Catalytic cracking of waste polypropylene in a Nitrogen fluidized bed reactor

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) is rated first as volume leader in the plastic sector. Its non-biodegradable property poses serious environmental problem in case of disposal. The catalytic cracking of PP was performed with various catalysts i.e. ZSM-5, Zeolite, RB and SPS. The cracking was observed under different feed to catalyst ratio i.e. 1:1 to 5:1. The fluidized bed reactor was fabricated with arrangement to measure the temperature ranging from 100°C to 800°C. The effective of feed to catalyst ratio was found 3:1 at a temperature range of 420°C - 510°C and catalyst ZSM-5 gives maximum liquid conversion of waste PP. Conversion of PP to liquid fuel will not only resolve the problem of disposal of waste polypropylene plastic but also give a value aided product.