Plastics as A Potential Source of Energy: A Review

It’s almost been a century since the invention of plastic we all are using it extensively in all possible way in our everyday life. It takes thousands of years for typical plastic and almost one year for biodegradable plastic for complete breakdown, but under favorable condition with proper sunlight (ultraviolet light) which breaks its long chain bonds and requires high pressure. Plastics from various sources like household items, trash contains low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene - terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) which under pyrolysis can be broken down into smaller number of carbon chain (alkanes) and can be converted to flammable oils which will burn with clean and non - sooty flame. Other method of converting them to fuel is by using some other materials which will help polymer chain to breakdown easily such as pyrolysis of plastics with low grade coal which is generally having low calorific value. Second option could be by combining polymers with low grade heavy Sulphur content oils which under certain temperature and pressure with some suitable catalyst which will infuse Sulphur from sour oil to long chains of polymers thus breaking them down. Talking about biodegradable plastic they can be converted to fuel by microalgae which will convert it to solid fuel upon treatment and certain bacteria which upon eating releases certain flammable gases and can be used as a biogas in biogas plant. This review aims on highlighting the various process for conversion of plastics to fuel.