Modification of Clinoptilolite as Catalyst for Waste Tyre Pyrolysis to Liquid Oil

Abstract

This study investigates the modification of clinoptilolite with kaolin as a suitable catalyst and its effect on the properties of produced pyrolytic oil from waste tyres. The natural and modified clinoptilolites were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The influencing factors of the pyrolysis process including the temperature and particle size were evaluated. The results showed that the yield of pyrolytic oil increased from 20 to a value of 40 wt% at 400 °C and increased from 25 to 30 wt % for 2-10 mm particle size. The Composition of Pyrolytic Oil gave a benzene yield higher than that of non-catalysed pyrolytic oil. The catalyst also improved the yield of other valuable chemicals such as ethylbenzene, o-and p-xylene, styrene, toluene, quinoline, pyrene, thiophene, P-cresol, phenol, and limonene in the pyrolytic oil.