Bio-oil production from co-pyrolysis of rice husk and plastic waste

Bio-oil has been produced from the co-pyrolytic reaction of rice husk and 2 grades of plastic wastes (LDPE and PET). The effect of catalysis on the yield was considered while the physicochemical properties of the products were evaluated and a comparison drawn between the properties of the oil and that of the commercial grade diesel. FT-IR and GC-MS analysis were also used to characterize the samples. Furthermore, the performance of a DI diesel engine was evaluated using both grades of oil. Results showed an improved yield of the oil through catalysis. The heating value and cetane number of the pyrolysis oil closely compared with commercial-grade diesel. Chemical compound identification through the GC-MS analysis showed the bio-oil to comprise mainly of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. FT-IR analysis of the by-product bio-char upon comparison with FT-IR analysis of the rice husk biomass confirmed the chemical modification of the biomass after the pyrolysis process.  From the result of this work, co-pyrolysis of both feedstock gave rise to high grade oil whose properties compares favorably with the commercial grade diesel. This is therefore an interesting alternative to fossil fuel whereas the improved properties indicate that it could have a better performance than a single biomass in terms of fuel properties