Pyrolysis of Polyolefins into Chemicals Using Low-Cost Natural Zeolites

Abstract

Massive production of disposable plastic that is not supported with proper plastic waste management has created an environmental problem. One solution that could be done to address this situation is by transforming plastics into chemicals through pyrolysis route. An experimental study of pyrolysis from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) has been done by catalytic method and utilization of low-cost natural zeolite in a semi-batch reactor. A low-cost natural zeolite made from acid-treated zeolite with 1 M HCl solution denoted as HZ. The prepared HZ catalyst was then carried out under pyrolysis reaction at 350, 400, 450 o C for 60 minutes. The chemical products composition from this reaction was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). According to the analysis result, a low-temperature reaction of pyrolysis could produce wax in all variant types of feed. Utilization of HZ catalyst could reduce formation wax while also increasing the yield of oil products after the reaction. Catalytic pyrolysis using HZ for PE and PP plastic feed yields oil products up to 67% and 70%, respectively. The composition of oil products mainly consisted of para n, ole n, and alcohol compounds. The temperature optimum for the catalytic reaction could produce the highest para n and ole n products at 400°C. Additionally, utilization of low-cost natural zeolite could improve pyrolysis reaction's performance from PP to produce yield ole n products from 39-62%. Statement Of NoveltyPlastics waste is threatening the environment due to its di culty in degradation. Pyrolysis of plastic by using catalysts would improve the oil products. Natural zeolites are low-cost minerals and are abundantly available throughout the world. The novelty of this study is to investigate the local natural zeolites in Indonesia as a cost-effective catalyst for application in polyole ns pyrolysis. The oil yield and products selectivity improved signi cantly after using the natural zeolites. The oil composition identi ed would be potentially utilized as chemicals and fuels. Finally, the catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste using low-cost local catalysts will overcome the environmental problem and create the circular economy of plastic.