Transformation of Waste to Wealth: Acquisition of Fuel from Polymers

Abstract

This research reports the transformation of polymers to fuel through pyrolysis. Synthetic polymers, which are polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene plastic were used. The physicochemical properties, namely density, flash point, cetane number, and higher heating value of the fuel were determined, and a comparison was made with the physicochemical properties of diesel. The density of the fuel is 804.00 kg/m3 and that of the diesel is 820.00 kg/m 3; the flash point of the fuel is 345.50 K and that of the diesel is 341.00 K; the cetane number of the fuel is 40.50 and that of the diesel is 48.00; the higher heating value of the fuel is 39,500 kJ/kg and that of the diesel is 44,800 kJ/kg. This shows that the difference between the fuel's physicochemical properties, in comparison with those of diesel, is not noticeable. The fuel can, therefore, be used as a replacement for fossil fuel, and reduce the problems of energy crisis and pollution of the environment.