THE EFFECTIVENESS OF

CONVERTING PLASTIC WASTE AS

AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL

In partial fulfilment for Research Project

SUBMITTED TO:
Ms. Elizabeth Balais
Adviser, Research Project

SUBMITTED BY:
Jayson Polinar
Jefferson Montuya
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Plastics play an important role in our day-today life and are used in almost

all daily activities. The chief usage of polymeric materials are packaging,

household and domestic products, electrical and electronics goods and also in

building construction and automotive industries. It is one of the greatest

innovations of the millennium for the global production of plastic in 2014 was 311

million metric tons but in turn gives disadvantages to ecosystem and human life.

Since plastics are synthesized from non- renewable sources and are generally not

biodegradable, waste plastics are the cause of many of the serious environmental

problems the world faces today. The fact that the plastic is lightweight, doesn’t rust

or rot, low cost, and reusable is the reason for which plastic has gained this much

popularity. And the huge population increase coupled with the improved living

conditions of the people also led to a dramatically increase of the consumption of

plastics worldwide. These indicate that plastic production is rising in our country

and all over the world. According to a recent study performed by the Environment

Protection Agency (EPA), approximately billion of tons of plastic waste are

generated in the world every year. Also in a landmark study, Philippines is the

world’s 3rd highest production of plastic wastes thrown in the ocean with an
estimated 0.28-0.75 million metric tons of plastic waste every year

(www.rappler.com).

However, this world garbage problem can be reduced with the help of this

study, for the study aims to develop a system that transforms plastic waste using

pyrolysis process to which is burned in reactor in a safe and environmentally

friendly manner to produce an alternative source of fuel. This contributes

significantly in solving the socioeconomic, health and environment problems

related to waste disposal in general and plastic waste management in particular.

The fuel it produces actually burns cleaner than regular fuel. Since gas from

plastic has lower sulfur content. Plus with an innumerable supply of plastic trash,

the fuel is really cheaper than the regular fuel. If this will be widely used, it would

decrease pollution from vehicle emission as well (www.rappler.com).

Research Question

The study aims to produce a fuel oil with the use of plastic wastes.

Specifically, the study sought to answer the following problems:

1. What fuel oil has the longest sustainability and highest flame height?

2. Are there any significant differences between the fuel oil collected and

the commercial fuel oil in terms of its time of sustainability and flame

height?

Statement of the Problem

The raging amount of wastes plastics scattered in our locality or even in the whole

country is absolutely increasing. This indicates that in the coming few years the

waste amount of plastics waste will still enlarge to an extent that might cause

disaster, so the researcher thought of a new way and means on how to get rid of

these huge waste amounts and transform it into a more usable and highly

demanded applications.
Hypothesis

HA1: There is a significant differences between the product and the

commercial fuel in terms of its flame height.

HA2: There is a significant difference between the product and the

commercial fuel in terms of its time of sustainability.

Purpose of the Study

A total of over 100 million tonnes of plastic is manufactured to meet global

plastic demand. This much production and consumption of plastic becomes a threat

to environment as it takes several years to decompose naturally. Nowadays, a sheer

number of different disasters keep mounting on high because of lack of response to

proper waste disposal. So, the researcher plan to conduct a study aiming to find a

solution to the mounting problem of plastic disposal, for which waste plastics are

converted into a more usable fuel thereby makes them environment friendly.
Significance of the Study

The study would be very significant to the environment in minimizing the

huge number of plastic wastes in the community which were mostly dumped on

landfills, rivers, canals or even in oceans. This will also benefits the people who

have no electric currents at their homes for the study will undergo testing and keen

observations whether Plastics could be a better substitution for gas, kerosene

particularly which could be used in fuel lamps. If proven and tested, the people

who have no electricity will highly benefit for the product would be more

affordable and cleaner and safe rather than that of commercial fuel. Thus, this will

also be serving as a source to future researchers who would like to conduct a

further research about plastic wastes.

