Pyrolysis of polypropylene waste using sulfonated carbon catalyst synthesized from sugarcane bagasse

In this study, thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of polypropylene waste (PP) was investigated using a batch reactor in the temperature range 400-460 degrees C. Sulfonated carbon (SC) from sugarcane bagasse was used as a catalyst for the catalytic pyrolysis of PP. Catalytic pyrolysis of PP was investigated at four different catalyst to polymer ratios (1:20, 1:10, 1:5, and 1:3). The highest yield of catalytic pyrolytic liquid product was obtained at the ratio 1:5 with a liquid yield of 86.14% at 420 degrees C. The time required for thermal pyrolysis was 70 min and it was reduced to 50 min in catalytic pyrolysis, with a decrease in temperature of 35 degrees C. Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out for product oil from thermal and catalytic cracking. The results showed that the product oil from catalytic pyrolysis had more light fractions with a carbon distribution of C-8-C-33 compared to thermal pyrolysis. Properties of the liquid product were analyzed and it was compared with the properties of diesel and gasoline fuels. Considering the obtained results the economic low-cost catalyst from sugarcane bagasse waste could be more potential in the pyrolysis of PP plastic waste into useful hydrocarbons.

Automated summary

This study investigated the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of polypropylene waste using a batch reactor in a specific temperature range. The use of sulfonated carbon from sugarcane bagasse as a catalyst showed promising results in terms of improving liquid yield and reducing pyrolysis temperature. Catalytic pyrolysis produced a greater amount of light fractions with wider carbon distribution compared to thermal pyrolysis.