Effective utilization of waste plastics and ammonia as biodiesel to assess performance and emission

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the environmental effects of plastic waste on the atmosphere and its implications for disaster waste management. It focuses on using ammonia, pyrolyzed plastic oil and the effectiveness of alumina nanoparticles as a catalyst.

Design/methodology/approach

The research explores different combinations of conventional diesel and nano Al₂O₃ derived from pyrolyzed plastic oil (ranging from P10 to P40). Critical performance metrics evaluated include brake mean effective pressure (BMEP), brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency and emissions of CO₂, CO and NOx. The study specifically investigates the impact of adding 50 ppm of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles to these blends.

Findings

The findings indicate that using blended fuels with nanoadditives significantly lowers pollution. Specifically, the P30 blend with 50 ppm of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles greatly reduced CO emissions. Additionally, the same blend reduced NOx emissions and CO₂ emissions. The P30 mix showed improved BMEP and brake thermal efficiency due to its density, calorific value and viscosity (6.3 bar). The P30 blend exhibited higher thermal efficiency due to decreased heat loss, whereas conventional diesel demonstrated the best mechanical efficiency due to its longer ignition delay.

Originality/value

This study highlights the potential of using Al₂O₃ nanoparticles and pyrolyzed plastic oil to reduce emissions and enhance the performance of internal combustion engines. It underscores the environmental benefits and implications for disaster waste management by converting plastic waste into useful resources and reducing air pollution.

Citation

Ramar, K. and Subbiah, G. (2024), "Effective utilization of waste plastics and ammonia as biodiesel to assess performance and emission", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 96 No. 10, pp. 1281-1286. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-01-2024-0002