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Abstract
This research endeavor seeks to develop an innovative catalyst for the pyrolysis procedure, transforming waste plastic (polyethylene terephthalate PET) into a liquid fuel source. The objectives include preparation of waste PET and clay specimens, the fabrication of a zeolite catalyst from clay, and the subsequent examination and characterization of this catalyst. The experimental setup entailed weighing 500 g of PET particles and 25 g of zeolite catalyst, purging the system with nitrogen gas to establish an oxygen-free milieu, and commencing pyrolysis at 450°C with a heating gradient of 15°C/min and a reaction duration of 30 min in a diminutive fixed-bed reactor.
The findings indicate the efficacy of calcined clay soil in the pyrolysis of discarded PET containers. Structural analysis revealed specific surface area, bulk density, particle size, and porosity values of 86.10 m²/g, 1.285 g/cm³, <100μm, and 48%, respectively. Spectroscopic analysis underscored a notable composition of calcium oxide in the catalyst, corroborating its catalytic prowess. Furthermore, the catalytic pyrolysis process yielded a greater volume of oil compared to non-catalytic pyrolysis, as exemplified in Table 4.3. The physiochemical attributes of the resultant oil conformed to ASTM standards, with caloric value, flash point, kinematic viscosity, and specific gravity measured at 16.42 kcal/kg, 78°C, 2.80 mm²/s, and 0.8601, respectively.
In conclusion, this study proffers a promising approach to address the issue of plastic waste by converting PET bottles into a valuable liquid fuel source utilizing a novel clay-based catalyst. The developed catalyst exhibits advantageous structural and spectroscopic properties, enhancing the efficiency of the pyrolysis process. Moreover, the resulting fuel meets industry benchmarks, intimating its potential for practical applications in energy production and waste management.
The findings indicate the efficacy of calcined clay soil in the pyrolysis of discarded PET containers. Structural analysis revealed specific surface area, bulk density, particle size, and porosity values of 86.10 m²/g, 1.285 g/cm³, <100μm, and 48%, respectively. Spectroscopic analysis underscored a notable composition of calcium oxide in the catalyst, corroborating its catalytic prowess. Furthermore, the catalytic pyrolysis process yielded a greater volume of oil compared to non-catalytic pyrolysis, as exemplified in Table 4.3. The physiochemical attributes of the resultant oil conformed to ASTM standards, with caloric value, flash point, kinematic viscosity, and specific gravity measured at 16.42 kcal/kg, 78°C, 2.80 mm²/s, and 0.8601, respectively.
In conclusion, this study proffers a promising approach to address the issue of plastic waste by converting PET bottles into a valuable liquid fuel source utilizing a novel clay-based catalyst. The developed catalyst exhibits advantageous structural and spectroscopic properties, enhancing the efficiency of the pyrolysis process. Moreover, the resulting fuel meets industry benchmarks, intimating its potential for practical applications in energy production and waste management.
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