Catalytic Pyrolysis of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polystyrene Plastic Waste Using Zeolite Catalyst to Produce Liquid Fuel

Abstract

This study aims to examine catalytic pyrolysis with activated natural zeolites. A pyrolysis reactor with three levels of separator as a result of development was used to study the catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste into liquid fuel at intervals of 200 -400 oC and operating time of 30-90 minutes. As the object, a mixture of plastic bottles of highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) and polystyrene (Styrofoam) was used, sized 5-10 mm2 The results showed that the application of 3 levels of separator and Zeolite ZAA as a catalyst in the catalytic conversion of a mixture of polyethylene and polystyrene (Styrofoam) had the effect of shortening the reaction time and increasing the production of oil yield. Physiochemical studies of all fractions showed that the fractions concerned had gasoline properties, kerosene or diesel. The composition of the fractions produced by the top, medium and bottom separator showed an increase in the percentage of heavier hydrocarbons that tended to go to the bottom separator. At the optimal reaction temperature conditions of 350 oC for 90 minutes, a range of gasoline (C5-C10) hydrocarbons was produced at 55.17% in the top separator with a total conversion of 97.20%. This study contributes significantly to increasing knowledge about the feasibility of catalytic pyrolysis for the conversion of plastic waste into liquid fuel for people who do plastic waste processing industries in potential areas.