Synergistic effects and kinetics analysis for co-pyrolysis of vacuum residue and plastics

This study utilized a thermogravimetric analyzer to assess the thermal decomposition behaviors and kinetics properties of vacuum residue (VR) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymers. The kinetic parameters were calculated using the Friedman technique. To demonstrate the interactive effects between LDPE and VR during the co-pyrolysis process, the disparity in mass loss and mass loss rate between the experimental and calculated values was computed. The co-pyrolysis curves obtained through estimation and experimentation exhibited significant deviations, which were influenced by temperature and mixing ratio. A negative synergistic interaction was observed between LDPE and VR, although this inhibitory effect could be mitigated or eliminated by reducing the LDPE ratio in the mixture and increasing the co-pyrolysis temperature. The co-pyrolysis process resulted in a reduction in carbon residue, which could be attributed to the interaction between LDPE and the heavy fractions, particularly resin and asphaltene, present in VR. These findings align with the pyrolysis behaviors exhibited by the four VR fractions. Furthermore, it was observed that the co-pyrolysis process exhibited lower activation energy as the VR ratio increased, indicating a continuous enhancement in the reactivity of the mixed samples during co-pyrolysis.