Scope and Limitation

The study only focuses on code no.2 plastics or HDPE. This study has its

limitation in terms of methodology. The method to be used is experimental

method. The study is limited only for 2 months.

 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Plastics are generic group of synthetic or natural materials that may be

shaped when soft and then hardened, composed of high molecular chains whose

sole or major element is carbon (http://plastic-pollution.org/).

In chemistry, plastics are large molecules, called polymers, composed of

repeated segments called monomers, with carbon backbones which was invented

by Alexander Parkes in and publicly demonstrated in 1862 at Great International

Exhibition in London (Brydson, 2009).

Many, but not all, plastic products have a number- the resin identification

code- molded, formed or imprinted in the container, often on the bottom. This

system of coding was developed in 1988 by the U.S. - based Society of the Plastics

Industry to facilitate the recycling of post- consumer plastics (http://plastic-

pollution.org/).

1. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – used in opaque milk, bleach, detergent

and shampoo, bottles, garbage bags, yogurt and margarine tubs, and cereal

box litres. Considered a safe plastic (http://plastic-pollution.org/).

 In 1950, the global production of plastic was 1.5 Mt and has been an average

annual increase of 9%. Global production increased since then, wrapping steel

production in 2005 at 240 Mt, and stood at 245 Mt. in the year 2008 (APME,

2009). The greatest consumers of plastic were Europeans and American at100

kg/capita/annum, and also in Eastern Europe (APME, 2009). The biggest demand

for plastic came from the sector (38%), followed by building and construction

(21%). Plastics are classified according to their type, Polyethylene (HDPE and

LDPE) and Polypropylenes (PP) are classified as polyolefin (PO). Some

important monomers used for the manufacture of plastics include high purity

ethane, propene, butadiene, which are generally obtained by thermal cracking

(pyrolysis) of naphtha, light gas-oil, or liquefied petroleum gas followed by

purifying by low temperature high pressure distillation, depending on the reaction

conditions and during polymerization (WRAP, 2009).

Thermal Pyrolysis

Pyrolysis, also termed thermolysis, is a process of chemical and thermal

decomposition, generally leading to smaller molecules. Semantically, the term

thermolysis is more appropriate than pyrolysis, since fire implies the presence of

oxygen and hence of reactive and oxygen-bearing intermediates. In most pyrolysis

processes, however, air is excluded for reasons of safety, product quality, and yield

(http://www.cipet.gov.in/plastics_statics.html).

Thermal cracking or Pyrolysis, involves the degradation of the polymeric

materials by heating in the absence of oxygen. The pyrolysis temperature is the

most influential pyrolysis parameter and a values bet. 400-800 °C are generally

employed depending on the feedstock being processed, whether or not catalyst is

used, and on the target products. Heating systems for reactors can be dynamic (e.g.

some batch reactor configurations) or isothermal, with isothermal systems being

most frequently applied. The process yields carbonized char and volatiles that may

be separated into hydrocarbon oil or wax and non-condensable gas (Buekens,

2006,pp. 1-41). As the pyrolysis temperature of Pos decreases, increasing wax and

partially converted feedstock fractions are observed in the yield structure. The

pyrolysis products can be applied as fuels and petrochemicals. Thermal cracking of

PO5 are usually carried out either at high temperature (7400°C), to produce an

olefin mixture of C1-C4 gases and aromatic compounds (benzene, toluene, and

xylene) or at low temperature (400-500°C) where the yield structure comprises a

high-calorific value gas, condensable hydrocarbon oils and waxes (Aguado,

Serrano,1999). For pyrolysis of plastic wastes, the majority of published

studies have focused on PO(HDPE, LDPE and PP), presumably due to the

fact that these polymers make up the largest component of waste plastics
 (Keane, 2009) and that they are the most suited plastics for liquid fuel

production.(UNEP, 2009)

Conceptual Framework

TYPES OF PLASTICS
REACTOR Fuel Oils
 High Density Polyethylene
(Thermal Pyrolysis Process)
(HDPE)
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Locale

The procedure was made at Gutalac National High School Senior High. The

experiment and tests were conducted at Poblacion Gutalac Zamboanga Del Norte.

