Enhancement of Bio Oil Yield and Aromatic Compounds Selectivity via Co-Pyrolysis of Paulownia Wood and Polypropylene Waste Blend on a Horizontal Reactor

Thermochemical conversion of biomass and petrochemical wastes blend is an excellent method to produce valuable fuels and reduce environmental pollution. Bio-oil production via blending of paulownia wood and polypropylene plastic was investigated in a fixed bed horizontal reactor at different reaction temperatures and different Polymer/ Biomass weight ratios. Biomass showed the highest amount of bio-oil production (52.8 wt.%) at 500°C. The results show that with increase in temperature, the production of lighter products (with lower carbon number) has increased. Co-pyrolysis on a horizontal reactor showed positive synergy for the production of liquid and gaseous products. Bio-oil production increased to 61.03 wt.% and the relative oxygen content of the liquid products decreased. In co-pyrolysis with the ratio of 60:40 of PAW: PP, aromatic compounds with 35% by weight constitute the highest amount of liquid product and production of furans and aldehyde/ketones reduced. While this number is equal to 8% for blend of 5% PP and 95% PAW.