Synthesis of liquid fuel through hydrothermal conversion of natural rubber

Abstract

This study attempted to produce liquid fuel derived from natural rubber by using hydrothermal conversion process. The conversion process was conducted in a batch reactor at diverse temperatures conditions, with varied water to rubber mass proportion, and with different residence times. At optimum conditions of 375 °C, 3:1 mass proportion, and 30min processing time, the maximum oil yield of 76 wt.% was achieved. Temperature and water to natural rubber ratio showed remarkable influence on oil yield. The quality of oil produced at optimal parameters was evaluated by using different analyses techniques such as CHNS analyzer, viscometer, GCMS, and pH meter. The outcomes of different characterizations results indicated that oil obtained from natural rubber has high HHV, non-acidic, less oxygen and sulfur contents.