Co-pyrolysis of waste newspaper and high-density polyethylene for pyro-oil production and parameter optimization

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and waste newspapers (WP) have the potential to revolutionize waste management and energy issues. To increase oil production, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was initially co-pyrolysis with feedstock generated from waste newspapers (WP). Using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the yield as well as the characteristics of liquid products (oil phase) have been researched and studied. Based on the physical property study and elemental analysis results, we found that HDPE had a high carbon content along with volatile matter content. Contrary to theoretical projections, experimental results indicated that significant pyrolytic activity occurred within the temperature range of 450–650 °C, resulting in a marked enhancement of the oil-phase yield. While pyrolysis of HDPE predominantly produces hydrocarbon-rich fractions, the pyrolysis of WP alone primarily generates oxygenated compounds within the oil phase.