Pyrolysis of some whole plastics and plastics–coal mixtures

This paper demonstrates the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of some whole plastics and plastic–coal mixtures with and without solvent in an inert atmosphere of N2 using a micro autoclave. The temperature was varied between 300 and 400 °C. The effect of some catalysts, i.e., AlCl3 and Co–Mo, on the liquid yield was also studied. The results demonstrate that temperature has a promising effect on the yield; however high temperature, as well as high catalyst loading, caused a decline in liquid yield. The effect of the solvent was found to be significant. None of the catalysts show an impressive effect on the yield of the desired products. Among the plastics studied, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) gave high yields even in the absence of a solvent and catalyst. The results are quite promising in terms of resource recovery, both from coal as well as plastics. The idea will also help in combating the environmental problems associated with plastics and coal.