Disposed PPE Could Be Turned into Biofuel, Study Shows

(Taylor & Francis/Phys.Org) Plastic from used personal protective equipment (PPE) can, and should, be transformed into renewable liquid fuels—according to a new study, published in the peer-reviewed Taylor & Francis journal Biofuels.

Experts from The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies have suggested a strategy that could help to mitigate the problem of dumped PPE—currently being disposed of at unprecedented levels due to the current COVID-19 pandemic—becoming a significant threat to the environment.

Out today, the research show how billions of items of disposable PPE can be converted from its polypropylene (plastic) state into biofuels—which is known to be at par with standard fossil fuels.

Lead author Dr. Sapna Jain explains that the transformation into biocrude, a type of synthetic fuel, "will not just prevent the severe after-effects to humankind and the environment but also produce a source of energy".

The disposal of PPE is a concern owing to its material i.e. non-woven polypropylene.

PPE is being designed for single use followed by disposal. Once these plastic materials are discharged into the environment they end up in landfill or oceans, as their natural degradation is difficult at ambient temperature. They need decades to decompose. Recycling these polymers requires both physical methods and chemical methods. Reduction, reuse and recycling are the three pillars of sustainable development that can help to prevent the disposal of plastic to the environment.

The research team reviewed many related research articles as they looked to explore the current policies around PPE disposal, the polypropylene content in PPE, and the feasibility of converting PPE into biofuel.

In particular, they focused on the structure of polypropylene, its suitability for PPE, why it poses an environmental threat and methods of recycling this polymer.

Their conclusive findings call for the PPE waste to be converted into fuel using pyrolysis. This a chemical process for breaking down plastic at high temperature—between 300-400 degree centigrade for an hour—without oxygen.

Co-author Dr. Bhawna Yadav Lamba says this process is among the most promising and sustainable methods of recycling compared with incineration and landfill. READ MORE