Project Abstract

Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world, contributing significantly to the global plastic waste problem. Recycling waste PE materials through pyrolysis has gained attention as a promising method to convert plastic waste into valuable products. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process that breaks down organic materials at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen. The process involves heating waste PE materials to high temperatures, causing them to decompose into smaller molecules such as gas, liquid, and solid residues. This research project aims to investigate the pyrolysis of waste PE materials and explore the potential for producing useful products. The study will focus on optimizing the pyrolysis process parameters such as temperature, heating rate, residence time, and catalysts to maximize the yield and quality of the products. Various analytical techniques will be employed to characterize the pyrolysis products, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The primary products of waste PE pyrolysis are expected to include pyrolysis oil, gas, and char. Pyrolysis oil can be further refined into valuable fuels and chemicals, while the gas fraction can be used as a source of energy. The char residue can be utilized as a carbon-rich solid fuel or as a precursor for carbon materials. The potential applications of the pyrolysis products will be evaluated based on their properties and composition. In addition to product characterization, the study will also assess the environmental impact of waste PE pyrolysis. Environmental factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and waste management practices will be considered to evaluate the sustainability of the pyrolysis process. Life cycle assessment (LCA) will be conducted to quantify the environmental benefits and drawbacks of recycling waste PE through pyrolysis compared to conventional disposal methods. Overall, this research project aims to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for plastic waste management by converting waste PE materials into useful products via pyrolysis. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the technical feasibility, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of recycling waste PE through pyrolysis, paving the way for future implementation on a larger scale.

Project Overview

1.1 Background of study

Recycling is a process of changing waste materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, energy usage, water and air pollution (from incineration), and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to plastic production. Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” waste hierarchy (lajeunesse,sara 2004).

The rate of consumption of plastic materials in the world is greatly expanding, more waste plastics are generated. In recent years, their generation amount in Korea becomes about four million per year, according to data from the National Institute of Environmental Research (Lajeunesse, Sara 2004). The disposal of waste plastic is mostly achieved by conventional ways such as landfill or incineration. However, these methods have a problem of a social resistance due to the air pollution, soil contamination, and the economical resistance caused by an increase of space and disposal cost. Thus, the recycling of plastic wastes as a cheap source of raw materials has become a predominant subject over all countries (Roach, John 2003). The development of technologies acceptable from the environmental and economical fields is one of the most important key factors. (Roach, John.2003). Plastic materials used for food storage, visible in all supermarkets, preserves freshness and flavor due to the ability to seal out contaminants. Polyethylene materials are useful over a wide temperature range, from frozen foods to microwavable packages1. Due to these benefits, plastics have become widely used. (lajeunesse,sara 2004).

Polyethylene plastic bags are petroleum-based so the manufacturing process releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Some speculate that these emissions and other smog-related types of pollution accumulate over time in the atmosphere.

Countries and large corporations are beginning to realize the threat that these plastic bags pose to our planet. Many are proposing or have already enacted laws and taxes to decrease the use of polyethylene plastic bags. Many grocery stores are even rewarding customers for bringing reusable grocery bags as an alternative to these polyethylene plastic bags. Customers choosing not to use alternatives to plastic bags either find the alternatives are inconvenient or are simply unaware of the problem at hand.

Polyethylene recycling bags are currently being used all over the world but there is currently no environmentally friendly way to dispose of them.