Exceptionally High Yields of Hydrocarbons from the Catalytic Co-pyrolysis of Torrefied Corn Stalks with High Density Polyethylene

Abstract

Torrefied corn stalks (TCS), torrefied corn stalks/high density polyethylene (TCS/HDPE), with and without zeolite catalyst (HZSM-5) were analyzed by Py-GC at 400, 500, and 600oC for the production of high yields of hydrocarbons. The highest yield of hydrocarbons (43.38%) was produced by TCS/HDPE/Cat. at 600oC. 21.83% yield was produced in the absence of HZSM-5 at 600oC. Lower yields were recorded at lower temperatures, with or without catalyst. The pyrolysis of TCS alone did not produce any hydrocarbon at any of the pyrolysis temperatures. Elemental analysis results showed that HDPE contained higher percentages of carbon and hydrogen than torrefied corn stalks. The thermogravimetric analysis results indicated that HDPE was more thermally stable than TCS. TCS decomposed at about 300°C while HDPE decomposed at about 475°C. Maximum weight loss was achieved at about 350°C and 500°C for TCS and HDPE, respectively.