Analysis of Hydrocarbon Distribution in Polypropylene Plastic Pyrolysis Products as an Alternative Fuel

Abstract

This study investigated the liquid product obtained from pyrolysis of polypropylene plastic waste and evaluated its hydrocarbon distribution for alternative fuel potential. Pyrolysis was conducted in a batch reactor under an inert atmosphere with electric heating. The process yielded 75.93% liquid oil, 20.09% non-condensable gas, and 3.98% solid residue, indicating efficient depolymerization into condensable compounds. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the oil was dominated by aliphatic hydrocarbons with clear unsaturation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that the liquid consisted mainly of alkenes (37.87%), followed by alcohols (25.22%), cyclic hydrocarbons (10.39%), and alkanes (3.92%). The high liquid yield and fuel-range hydrocarbon profile demonstrate that polypropylene waste pyrolysis can generate a fuel-like mixture and represents a promising route for plastic-to-fuel conversion.