Low density polyethylene sachets waste: Fuel conversion, characterization and life cycle analysis

Abstract

Pyrolysis of plastic waste is a practical solution for plastic waste pollution in our environment here in Ghana. Pyrolysis, which is decomposition at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, enables the conversion of polyethylene (PE) into liquid fuel and flammable gas. The selected pyrolysis temperatures in this study were ~ 300 °C, 350 °C, 400 °C, and 450 °C. Acquired fuels were then analysed via FTIR and GC-MS. These indicated the presence of aromatic compounds, alkenes and peaks of alkanes. The density, cetane index, viscosity at 40 °C, and flash point tests were carried out on each fuel product obtained at the different temperatures. The standardized life cycle assessment methodology according to ISO 14040/44 was carried out to provide a first insight on the savings in Global Warming Potential (GWP) associated to fuel produced from the pyrolysis process compared to that from fossil fuel. Results show a reduction of about 10% in GWP of the PE derived fuel compared to conventional fuel production.