Journal of Engineering in Industrial Research

h-index: 18     i10-index: 25

Comparative Analysis of Pyrolysis of Polystyrene and ‎Low-Density Polyethylene for Sustainable Energy and ‎Plastic Waste Management under Laboratory ‎Conditions

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

P. C. Abugu
E. K. Oguguo
E. Anukwam
U. P. Nwoye
H. J. Ineh
I. C. Madufor

Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria

https://doi.org/10.48309/jeires.2025.515157.1186
Abstract
Nigeria’s 2.5-million-ton plastic waste crisis demands sustainable solutions. This study compared thermal pyrolysis of polystyrene (PS), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and a 50:50 LDPE-PS mixture chosen arbitrarily, in a fixed-bed batch reactor at 450 °C under nitrogen. Yields were measured by mass, and oils were analyzed for density, viscosity, and composition. PS yielded 97.0 ± 1.2 wt% liquid fuel, 2.5 ± 0.3 wt% gas, and 0.5 ± 0.1 wt% char (Table 1), outperforming LDPE (74.7 ± 1.5 wt% liquid) and the mixture (88.0 ± 1.3 wt% liquid). PS oil’s low density (0.886 g/cm³) and high carbon content (92.1 wt%, Table 3) suit fuel applications, while LDPE’s profile (87.8 wt\% carbon) aligns with diesel (Table 2). The mixture provides versatility for mixed-waste processing. Pyrolysis reduces reliance on landfills, generates revenue, and supports Nigeria’s energy security.

Graphical Abstract

Comparative Analysis of Pyrolysis of Polystyrene and ‎Low-Density Polyethylene for Sustainable Energy and ‎Plastic Waste Management under Laboratory ‎Conditions

Keywords

Pyrolysis
Plastic Waste
&lrm
Polystyrene
Low-Density &lrm
Polyethylene
Fuel Oil
Sustainability

Subjects


OPEN ACCESS

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Journal of Engineering in Industrial Research
Volume 6, Issue 3
Spring 2025
Pages 275-281

  • Receive Date 06 April 2025
  • Revise Date 15 May 2025
  • Accept Date 07 June 2025

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