Extraction and Performance Analysis of Hydrocarbons from Waste Plastic Using the Pyrolysis Process

Abstract

Ecosystem destruction is one of today’s significant challenges due to fast industrialisation and an increasing population. It takes several years for solid trash, such as plastic bottles and super-market bags, to decompose in nature. In addition, plastic disposal techniques such as landfilling, reuse, and incineration pose significant threats to human health and the environment. In this paper, we investigated whether the impact of mixing biodiesel with waste oil from recycled plastic on the resulting fuel mixture’s yields better physical and chemical properties. Consequently, pyrolysis is one of the most advantageous and practical waste disposal methods as it is both environmentally benign and efficient. Pyrolysis is the high-temperature thermal breakdown of solid waste to produce pyrolytic oil. The pyrolytic (plastic) oil produced is converted to a hydrocarbon-rich pyrolytic fuel. Similar to diesel and gasoline, pyrolytic fuel has the same calorific value. Internal combustion engines may operate on pyrolytic fuel without suffering a performance reduction. Researchers examined engine performance and exhaust pollutants. The research discovered that the engine could operate on plastic pyrolysis fuel at full load, enhance brake thermal efficiency by 6–8%, and lower UBHC and CO emissions; however, nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions were noticeably higher. The findings demonstrated the possibility of using plastic pyrolysis fuel as a diesel substitute.