Exploring Recycled Plastic as a Sustainable Fuel Option for Diesel Engines

Pyrolysis, a thermochemical process in which organic materials are heated in the absence of oxygen, has emerged as an effective method for converting plastic waste into usable fuels in both gaseous and liquid forms. This paper reviews the potential of recycled plastics as an alternative fuel for diesel engines, with a focus on the performance, efficiency, and environmental implications of Waste Plastic Fuel (WPF) and its blended variants, including quaternary fuel mixtures with oxygenates. The study highlights that WPF exhibits fuel properties comparable to conventional diesel and can effectively power diesel engines. It further examines engine performance and emission characteristics across different fuel blends, demonstrating that the incorporation of oxygenates improves combustion efficiency and significantly reduces emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. However, an increase in smoke emissions is observed, primarily due to incomplete combustion under certain conditions. Overall, the findings suggest that recycled plastic-derived fuels hold strong potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional diesel, contributing to waste management and reduced environmental impact while supporting sustainable development goals.