CuO Nanoparticle Integration for Optimized Combustion and Sustainable Utilization of Waste Plastic Methyl Ester

Abstract

This research analyzes the pyrolysis process which aims to convert waste plastics, primarily polypropylene, polystyrene, and high density polyethylene, to useful biofuels. During the process of controlled pyrolysis, using cokes and a silica catalyst, waste plastic is transformed into plastic oil. To enhance the fuel properties and the combustion efficiency, the research also focuses on the addition of copper oxide CuO nanoparticles to Waste Plastic Methyl Ester (WPME) blends. CuO is dispersed into the WPME blends using the ultrasonication process and the resultant fuel is subjected to a series of analyses. The combustion test has been performed on a Kirloskar vertical diesel engine to analyze engine performance and emissions for which it has been observed that the blends with WPME+CuO nanofillers has registered improvement in the combustion efficiency along with decrease in the emissions of a number of pollutants such as CO, HC, NOx, and smoke. The research confirms that waste plastic can successfully be used to produce biofuels and that CuO nanoparticles offer considerable improvement to the biofuel performance as well as catalytic properties in the biofuel. These findings improve the global status of the renewable energy sources and vicinity waste offer a more sustainable method of energy use.