This said places were selected for knowing the availability and efficiency of the

materials needed in the research product. This had also enabled the researchers to

know the relevance of plastics converting into fuel.

Research Design

The study made use of the experimental method. This method was

systematic and scientific approach to research in which the researchers manipulate

one or more variables, and control and measure any change in other variables.

The experimental method involves manipulating one variable to determine if

changes in one variable cause changes in another variable. This method relies on

controlled methods, random assignments and the manipulation of variables to test a

hypothesis.
Materials and Equipment Used

The study made use of the necessary materials and equipment such as

:Plastic wastes (main raw material), Big can as a reactor, Cold water, L- shaped

metal tube, Stove/ burner, Plastic/ glass bottle, Knife/scissor, Epoxy and

Syringe/dropper.

Procedure:

1. The metal tube is connected by welding to the reactor in the mechanical

work shop through which the gases pass. It should be air tight by using

screw bolt which holds the metal tube tight with the reactor so that the yield

of the oil is maximized.

2. Waste plastics are first collected from Poblacion Gutalac ZN. After the

waste plastics were collected, it was washed to remove the impurities and

then was dried to remove any water droplets.

3. Plastics were shredded and cut into pieces. It was feed to the reactor and the

reactor was properly sealed to protect the gas from leaking. Adequate

precautions were put in place to make sure there is no leakage before start of

experiment.
 4. Then the fire was started and continued to heat the melted plastic until it

boils and produce vapor or gas. The vapor or gas was allowed to pass

through the metal tube.

5. The gas from the tube was directly immersed into the water. As the gas and

water are in direct contact there will be two layers formed and can be

separated using syringe or a dropper.

6. The fuel undergoes a test to compare odor, color, and flammability to

completely know which fuel is closely the same, and as effective as

commercial fuels. To test the color, odor and flammability of fuel collected

the researcher compared the fuel collected to commercial fuel for them to

compare the difference in terms of color, odor and flammability.

STATISTICAL TOOL

To determine the significant difference among treatments in terms of color, odor,

and flammability and significant difference between the fuel collected and the

commercial crude fuel, the researcher used T-TEST.

 CHAPTER IV

Presentation and Interpretation of Data

The researchers gathered data through the comparison of the Plastic Fuel Oil

and the Commercial Fuel Oil in terms of Time of Sustainability and Flame height

of both fuel. The following table’s shows the data gathered

Mean Difference on the Time of Sustainability between the different fuel oils

T1(mins) T2(mins) T3(mins) TOTAL MEAN

Plastic Fuel 12.03 6.15 8.06 26.24 8.75

Oil Collected

Commercial 4.1 8.42 4.03 16.55 5.52

Fuel Oil
Table 1: The difference of Plastic Fuel Oil and Commercial Fuel Oil in Time of

Sustainability

14
12
10
8
Plastic Oil
6
Commercial Oil
4
2
0
Trial 1 (mins.) Trial 2 (mins.) Trial 3 (mins.) Trial 4 (mins.) Trial 5 (mins.)

Figure: Graph of the Difference of Plastic Fuel Oil and Commercial Fuel Oil in

time of Sustainability
 T-test of significant difference in terms of Time Sustainability
Trial Plastic Fuel Commercial T-Values
Oil Fuel Oil T-Computed T-Critical Value
@Alpha 0.05,
degree of freedom
of 4

1 12.03 4.1 2 2.776

2 6.15 8.42
3 8.06 4.03
4 8.33 8.06
5 8.12 6.09
The Table shows the T-Test between the fuel oil collected and commercial fuel oil

as to the time of sustainability is concerned. This shows that the T-computed value

of 2 is lesser than the T-critical value @alpha 0.05 with the degree of freedom of 4

which is equals to 2.776. Hence, there is no significant difference between the

plastic fuel oil collected and commercial fuel oil in terms of time of sustainability

is concerned. Furthermore, the alternative hypothesis which states that there is a

significant difference between the plastic fuel oil collected and commercial fuel oil

in terms of time of sustainability is rejected.

