Pyrolysis of High-density Polyethylene for the Production of Fuel-like Liquid Hydrocarbon

Abstract

Pyrolysis of high density polyethylene (HDPE) was carried out in a 750 cm3 stainless steel autoclave reactor, with temperature ranging from 470 to 495° C and reaction times up to 90 minute. The influence of the operating conditions on the component yields was studied. It was found that the optimum cracking condition for HDPE that maximized the oil yield to 70 wt. % was 480°C and 20 minutes. The results show that for higher cracking temperature, and longer reaction times there was higher production of gas and coke. Furthermore, higher temperature increases the aromatics and produce lighter oil with lower viscosity.