Scientists from Novosibirsk State University in Russia developed a technology for producing synthetic fuel from non-recyclable plastic. The developed process includes a thermal decomposition stage of the plastic, which allows for the creation of high-quality fuel from the products of thermal decomposition of polymeric waste. The project was implemented in collaboration with experts from the "Omniyum Plus" company in Yaroslavl. The first experimental batch of synthetic fuel from non-recyclable plastic has been produced, which opens up new perspectives for the recycling of ordinary waste, polluted, and complex types of plastic into ecologically clean fuel.
"Our initial attempts to process liquid product obtained from thermal decomposition of polymeric waste led to a material analogous to what we are producing now. However, the temperature of its storage was around zero degrees Celsius, so we had to choose a composition of catalysts that could start the processes of cracking and isomerization, which resulted in a sharp decrease in the storage temperature to -20 degrees Celsius," - reported Ekaterina Barkhunchik, an associate professor of the Department of Physical Chemistry of Natural Sciences at Novosibirsk State University.
The achievements of the scientists are considered significant, as the production of fuel from the products of thermal decomposition of polymers is viewed as an effective approach in terms of cost: only 5% of the initial material is converted into gas, while the remaining mass transforms into high-quality synthetic fuel. The scientists believe that the technology is ready for implementation; however, the final decision depends on the speed of construction of production facilities and the number of reactors in production objects.