Characterization of the Production of Fuels Obtained from the Pyrolysis of Polystyrene

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53591/easi.v3i2.1867

Keywords:

Polystyrene, Pyrolysis, Fuels, Chemical Recycling, Plastics

Abstract

This study addresses the specific characterization of fuels obtained through the pyrolysis of polystyrene after being analyzed in laboratories and a study of their applicability.  Pyrolysis is the chemical decomposition of materials by heating them at high temperatures without the presence of oxygen to decompose them into simpler fractions. The research focused on evaluating viscosity, flash point, density and ASTM distillation and then comparing the results with commercial fuel standards. The results show that pyrolysis-derived fuels have characteristics intermediate between diesel and gasoline, with a density similar to diesel, but a viscosity and flash point closer to gasoline. Distillation reveals a mixture of volatile and non-volatile components, suggesting that these fuels could be alternatives, although further testing to evaluate their performance and safety in specific applications is needed to validate the feasibility and safety of polystyrene pyrolysis by-products as alternative fuels.

Author Biographies

  • Diego Navarro, Facultad de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Guayaquil. Guayaquil. Ecuador , Facultad de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Guayaquil. Guayaquil. Ecuador

    Industrial Engineering (2024). Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador.

  • Silvana Angulo, Facultad de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil. Ecuador, Facultad de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil. Ecuador

    Industrial Engineering (2024). Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador.

  • Pedro Castro, Facultad de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Guayaquil. Guayaquil, Ecuador, Facultad de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Guayaquil. Guayaquil, Ecuador

    Doctor of Philosophy in Energy Systems Planning (2023, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil). Master of Science in Energy Systems Planning (2017, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil). Specialist in Energy Planning. Research Professor at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, University of Guayaquil, Ecuador.

  • Dany Salazar, Facultad de Sistemas y Telecomunicaciones, Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena. Santa Elena, Ecuador, Facultad de Sistemas y Telecomunicaciones, Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena. Santa Elena, Ecuaodr

    Master of Science in Geographic Engineering (2015, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal). Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems (2013, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador). Master of Science in Geographic Information Technology (2012, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain). Engineer in Computer Statistics (2001, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Ecuador)

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Published

2025-01-09

How to Cite

Characterization of the Production of Fuels Obtained from the Pyrolysis of Polystyrene. (2025). EASI: Engineering and Applied Sciences in Industry, 3(2), 57-69. https://doi.org/10.53591/easi.v3i2.1867