Effect of Spent FCC Catalyst During Pyrolysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate

We examine the catalytic effect of spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst on the pyrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The most popular thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family, called polyethylene terephthalate (also known as PET, PETE, or defunct PETP or PET-P), is used in many applications, including clothing fibers, food, and liquid storage containers, thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fiber for engineering resins. The pyrolysis of PET transformation into syngas was examined, analyzed, and compared. In addition, the effect of temperature and positioning of the catalyst relative to the feedstock (both in-situ and quasi-in-situ catalytic modes) on the catalytic pyrolysis of PET was analyzed and discussed. The results suggest in-situ catalytic pyrolysis to be more efficient and effective than quasi-in-situ pyrolysis for increased syngas yield. Increase in temperature resulted in increased both the syngas yield and the amount of energy produced.