Authors: Harshita Shukla, Archit Budiyal, Assistant Professor Er. Vivek Agnihotri
Abstract: The global rise in energy demand and environmental degradation, largely due to industrialization and rapid population growth, has highlighted the urgent need for sustainable waste management and alternative energy solutions. Plastic waste, in particular, poses a serious ecological challenge because of its non-biodegradable nature and the drawbacks of traditional disposal methods like landfilling, incineration, and mechanical recycling, which often result in harmful environmental and health impacts. This study focuses on pyrolysis, a thermochemical process conducted in the absence of oxygen, to convert plastic waste—specifically polypropylene—into valuable fuel products such as pyrolytic oil, non- condensable gases, and char. The pyrolytic oil obtained from this process has calorific properties similar to conventional fossil fuels, making it a promising substitute. Pyrolysis is also capable of processing mixed and unwashed plastics, reducing the need for pre- treatment and minimizing toxic emissions compared to incineration. This research explores the efficiency and fuel yield of plastic waste pyrolysis under controlled conditions, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable waste-to-energy method. The findings support the integration of pyrolysis into circular economy strategies by addressing plastic pollution and contributing to clean energy generation.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.61137/ijsret.vol.11.issue3.125
