Pyrolysis of pressure-sensitive adhesive wastes in a fixed-bed reactor

Pyrolysis of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) wastes have been investigated in a fixed-bed reactor with a heating rate of 20 degrees C/min. PSA pyrolysis mainly occurs between 300 and 600 degrees C. The maximum liquid yield was obtained at 550 degrees C with a yield of 55.69%. Liquid product can be used as fuel or raw material for purifying 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, dehydroabietic acid, 2,4-dimethyl-1-heptene, and styrene. The main composition in gas is CO and CO2, followed by CH4 and H-2. High content of ash in char limits the application in fuel, but might be used as an adsorption material after upgrading.