Generating alternative fuel and bioplastics from medical plastic waste and waste frying oil using microwave co-pyrolysis combined with microbial fermentation

• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111790
• Publication Date: 2021-10-25T17:39:23Z
• Authors: Wan Adibah Wan Ma...; Seng Hon Kee; Shin Ying Foong; Tan Suet May Amelia; Kesaven Bhubalan; Mustafa Man; YaFeng Yang; Hwai Chyuan Ong; Meththika Vithanage; Su Shiung Lam; Christian Sonne
• Keywords: Bioplastic; Liquid fuel; Carbon fibers; Heat of combustion

In the present study, microwave co-pyrolysis (MCP) was used to simultaneously convert medical plastic waste (MPW) and frying oil (WFO) into liquid products. The MCP process demonstrated a faster heating rate (24 °C/min) shorter time (20 min) compared conventional pyrolysis techniques converting MPW WFO (≥80 wt%). reduced oxygen content from 25.7 9.82 wt% in encompassing light aliphatic hydrocarbons ranging C10 C28, generating novel sustainable fuel. having high carbon (approximately 77.1 wt%) low nitrogen ratio (27.9) is suitable energy feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastic production form of poly3-hydroxybutyrate [P(3HB)]. acted as an source growth Bacillus sp. During microbial fermentation, yielding approximately 11% (w/w) P(3HB). Bioplastics are biodegradable, biocompatible with humans non-toxic marine organisms, representing valuable additive cosmetics, detergents, scaffolds tissue engineering. results indicate promising upcycling products by this approach through pyrolytic biorefinery value-added fuel products, being important future renewable resources.