Effects of High Density Polyethylene and polypropylene on Thermal Degradation of Polystyrene

Abstract

This research studied the effect of impurities on thermal degradation of PS. The impurities were HDPE and PP. Prepare the mixed plastic samples of either HDPE:PS an PP:PS in the ratio of 20% 40% 60% and 80% by weight using single-screw extruder. Using thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA) to study their thermal properties, it is found that plastic mixtures degraded at the temperature about 340 – 450 ºC and the degradation of PS mixed with impurities are occurred at higher temperature than that of pure PS. Pure Ps and plastic mixtures in above ratio were pyrolyzed under nitrogen atmosphere at the given temperature between 340 – 500 ºC. In these experiments the liquid, gas and char products will be obtained and they can be used as fuel. In conclusion, the impurities on thermal degradation of PS effected at higher temperature than that of pure PS and less in volume of liquid product.