Evaluation of pyrolysis process parameters on polypropylene degradation products

Pyrolysis of polypropylene (PP) with an equilibrium fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst in a stirred reactor was studied to produce “fuel like” hydrocarbons. The effect of process parameters such as degradation temperature, catalyst/polymer ratio (%), carrier gas type and stirrer rate on the condensed product yield and composition were determined. on products were determined by GC analysis and shown to contain naphthenes, paraffins, olefins and aromatics. ature was shown to influence PP cracking. The addition of the catalyst has improved the economic viability of the process to produce light hydrocarbons. PP pyrolysis showed the maximum condensed product yields at 450 °C and 10% catalyst respectively. Hydrogen as a reactive carrier gas increased the condensed and paraffinic product yield. The results showed that reactive carrier gases can affect on the product yield and composition patently. riate heat transfer – by stirring – can increase the catalyst efficiency in a stirred reactor.