Researchers from China University of Petroleum-Beijing and South China University of Technology have conducted an insightful study entitled “Synergistic Effects and Kinetics Analysis for Co-Pyrolysis of Vacuum Residue and Plastics.” This research was published in Frontiers of Chemical Science & Engineering, Volume 18, Issue 5.
The study employed a thermogravimetric analyzer to investigate the thermal decomposition behaviors and kinetic properties of vacuum residue (VR) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The researchers calculated kinetic parameters using the Friedman method, highlighting the interactive effects between LDPE and VR throughout the co-pyrolysis process.
To illustrate these interactions, the team analyzed the differences in mass loss and mass loss rate between experimental results and calculated values. The co-pyrolysis curves derived from both estimation and experimentation showed significant discrepancies influenced by temperature and the ratio of materials mixed.
A notable finding was the observation of a negative synergistic interaction between LDPE and VR. However, this inhibitory effect could be lessened or altogether eliminated by either decreasing the proportion of LDPE in the mixture or by elevating the co-pyrolysis temperature. The process resulted in a reduction of carbon residue, attributed to the interactions between LDPE and the heavier fractions, particularly resin and asphaltene, found in VR.
These results align well with the pyrolysis behaviors observed in the four fractions of VR. Additionally, the co-pyrolysis process exhibited a decrease in activation energy as the ratio of VR increased. This suggests a continuous improvement in the reactivity of the mixed samples during the co-pyrolysis.
For those interested in further details, the complete paper can be accessed at: https://journal.hep.com.cn/fcse/EN/10.1007/s11705-024-2414-4.
