Organic solvent effects on waste plastics–lignite coliquefaction

The disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) is currently one of the main environmental concerns especially in the industrialized regions. Converting the organic fraction of MSW into useful products, e.g. gas and liquid fuels, seems to be an option of a great interest both environmentally and economically. This paper examines the results of coliquefaction of low-grade coal, e.g. lignite, with post-consumer plastics. Special catalysts were prepared for this purpose and tested along with different types of organic solvents. The presence of these solvents during the coliquefaction process almost doubled total solids conversion into gas and liquid products. Decane and toluene were found to be the best organic solvents for coliquefaction of lignite with high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polystyrene, respectively. Total solids conversion reached almost 90% when a two-stage process was employed.