Plastic waste conversion to fuel: a review on pyrolysis process and influence of operating parameters

As the conventional fuels, like petrol, diesel, natural gas, etc., are being depleted at a faster rate, it is necessary to find alternative sources of fuels. Renewable energy sources can be considered for the purpose of alternative sources, but the overall efficiency is very low since the extraction of energy is costly and difficult. In the recent years, more attention has been focused to produce energy from the wastes. Waste plastic pyrolysis is the latest technology, which serves as the alternative source for producing energy. In this paper, in depth study has been carried out on various parameters influencing the pyrolysis process and analysis of the liquid oil obtained from the process. Influence of operating temperature, reaction time, addition of biomass, and catalysts on the yield of the fuel has been extensively reviewed and discussed. Most of the plastics produces oil having reasonable calorific values as compared with the conventional fuels. Mixing of biomass materials like paper, woods, etc. have shown higher yield with higher calorific values. Potential scope for further investigation has been highlighted. It is concluded that pyrolysis is one of the novel energy conversion technology which helps in the development of sustainable energy as well as providing solution for the disposal of used waste plastics.