PYROLYSIS OF RETICULATED POLYETHYLENE RESIDUE (XLPE) FROM ELECTRIC WIRES AND CABLES FOR BIO-OIL OBTAINING
catalytic pyrolysis, cross-linked polyethylene, plastic waste, electrical wires and cables
Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is used as an insulator in electrical wires and cables because its structure makes it a thermoset polymer, capable of withstanding high temperatures and protecting the system from possible short-circuits and overloads. A major problem faced in society is the disposal of this electrical material, in which most efforts are aimed at recovering the metal, which has greater economic value, with the polymer fraction being incinerated. This practice, however, causes problems to the environment, such as the release of toxic gases and particulates. Therefore, it is necessary to search for alternative ways of recycling this plastic polymer. This work aims to evaluate the efficiency of fast catalytic pyrolysis as an alternative for converting XLPE into fuel materials with high energy density and economic value. For this, the characterization of XLPE will be performed, to determine its energy potential, through thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Volatile Content, Ash Content, X-Ray Fluorescence (FRX) and Calorific Power. Low-cost clay minerals will also be selected and characterized through X-Ray Diffraction (DRX), X-Ray Fluorescence (FRX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG), to be applied as catalysts in the pyrolysis process. The XLPE pyrolysis analyzes will be developed in a CDS analytical HP-R 5200 micro pyrolyzer coupled to a gas chromatograph with detection by mass spectrometry (CG-MS). Finally, it is expected to evaluate the viability of this process as an alternative for the recovery of XLPE waste from electrical wires and cables, producing a biofuel with high energy potential or input for the chemical industry.