Pyrolytic conversion of waste plastics using African apple seed-based activated carbon catalyst

This research aimed to conduct a pyrolytic conversion of waste plastics using an African seed-based activated carbon catalyst. The process description to produce activated carbon from African star apple includes removing and drying seed husks, grinding, and preparing activated carbon (AC). The plastic waste materials used for the catalytic pyrolysis process were waste Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, which were sourced from Liberation Stadium Road, GRA Phase IV, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The effects of activated carbon (AC) as a catalyst on fuel production and gasification efficiency were also evaluated. Proximate and ultimate analyses were conducted on the AC to determine its composition. The results showed that the AC had high fixed carbon content and low volatile matter and ash contents. The experiments also showed that the products' density, calorific value, cetane number, and kinematic viscosity were within the range of diesel fuel specifications. However, the water, flashpoint, acid number, ash, and nitrogen content were higher than diesel fuel. The addition of AC catalyst improved the properties of the pyrolyzed products by reducing the water content, acid number, and ash content.