Plastics Suitable for Pyrolysis
These plastics can be effectively decomposed during pyrolysis to produce fuel oil, gas, or recovered carbon black:
Polyethylene (PE) – including high-density (HDPE) and low-density (LDPE), commonly found in plastic bags, bottles, and packaging films.
Polypropylene (PP) – such as bottle caps, plastic containers, and packaging materials.
Polystyrene (PS) – like disposable tableware, foam (EPS), and toys.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – can be used mixed with other plastics, though small amounts of acidic byproducts may form.
Mixed plastics suitable for pyrolysis – as long as they don’t contain large amounts of halogens or heavy metals.
Plastics Not Suitable for Pyrolysis
These plastics may produce toxic gases or residues and are not recommended for direct pyrolysis:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – releases hydrochloric acid (HCl) during pyrolysis, which is corrosive and environmentally harmful.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) – extremely chemically stable, difficult to pyrolyze, and may release toxic fluorinated compounds.
Plastics containing heavy metals or dyes – e.g., some cable sheaths or colored masterbatches, which produce harmful smoke and residues.
Mixed waste containing PVC or other halogenated plastics – must be pre-sorted to avoid equipment corrosion and product contamination.
Rubbers Suitable for Pyrolysis
These rubbers can be effectively decomposed during pyrolysis to produce fuel oil, carbon black, and gas:
Natural Rubber (NR) – sourced from latex, commonly found in tires, gloves, and shoe soles.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) – used in tires, shoe soles, and seals.
Butadiene Rubber (BR) – widely used in tires and industrial products.
Scrap tires – after shredding and steel removal, they can be pyrolyzed to produce oil.
Rubbers Not Suitable for Pyrolysis
These rubbers may produce toxic gases or difficult-to-handle residues:
Chlorinated or fluorinated rubbers (e.g., Chloroprene CR, Fluoroelastomer FKM) – pyrolysis generates HCl or fluorides, which are harmful to equipment and the environment.
Rubbers with high fillers or heavy metals – such as some industrial strips or colored rubber products, which may produce harmful fumes.
Untreated vulcanized rubber waste – high sulfur content can cause equipment corrosion and secondary pollution.
Oil Sludge Suitable for Pyrolysis
These types of oil sludge can be effectively decomposed during pyrolysis to recover oil and energy:
Petroleum processing sludge – from refineries or tank bottoms, high in oil content with moderate water content.
Mechanical or industrial oil sludge – from machine tools or hydraulic systems, mainly containing lubricating oil and small amounts of metal particles.
Petrochemical waste sludge – containing light or medium oils, with high oil yield during pyrolysis.
Characteristics: High oil content (usually less than 40% water), low impurities, and good pyrolysis performance.
Oil Sludge Not Suitable for Pyrolysis
These types of sludge have poor pyrolysis performance and may produce harmful substances or damage equipment:
High-water-content sludge – water content above 60% reduces pyrolysis efficiency and requires pre-drying.
Heavy-metal-contaminated sludge – containing lead, cadmium, mercury, etc.; pyrolysis leaves toxic residues that are difficult to handle.
High-salt or halogenated sludge – may produce corrosive gases (HCl, HF) that damage equipment.
Sludge with high non-oil organic or plastic content – may generate unstable byproducts, affecting safety and oil quality.
