Valorisation of Municipal Waste Plastics into Fuel-Grade Oil: A Characterisation Study with Environmental Implications
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Abstract
Globally, waste management is being extensively studied and developed to achieve long-term environmental sustainability. The waste plastic for this research study was collected from the municipal solid waste streams. In this research study a detailed characterisation is presented for waste plastic oil (WPO) using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric-Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG-DSC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to evaluate its chemical and thermal properties. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of aliphatic hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds and minor hydroxyl or amine groups, indicating that the oil primarily consists of long-chain hydrocarbons formed through polymer degradation with traces of oxidation. The distinct C-H stretching and bending vibrations verify its similarity to paraffinic and olefinic hydrocarbon structures typical of fuel-like materials. TG-DSC analysis revealed a major endothermic transition at approximately 294.1°C with an enthalpy of 17.9 J/g, signifying the decomposition or melting of higher molecular weight components and the progressive volatilisation of heavier fractions. GC-MS results further demonstrated the presence of a broad range of hydrocarbon compounds, from short-chain volatiles to heavier fractions, with a dominant mid-range peak around 22 minutes corresponding to diesel-range constituents. The analytical results indicate that WPO has potential as an alternative liquid fuel.
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