 Mean Difference on the Flame Height between the different fuel oils

T1 (in) T2(in) T3(in) TOTAL MEAN

Plastic Fuel 4 5 5 14
Oil Collected

Commercial 5 7 8 20
Fuel Oil

Table 2: The Difference of Plastic Fuel Oil and Commercial Fuel Oil in

Flame Height.

5
Plastic Oil
4 Commercial Oil
3

0
Trial 1 (in) Trial 2 (in) Trial 3 (in) Trial 4 (in) Trial 5 (in)

Figure: Graph of the Difference of Plastic Fuel Oil and Commercial Fuel Oil

in Flame Height.
 T-Test of significant difference in terms of Flame Height

Trials Plastic Fuel Commercial T-Values

Oil collected Fuel Oil T- computed T- critical

collected

1 4 5 3.89 2.776

2 5 7

3 5 8

4 5 7

5 5.5 8

The Table shows the T-test between the plastic fuel oil collected and

commercial fuel oil as to the flame height is concerned. This clearly shows that the

T-computed value of 3.89 is greater than the T- critical value @alpha 0.05 with the

degree of freedom of 4 which is equals to 2.776. Thus, there is a significant

difference between the plastic fuel oil collected and the commercial fuel in terms

of flame height. Hence, accept the alternative hypothesis and reject the null

hypothesis.
 Mean Difference on the time of Sustainability between the different fuel

oils

The plastic fuel oil collected had the longest time of sustainability with the

mean rating of 8.54 while the commercial fuel oil got only a mean rating of 6.14.

Mean Difference on the Flame Height between the different fuel oils

The commercial fuel oil had the highest flame height with the mean rating of

7 while the plastic fuel oil collected had only a mean rating of 4.9.
 CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Conclusion

As the result of the study analysed, the researchers concluded that there is no

significant difference of the Plastic Fuel Oil and Commercial Fuel Oil in terms of

time of sustainability. On the other hand, there is a significant difference between

the plastic fuel oil and commercial fuel oil as to the flame height is concerned.

Therefore the researchers also concluded that Plastic Fuel Oil is capable of

substituting the use of Commercial Fuel Gas in fuel lamps in which people who

have no current at home could benefits a lot to this product.

Recommendation

Based on the results, the researchers would like to recommend that future

researchers should improve the fuel extracted to be acceptable in the market and so

that the community will be aware of its uses and benefits. Chemical Analysis

should undertake on the fuel oil collected to determine its chemical composition

for better understanding and innovation of the product. The researchers should

conduct a study on the residue of the plastics to determine its uses and benefits by

any chance and should make a study on the other different types plastic aside from

HDPE.
REFERENCES

BOOKS
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Management: 2013 Fact Sheet. U.S. Retrieved October 2016,

2. APME. (2009). The Compelling Facts About Plastics 2009: An analysis of

European plastics production, demand and recovery for 2008. In Association

of APME, Brussels, Belgium. Retrieved October 2016, from Belgium.

Retrieved October 2016

3. WRAP (2009).The Chinese markets for recovered paper and plastics. In

Wastes& Resources Action Program. Okan, UK. Retrieved from Oc.t. 2016

4. CIPET. (2010). Plastics Industry Statistics. Retrieved October 2016

5. Buckens, A.(2006). Introduction to Feedstock Recycling of Plastics. In

scheirs, J., kaminsky, W. (eds.) Feedstock Recycling and Pyrolysis of Waste

Plastics, 1-41

6. Agnado, J., Serrano, D.P. (1999). Feedstock Recycling of Plastic Waste.

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