Optimization studies of waste plastics-lignite catalytic coliquefaction

The optimization studies of an investigation for waste plastics-lignite cat alytic coliquefaction are reported in this paper. At first, two SiO2 suppor ted, Pt-Co and Pt-Mo promoted bimetallic catalysts were prepared Next, cata lytic coliquefactions were attempted on 1/1 mixtures of lignite and waste p olymers, e.g. polystyrene, polyisoprene and polyethylene in the presence of various organic solvents. Taking into consideration the results obtained f rom the variables examined, two newer series of experiments were designed a nd undertaken aiming at the optimization of this complex transformation. In the first series, the best performing catalyst and the selected most-effec tive waste plastics were employed and different. mixtures of the two more a ctive solvents were added. In the second series, coliquefactions of the pre cedent mixtures in two stages was attempted in order to optimize overall co nversion so far attained. It was found that the mentioned catalytic coproce ssing is an Interesting form of hydrocarbon synthesis, although the efficac y of the conversion achieved was influenced by the chemical characteristics of the polymers added and of the solvents employed.