Low temperature co-pyrolysis of food waste with PVC-derived char: Products distributions, char properties and mechanism of bio-oil upgrading

The main components of municipal solid waste (MSW) include food waste (FW) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which present an opportunity to convert energy or value-added products through low temperature synergetic pyrolysis. In this study, the characteristics of char and bio-oil derived from MSW, FW and PVC feedstocks via pyrolysis at relatively low temperatures (200-300 degrees C) for 60 min were investigated. The results revealed that the transformation of PVC to HCl gas production started at a temperature of > 200 degrees C. The oxygenated carbon groups on the char surface were decomposed at elevated reaction temperatures. The relative molecular mass of bio-oil derived from FW increased when PVC-derived char was used as a catalyst at 250 degrees C. In addition, active functional groups and pore structures were formed through synergistic pyrolysis. This work provides information regarding the possible route underlying the network of char and bio-oil production from the synergistic conversion of FW and PVC-derived char. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the characteristics of char and bio-oil derived from MSW, FW, and PVC feedstocks through low temperature pyrolysis. The results showed the temperature for PVC transformation, decomposition of oxygenated carbon groups on char surface, and the impact of using PVC-derived char as a catalyst on bio-oil production. Active functional groups and pore structures were formed through synergistic pyrolysis.