Synthesis of Catalyst for Effective Degradation of Waste Plastics

Municipal plastic wastes from an environmental hazard due to its non-biodegradable nature. Municipal plastic wastes mainly composing of polypropylene as the polymer were pyrolysed at a temperature of 400-450oC. Liquefaction followed fast pyrolysis in a batch reactor under an inert (nitrogen) atmosphere. A composite metal oxide such as NiO, Al2O3, MgO, Ni-Al((1:1) Ratio, mole%), Ni-Mg(1:1), Al-Mg(1:1), and Ni-Al-Mg(1:1:1) oxide was synthesized for the process. Comparative studies for the amount of oil obtained in absence and presence of catalyst were carried out. The prepared composite metal oxide was tested for surface properties by X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The yield was improved while using composite metal oxide catalyst. Effect of catalyst on temperature and residue was studied. This method proves to be an environmental friendly approach to degrade plastic wastes and proves to be an alternative source of fuel.