Characterization and Utilization of Pyrolysis Oil from Plastic Waste

The escalating environmental challenges posed by plastic waste necessitate innovative solutions for sustainable management. This study investigates the characterization and utilization of pyrolysis oil derived from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), and Polystyrene (PS) as a waste-to-energy strategy. Pyrolysis, conducted in a fixed-bed batch reactor at temperatures ranging from 350°C to 600°C, effectively converted plastic waste into pyrolysis oil, non-condensable gases, and char.
Physical and chemical analyses of the pyrolysis oil revealed valuable properties, including densities of 0.75–0.77 g/cm³, flash points below 30°C, and acidic pH values, confirming its potential as an alternative fuel or feedstock for the petrochemical industry. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) identified key functional groups and thermal stability characteristics in the oils. Among the tested plastics, PS yielded the highest oil output (59.27%), followed by PP (28.63%) and HDPE (24.03%). The results underscore the feasibility of pyrolysis as a dual solution for plastic waste management and energy recovery. However, challenges such as system efficiency and product variability highlight the need for further optimization and scaling to industrial applications. This research contributes to the global effort toward achieving a circular economy by transforming plastic waste into valuable resources.