Preliminary investigation on the production of alternative fuel using shampoo sachets and polystyrene blend via catalytic pyrolysis

Abstract

With the growing interest in alternative energy sources coupled with the need to reduce plastic wastes, the study on the catalytic pyrolysis of shampoo sachet (SS) and polystyrene (PS) blend to produce oil is very timely. Parametric studies were done to know the effect of different experimental conditions such as the feedstock ratio, catalyst dosage and temperature. It was found out that the highest oil yield was achieved under a 2:3:1 SS:PS:Bentonite ratio and a temperature setting of 330-378°C. Moreover, an increase in the amount of PS in the feedstock resulted in an increase oil yield percentage. Also, bentonite was observed to be a good catalyst in the pyrolysis process. However, the need for further studies is recommended to obtain the optimal conditions for producing the highest amount of oil.