Open AccessChemical Recycling of Plastics by Microwave‐Assisted High‐Temperature Pyrolysis
Author(s) -
Jiang Haibin,
Liu Wenlu,
Zhang Xiaohong,
Qiao Jinliang
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
global challenges
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2056-6646
DOI - 10.1002/gch2.201900074
Subject(s) - pyrolysis , raw material , plastic waste , waste management , renewable energy , materials science , circular economy , renewable resource , environmental science , process engineering , engineering , chemistry , organic chemistry , ecology , electrical engineering , biology
Use of plastics faces much criticism because of its shocking and increasing impact on the environment. But banning plastic will not help the environment. Only appropriate recycling of plastic waste can give satisfying solution. A lab‐scale chemical recycling method, in which a mixture of plastic wastes and plant oil is continuously cracked into ethylene, propylene, and other useful chemicals by using microwave‐assisted high‐temperature pyrolysis, is developed. The method has delivered interesting leads that provide the basis for setting up a new process. Based on the encouraging results, a “drop‐in” method for a renewable and circular polymer industry is also proposed. If it is commercially realized, plastic waste and plant oils will be the feedstock for the polymer industry and this industry will become renewable and circular.