Modification of discarded polypropylene mask and its utilization as crude oil flow improver

Abstract

A method was investigated for the treatment and utilization of large quantities of polypropylene (PP)‐based wastes, such as discarded masks, generated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. A novel crude oil flow improver (named as MPP) was synthesized by modifying waste PP masks with maleic anhydride. The structure and properties of PP and MPP were characterized using Fourier transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The optimal reaction ratio was determined to be npolypropylene:nmaleic anhydride = 1:2 and nBPO = 0.2%. When the concentration of MPP is 500 ppm, the viscosity of the YL crude oil samples is reduced by 92.48%, and the pour point is reduced by 4.2°C. In addition, MPP2 can significantly reduce the viscosity of CQ oil sample by 87.62%. The mechanism of MPP was investigated by DSC and polarized light microscopy (PLM) analysis of YL oil samples before and after the addition of MPP2. Finally, the total cost of this new crude oil flow improver is estimated and its market feasibility is analyzed. The study not only realizes resource utilization but also achieves the cycle of returning oil from oil to oil, which contributes to the implementation of resource circular economy and is of positive significance in promoting the petrochemical industry.