Conversion of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Mixed Low-Density Polyethylene with Polyethylene Terepthalate (LDPE and PET) into Hybrid Fuel
Aminu Dauda *
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University Dutse, P.M.B. 7156, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
Zainab Bilyaminu Aminu
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University Dutse, P.M.B. 7156, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
Abdul Ademola Olaleye
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University Dutse, P.M.B. 7156, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
Nurudeen Adamu
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Science, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Yau Musa
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University Dutse, P.M.B. 7156, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This research aims to provide the recycling techniques of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and mixture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste. As a means of converting abundant waste to wealth, pyrolysis of LDPE and mixed LDPE - PET was carried out in a batch reactor made of stainless steel at temperatures between 450 – 460OC. The vapor produced from melting the waste was condensed to form the liquid hydrocarbon (fuel oil) product. The effect of reaction time and product yield were investigated. The physicochemical properties of the pyrolysis oil measured include density, specific gravity, flash point, color, fire point, flammability and viscosity. For the LDPE the flash point, fire point, density, specific gravity, and viscosity was found to be 39.5 oC, 48 oC, 8.1872, 0.793g/cm, 0.775g/cm3, and 1.566 cSt respectively while for the Mixture of LDPE with PET the flash point, fire point, density, specific gravity, viscosity and Sulphur content was found to be 44 oC, 48 oC, 8.1872, 0.7837g/cm, 0.7916 g/cm3, 1.1660 cSt and 8.1872 respectively. These values were found to be within the range of kerosene values. The fuel was tested in both kerosene lamp and petrol generator.
Keywords: Polymeric waste, hybrid fuel, low density polyethylene