Characterization of Liquid Fuels from Pyrolysis of Low Density Polyethylene and Polystyrene Plastic Waste

Abstract

Jember Regency, East Java faces the problem of increasing plastic waste, especially from packaging and household. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS) plastics are difficult to decompose and have the potential to pollute the environment. One environmentally friendly management method is pyrolysis, a thermochemical process to convert plastic waste into liquid fuel. This study aims to analyze the effect of temperature and reaction time on the yield and characteristics of liquid fuel from LDPE and PS waste. The pyrolysis process was carried out in batches at temperatures of 150 °C and 250 °C for 30 and 90 min. The liquid products were analyzed based on density, viscosity, flash point, calorific value, and chemical composition using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results show that the pyrolysis oil from LDPE and PS has similar physical and chemical properties to those of diesel fuel and kerosene. Temperature and reaction times significantly affect the characteristics of the fuel produced. Thus, plastics waste pyrolysis has the potential to be a solution for waste management and an alternative energy source in Jember Regency.