Developing catalysts for conversion of plastic wastes to useful products with chemical recycling

The need to maintain a high quality life of human beings leads to an increase in consumption and as a result of this, increase in the amount of waste and environmental pollution. Plastics, which have an important place in daily life and in many branches of industry, are used as an indispensable part of many sectors such as packaging, construction, automotive, electricity and electronics. Plastics, after use, generate a significant amount of waste, and a small amount can be recycled. It is important to recycle waste plastics both economically and in terms of increased environmental effects. In our experimental study, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste samples were deformated by using different catalysts (Fe, Co, Mo and Co + Mo) in SiO2 supported indiscrete pyrolysis experimental system. After determination of Iodine Count of liquid products obtained after catalytic deformation, liquid product was subjected to fractional distillation. Iodine number of fraction obtained in distillation process was examined. The hydro carbons of C12-C16 were converted into high molecular alcohols by partial oxidation process in the catalyzing of boric acid (H3BO3). Borates were removed by hydrolysis of the oxidation product. For the characterization of catalysts, besides XRD, SEM analysis, GC / MS analyzes were performed to elucidate the structure of the liquid products obtained and Iodine Number was also determined to determine the degree of unsaturation of the liquid product. According to the results obtained in catalytic pyrolysis experiments, the highest liquid product output was obtained with 10% Co catalyst. In the studies conducted using 10% Co catalyst, the output of the liquid product decreased with increasing the catalyst ratio, whereas the gas product output and total conversion increased. The highest liquid output was 88%, total conversion was 91% at 436 ° C temperature, 70 min pyrolysis time, 375 mL / min at N2 flow rate, atmospheric pressure and 1/10 catalyst / HDPE ratio.