Waste-to-Resources: The Upcycling of Polystyrene by Cold Plasma Pyrolysis

Abstract

Polystyrene is a broadly employed plastic because of its resistance to degradation, thereby posing a significant environmental threat by its accumulation in landfills, oceans and other natural habitats. Cold Plasma Pyrolysis is an emerging technology which has shown encouraging results in the upcycling of Polystyrene into valuable resources. This dissertation investigates the potential of cold plasma pyrolysis for the upcycling of Polystyrene into valuable products, thereby giving it a second life. Initially, a broad literary outlook has been presented, upon the possibilities of plastic, more importantly, Polystyrene recycling. The important ways of recycling, such as chemical reclamation techniques, such as pyrolysis has been discussed at length. The factors known to influence pyrolysis, such as temperature, nature and design of the reactor, inclusion of a catalyst, have been elucidated. Experimental research on the possibilities of producing valuable chemicals from polystyrene oil by the cold plasma application has been emphasized. The styrene monomer was distilled from the polystyrene oil in order to be used as feedstock for the production of respected chemicals, such as benzaldehyde. Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Ozonolysis was used for the ozonation of styrene oil into benzaldehyde, a simple aromatic aldehyde. In conclusion, the thesis demonstrates that Cold Plasma Pyrolysis is a promising technology for the upcycling of polystyrene waste into valuable resources. The technology has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of polystyrene waste and contribute to a more sustainable circular economy.