Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of Fuel from Waste Plastics

Plastics are an integral part of our lives and the production of plastics has drastically increased over the years, because of its vast range of applications and usage. Due to this the accumulation of waste plastics has also increased in time. The waste plastic generated in India is 15000 tons per day (as per survey). The breakdown of plastics requires around 500 years in the earth and these waste plastics affect the humans, animals, birds, earth and environment. The demand for conventional fuel has also increased lately and the quantity of this fuel reserve has decreased simultaneously. The extensive usage of the conventional fuels has paved the path for alternative ways for energy sources and alternate fuels. The extraction of waste plastic oil is obtained by the process of pyrolysis which is nothing but the thermochemical decomposition of organic matter without oxygen. The extracted plastic pyrolysis oil is then blended with diesel which helps in reducing the consumption of diesel fuel. Different blend ratios are prepared consisting of the extracted waste plastic pyrolysis oil and diesel fuel. These fuels are tested in the engine to understand the variation in the engine performance and emissions with the help of a gas analyser. By this way, the suitable blend ratio is selected for further works. This blend of fuel can exhibit high thermal efficiency and increases machine efficiency. The fuel does not emit sulphur dioxide (SO2) and the residue obtained is only 5 percent which is said to be carbon.