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Low-temperature catalytic pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene and polystyrene waste using calcium oxide and magnetite–calcium oxide catalysts
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A lab study heated two common plastics (polyethylene and polystyrene) to 350°C with catalysts made from eggshell-derived calcium oxide and a magnetite-calcium oxide mix, breaking them into liquid fuels. The magnetite-calcium oxide catalyst converted most plastic into liquid with fuel-like properties, though some measurements fell outside standard fuel specifications.
Plastic waste accumulation poses a persistent environmental challenge, requiring conversion routes that are both efficient and sustainable. This study investigates the low-temperature catalytic pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene and polystyrene at 350 °C using calcium oxide derived from eggshells and magnetite–calcium oxide prepared through reverse co-precipitation. The magnetite–calcium oxide catalyst exhibited smaller particle size, higher surface area, and the combined basic functionality of CaO with the potential redox characteristics of Fe₃O₄ compared with calcium oxide. At 350 °C, the magnetite–calcium oxide catalyst yielded the highest liquid products, reaching 93.28% for polystyrene and 88.29% for low-density polyethylene, while promoting the formation of light hydrocarbons (C₅–C₁2) and reducing heavy fractions (> C₂₆) and oxygenated compounds. The liquid products from low-density polyethylene were dominated by cycloalkanes and alkenes, whereas those from polystyrene consisted primarily of light aromatic compounds. The recovered liquids exhibited fuel-relevant properties, with flash points within the reported kerosene range and calorific values comparable to those of conventional fuels, while some viscosity values remained outside the stated commercial specifications, indicating that further upgrading may be required for specific fuel applications. These findings highlight the potential of magnetite–calcium oxide as an efficient low-temperature catalyst for sustainable plastic waste valorization and resource recovery.
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