Catalytic Pyrolysis of General Purpose PolyStyrene Using Red Mud as a Catalyst

In this work, the influence of Red Mud in the pyrolysis of general purpose polystyrene (GPPS) has been studied. The catalytic pyrolysis experiments were carried out using an unstirred semi-batch stainless steel 6.28 liter reactor under nitrogen atmosphere (air free) with Red Mud as a catalyst. The reaction effluents (oil and gases) were condensed in water-cooled condenser. The condensate was weighted to determine the total yield. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was used to characterize the condensed liquid organic compounds. According to the GC-MS results, styrene, benzene and its derivatives, toluene, naphthalene and a small amount of the other hydrocarbon compounds were identified in condensate liquid. Density, specific gravity, API gravity, kinematics and dynamic viscosity, flash point, fire point, cloud point and pour point of condensate were also measured. Under optimum reaction condition, the yield of pyrolysis reaction was above 90%. The air free reaction condition showed good catalytic pyrolysis of polystyrene with less than 1% coke formation and above 90% selectivity towards formation of aromatic compounds. The specifications of condensate, i.e. density, API gravity, viscosity and flash point observed showed that the liquid obtained can safely be classed as a kerosene. The specific gravity value was close to the specific gravity value of diesel.