Enhancing pyrolysis oil from landfill waste plastic with industrial waste catalyst

This study investigates the production of catalytic pyrolysis oil from 10 -year-old landfilled plastic waste in Nonthaburi Province. The study performs pyrolysis of plastic waste using calcined fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and bottom ash (BA) catalysts, focusing on their potential as alternative fuels. A fixed bed reactor operates at different temperatures 350 - 500 °C, with optimal results achieved at 450 °C. The maximum oil yield was achieved at 500 °C (47.00 %wt.) and at 450 °C with calcined FCC (42.64 %wt.). The maximum heating value reached 45.77 MJ/kg using the BA catalyst. Chemical composition analysis via FT-IR and GC-MS revealed hydrocarbons, primarily alkenes and alkanes. The presence of aromatics and hydrocarbons (C_5 − C_11 and C_12 − C_20) increased with catalyst use, approaching petroleum fuel properties. The most prevalent composition consisted of hydrocarbons in the C_5 − C_20 range, with a peak area of 84.65 % obtained from pyrolysis at 450 °C using the calcined FCC catalyst. Furthermore, the gas products are analyzed using a gas analyzer. High levels of H_2 and low levels of CO_2 and SO_2 emissions indicate that the process can produce an alternative fuel while generating fewer greenhouse gases. This research is consistent with the circular economy’s concepts, promoting sustainability and utilized resource efficiency.