The Fuel Production for Diesel Engine from Catalytic Pyrolysis of Plastic Waste

Abstract

This study compares synthetic and natural catalysts for plastic waste pyrolysis, focusing on ZSM-5 as the synthetic catalyst and dolomite and kaolin as natural alternatives. Investigating polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the study employed a consistent 500 °C reaction temperature for two hours, utilizing 1 kg of waste and catalyst. Testing the resulting fuel in a single-cylinder diesel engine revealed that PE pyrolysis with kaolin catalyst produced the highest yield at 60.4 wt%. The ZSM-5 synthetic catalyst notably improved fuel calorific value, leading to a 10.0 HP brake horsepower when used in the engine. Conversely, natural catalysts lowered fuel calorific value, causing reduced brake horsepower and increased fuel consumption. However, the kaolin catalyst derived fuel demonstrated effective pollution reduction in engine exhaust due to its benzene group's chemical constituents and suitable oxygen content. The study suggests extending the application of natural catalysts to diverse raw materials for fuel production.