Plastic waste is one of the main environmental problems of our time. Most of the garbage is simply stored, but scientists are proposing a new way of recycling – turning plastic into fuel.
The volume of plastic waste is growing every year. Traditional processing methods are complex due to the need for sorting. However, specialists from the Institute of Petroleum Chemistry SB RAS have developed a technology that allows them to process plastic mixtures without careful cutting.
The main method is cracking, in which plastic decomposes under high temperature. Scientists have determined the optimal composition of raw materials: 80% polyethylene and polypropylene, 12% PET and 8% polystyrene. The process takes place at 470°C in 5-10 minutes.
The resulting thermolysis oils contain impurities, so a second stage is required – hydroprocessing. Special catalysts based on nickel and molybdenum purify raw materials to the level of commercial fuel.
Another way is to mix plastic with fuel oil. Adding 20-35% plastic and a catalyst speeds up the process and increases the yield of light petroleum products to 60-70%. Cracking is carried out at 450-500°C for 15-30 minutes.
New methods make it possible not only to reduce the volume of plastic waste, but also to obtain high-quality fuel. This could be an important step in the fight against environmental pollution.
Source: geonews.ru
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