Thermal Cracking of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Waste into Useful Hydrocarbon Products

Abstract

Waste low density polyethylene film (table water sachets) was converted into solid, liquid oil and gaseous products by thermal process in a self- designed stainless steel laboratory reactor. The waste polymer was completely pyrolized within the temperature range of 474 – 520°C and 2hours reaction time. The solid residue obtained exhibits the characteristics of grease which is totally dissimilar to the plastic characteristics of the waste polymer fed into the reactor. Liquid fuel oil is rich in paraffins and olefins containing C₈-C₂₄ hydrocarbons. The gaseous product (suspected to be lower hydrocarbons in the range C₁-C₄) was eluted without collection. The liquid oil product was analyzed by GC/MS technique.

Keywords: Low density polyethylene, Pyrolysis, Thermal cracking