A groundbreaking study led by Pitchaiah Sudalaimuthu from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at SRM TRP Engineering College has unveiled a promising approach to tackling the growing issue of medical plastic waste. Published in ‘Scientific Reports’, this research employs catalytic pyrolysis—a process that converts waste into valuable products—to extract oil from medical plastics, presenting a sustainable solution for waste management in the healthcare sector.
The study meticulously examined the effects of various catalysts, including natural zeolite and synthetic aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide, on the pyrolysis process. By utilizing a lab-scale setup and applying a Design of Experiments (DOE) technique, the research team was able to optimize key parameters such as catalyst type, weight percentage, and temperature. The findings revealed that under optimal conditions—specifically using aluminum oxide at a temperature of 376 °C with a catalyst concentration of 6.6 wt%—the oil yields from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were impressively high, at 58.36% and 61.21%, respectively.
“This research not only demonstrates the feasibility of converting medical plastic waste into usable oil but also highlights the potential of low-cost catalysts in optimizing the process,” Sudalaimuthu remarked. With a correlation coefficient (R2) of over 0.99 for both HDPE and LDPE oil yields, the model’s reliability is further underscored, paving the way for commercial applications.
The oil produced from this process boasts favorable properties, including a density of 904 kg/m3 and a cetane number of 51, making it a viable alternative fuel for internal combustion engines. “Our findings suggest that extracting plastic oil from medical waste could significantly contribute to alternative fuel sources, helping to alleviate the pressure on traditional fossil fuels,” Sudalaimuthu added.
As the energy sector increasingly seeks sustainable and innovative solutions, this research could catalyze a shift towards more environmentally friendly practices. The implications extend beyond waste management; they also touch on energy production and sustainability, potentially reducing the carbon footprint associated with healthcare waste.
With the global medical plastic waste crisis escalating, the findings from this study could inspire further research and development in catalytic pyrolysis technologies. The emphasis on optimization and cost-effectiveness could lead to commercially viable solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.
For more information on this innovative research, visit the Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM TRP Engineering College, where Sudalaimuthu and his team are pushing the boundaries of waste management and energy production.
