An indigenous reactor was developed for co-pyrolysis of Juliflora and low-density polyethylene. The optimal temperatures for LDPE and JF were found to be 450 and 600 degrees C, respectively. A blend ratio of 1:2 of JF and LDPE resulted in the highest liquid content in the bio-oil produced.