Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis (Map) as a Tool to Displace Some Hazardous Plastic Waste

Hazardous plastic wastes are formed as byproducts of several industrial productions, or end-of-life materials such as end life tire (PFU), plastic packaging, contaminated plastic wastes, wind turbine blades containing glass or carbon fibers, or perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). All these materials are potentially hazardous to the environment or human health, especially if they are not properly treated. These hazardous waste materials may be disposed of through Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis (MAP), because this process may convert these products into valuable compounds. The waste is completely disposed of, avoiding the formation of a residue. The gas contains hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and light hydrocarbons; the liquid, also called SynOil, may be employed as a substitute for mineral oil, while the solid contains a large amount of carbon and/or glass or carbon fibers. The energy required by the MAP may be obtained from the products formed, so it is a self-sufficient process. The affordability of the process is very good and in some cases the return on investment is calculated at 1.6 years. Our results together with several literature data and our considerations are reported. Furthermore laboratory data and some of the proposed pilot or industrial plants developed up to now are illustrated. In conclusion, MAP converts hazardous waste materials into new products, reducing their impact and obtaining products considered as green materials because their carbon footprint is negative due to their formation from hazardous end-of-life or waste materials.