Scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University have figured out how to turn plastic waste into gasoline components. The resulting raw material can be used in fuel grades from AI-80 to AI-98.
First, the waste is heated to 450 degrees, producing a liquid mixture. A gasoline fraction is extracted from it and then passed through a catalyst. The output is hydrocarbons, which make up ordinary gasoline.
The main problem with conventional pyrolysis is that it produces a too "dirty" mixture with a large number of alkenes and aromatic compounds. It cannot simply be poured into the tank. The new two-stage method purifies the fraction from excess impurities and makes it suitable for adding to commercial fuel.
According to researchers' calculations, the proportion of plastic components in AI-80 can reach 35%, in AI-92 – 25%, in AI-95 – 15%, and in AI-98 – up to 5%. TPU claims that the resulting gasoline complies with all state standards.
For now, the technology remains laboratory-based. Scientists are going to improve the quality of the fractions and adapt the process for industrial production – so that plastic waste can become not only garbage but also part of the fuel.