Abstract:
In this study non-catalytic and catalytic co-pyrolysis of Corn Stalk (CS) and Polystyrene
(PS) was conducted in a fixed bed reactor at 500C (selected based on TGA results) to
evaluate the effect of feedstock blend ratio, catalyst to feedstock ratio (CFR) and mode
of catalyst addition. CS and PS were co pyrolyzed in various proportions that is 1:0, 1:3,
1:1, 3:1, 0:1. Increasing PS in mixture showed positive synergy in case of liquid oil with
maximum synergy evidenced at CS to PS ratio of 1:3. Whereas, direct comparison
between in-situ and ex-situ using HZSM-5 Catalyst, under identical conditions revealed
that In-situ yielded more liquid oil and mono aromatics hydrocarbon (MAH) yet less
poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and acids which was attributed to difference in
residence time of pyrolysis vapors. However increasing CFR in twain modes led to
decrease in overall MAH and oxygenates and increase in PAH and acids. With regard
to aromatics selectivity, maximum selectivity to BTEX and negligible selectivity to
styrene was noticed at ex-situ CFR of 1. In comparison to non-catalytic, catalytic yield
less MAH so further physical analysis of non-catalytic was carried out which elucidated
liquid oil encompasses properties close to conventional fossil fuels.
