Pyrolysis of Polyethylene from Plastic Waste using Activated Ende Natural Zeolite as a Catalyst

Plastic waste has many complex chemical components. In developing countries, direct incineration is often used to reduce plastic waste, releasing pollutants into the atmosphere. A more environmentally sound alternative is pyrolysis. It can turn plastic waste into an alternative fuel. A catalyst, such as natural zeolite, can reduce the energy used in pyrolysis. However, mineral contaminants must be removed first to get optimum activity. This research was focused on using Ende natural zeolite as a catalyst, determining the properties of the mineral in its activated form. It also investigated the interaction between H-zeolite composition and the operating temperature towards pyrolysis oil yield. The experimental results showed that Ende natural zeolite contained a mixture of mordenite, clinoptilolite, and quartz. After activation and modification, there was an increase in the surface area from 53.17–104.67 m2/g. The average pore radius ranged from 19.96–34.21 Å. There was an increase in the pore volume from 22.01–72.34 cc/g. The total acidity changed from 1.456–5.342 NH3/g. The optimum catalyst concentration was 10% in the pyrolysis of 1000 grams of plastic waste catalyzed by 100 grams of H-zeolite. The oil yield decreased at 15% concentration. The 10% concentration worked best at 400 ℃.