The Process of Turning Plastic Waste (High-Density Polyethene) into Fuels and Oils Used for Energy Consumption
School Name
Spring Valley High School
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Chemistry
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
This study investigates the gasification of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste at 700°C, using a system that combines steam and argon gas. The purpose of this experiment was to produce syngas, a valuable mixture of hydrogen (H₂), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which can be utilized for energy generation and chemical synthesis. The experiment explores how varying gas concentrations change over time, providing insights into the optimal conditions for efficient plastic waste conversion. It was hypothesized that, under specific temperatures and steam flow rates, HDPE can be converted into valuable syngas, which could potentially be used as an alternative energy source. Gas chromatography and a specialized system were used to measure and find results. Initially, gas production is low, but H₂ and CO concentrations increase significantly during the first 30 minutes, with CH₄ reaching its peak at around 20 minutes before beginning to decline. CO₂ levels remain relatively low throughout, highlighting the reduction-dominated nature of the process. The results indicate that syngas production is most efficient within the first 30 minutes, after which it diminishes as the HDPE material is consumed. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using HDPE gasification as a method for converting plastic waste into usable energy resources. It also provides valuable information about the optimal temperature, steam flow, and reaction time required for maximizing syngas yield. These findings could lead to more efficient, scalable plastic waste-to-energy processes, contributing to both waste management and sustainable energy production.
Recommended Citation
Mooney, Anna, "The Process of Turning Plastic Waste (High-Density Polyethene) into Fuels and Oils Used for Energy Consumption" (2025). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 65.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2025/all/65
Location
PENNY 214
Start Date
4-5-2025 9:45 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
The Process of Turning Plastic Waste (High-Density Polyethene) into Fuels and Oils Used for Energy Consumption
PENNY 214
This study investigates the gasification of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste at 700°C, using a system that combines steam and argon gas. The purpose of this experiment was to produce syngas, a valuable mixture of hydrogen (H₂), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which can be utilized for energy generation and chemical synthesis. The experiment explores how varying gas concentrations change over time, providing insights into the optimal conditions for efficient plastic waste conversion. It was hypothesized that, under specific temperatures and steam flow rates, HDPE can be converted into valuable syngas, which could potentially be used as an alternative energy source. Gas chromatography and a specialized system were used to measure and find results. Initially, gas production is low, but H₂ and CO concentrations increase significantly during the first 30 minutes, with CH₄ reaching its peak at around 20 minutes before beginning to decline. CO₂ levels remain relatively low throughout, highlighting the reduction-dominated nature of the process. The results indicate that syngas production is most efficient within the first 30 minutes, after which it diminishes as the HDPE material is consumed. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using HDPE gasification as a method for converting plastic waste into usable energy resources. It also provides valuable information about the optimal temperature, steam flow, and reaction time required for maximizing syngas yield. These findings could lead to more efficient, scalable plastic waste-to-energy processes, contributing to both waste management and sustainable energy production.
