PR2 Final
PR2 Final
Department of Education
               Region II – Cagayan Valley
              Schools Division of Cagayan
            Aparri School of Arts and Trades
Name of Authors
James Ramos
Mica Verbo
Ronie M. Malazzab
December 2024
Approval Sheet
This research entitled “ Plastic bottle as Alternative source of Fuel” prepared and
submitted by James Ramos, Mica Verbo, and Shanaiah Silip has been approved and accepted as
MAYETTE A. MANUEL
                                                                           Research Teacher
PANEL OF EVALUATORS
December 2024.
Chairman
Member Member
RESEARCH 2.
Acknowledgment
Contents
Title Page                                                                                                      1
Approval Sheet                                                                                                  2
Acknowledgment                                                                                                  3
Contents                                                                                                        4
Abstract                                                                                                        5
References 28
Abstract
Plastic waste is a growing environmental crisis, with millions of tons accumulating in landfills
and oceans, causing serious damage to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. This research
investigates converting plastic waste, specifically plastic bottles, into an alternative fuel to
address this problem and the need for sustainable energy alternatives. The methodology involves
pyrolysis. Materials required include plastic bottles, a pyrolysis reactor, a catalyst, and a heating
source. Experiments determined the plastic volume needed for various yields (Trial 1: 5 ml; Trial
2: 52 ml; Trial 3: 105 ml for 1 kg, 5 kg, and 10 kg of plastic, respectively). Results from a 10 kg
plastic sample showed the extracted biofuel was flammable, had a similar scent and color to
commercial fuel. A sustainability survey supported these findings. However, despite potentially
lessening plastic pollution and providing an alternative fuel source, this method is not
recommended due to significant health risks associated with the smoke produced.
Keywords:
Fuel
Pyrolysis
Plasic Bottles
Plastic Waste
Catalyst
Chapter 1
Rationale
Plastics are a wide range of partly or wholly synthetic materials invented by Alexander
Parkes in 1862 that has high molecular weight materials known as polymers valued for their
durability, versatility, lightweight nature, and low cost. The word “plastic” comes from the Greek
word “plastikos” which means “having the ability to be shaped or molded” derived from
“plastos” meaning “molded”. Due to their malleability, plastics can be shaped or extruded into a
wide range of solid objects during the production process. This property allows the material to
disposal leading to pollution and resource depletion. Numerous industries, including agriculture,
construction, toys, packaging, commercial and residential buildings, cars, and electrical
equipment, produce garbage made of plastic. The rise in world population and living standards
has escalated municipal solid waste generation to 1.3 billion tons annually, with plastic waste
ranking as the third-largest contributor. Global plastic production has surged from 1.5 million
tons in 1950 to around 359 million tons in 2018, driven by the packaging sector.
Unfortunately, over 250 million tons of plastic waste is landfilled or dispersed annually,
with about 10 million tons ending up in oceans. Global plastic output is still increasing despite
efforts to reduce plastic waste because of rising demand and economic expansion, especially in
emerging nations. The persistent disposal of plastic waste poses severe environmental challenges
due to its resistance to biodegradation, harming terrestrial and marine ecosystems. To mitigate
these impacts and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, we researchers grow interest in
converting plastic waste into alternative fuel through technologies like pyrolysis and gasification.
Repurposing plastic waste into sustainable fuel aims to address environmental challenges and
Plastic waste has become a major environmental issue, with millions of tons
accumulating in landfills and oceans, causing significant harm to ecosystems, wildlife, and
human health. Traditional disposal methods, such as incineration and landfilling, fail to solve the
problem and even exacerbate it by contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
Simultaneously, the growing global demand for energy is depleting non-renewable fossil fuels
and accelerating climate change. In order to lessen plastic pollution and promote the
sustainability of the world's energy supply, this project develops and improves methods that turn
This study will develop and optimize processes for converting plastic waste into
energy sustainability. This research study will specifically determine the following:
A. 0.5 liter
B. 1 liter
C. 1.5 liter
2. Is there a significance difference between the produced fuel to traditional in terms of:
A. Flammability
B. Odor
C. Color
Theoretical Framework
       This research study will use plastic waste, pyrolysis reactor, catalyst, and heating source
as its main material to develop the Fuel.
       For a clearer description of the study’s concept, which will serve as the basis for carrying
out the experiment, see the diagram below:
The researchers are conducting this study out of interest in producing fuel from plastic
waste. Given the increasing threat of plastic pollution to society, they have developed an
innovative approach known as Transforming Plastic Waste into Sustainable Fuel. The innovation
of producing fuel from plastic waste has the potential to enhance quality of life, promote
sustainability, create economic opportunities, and address various societal challenges, making it
a versatile and valuable technology for a wide range of users and communities.
Society. By converting plastic waste into sustainable fuel, the study can help mitigate plastic
School. The study provides a practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering
principles, offering valuable hands-on learning experiences for students in fields such as
goals by developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges and advancing the field of
waste-to-energy conversion.
Future Researchers. Success in transforming plastic waste into sustainable fuel can inspire
future researchers to explore similar technologies and solutions for addressing global
The primary objective of this research study is to develop and investigate the viability of
using plastic waste as an alternative fuel. The study's outcomes will be determined through a
comparison between plastic waste-derived fuel and traditional fuel. The research was conducted
at Maura, Aparri Cagayan, starting from August until September and under the guidance of our
research adviser, Mr. Ronie Malazzab. The researchers have been allocated one month to collect
data. Data collection will involve testing the efficiency of fuel derived from plastic waste.
Definition of Terms
    For a better understanding of the study, the following terms are defined to ensure clarity and
comprehension of essential concepts and terminology utilized in this study:
Alternative Fuel Source- refers to the sustainable fuel produced from plastic waste as an
alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Catalyst - is a substance that speed up the chemical reaction of turning plastic waste into fuel.
Conversion Efficiency- the measure of how effectively plastic waste can be converted into
sustainable fuel.
Energy Output- the amount of energy generated from a specific quantity of plastic waste through
the conversion process into sustainable fuel.
Environmental Impacts- the effects on the environment resulting from the transformation of
plastic waste into sustainable fuel, including considerations of greenhouse gas emissions,
resource conservation, and ecosystem health.
Gasification- a thermochemical process that converts plastic waste, into a synthesis gas (syngas)
Plastics Waste- discarded plastic materials that can be repurposed into sustainable fuel sources.
Plastics Pollution Mitigation- reducing the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
Pyrolysis- thermal decomposition process utilized to convert plastic waste into fuel.
Chapter II
Plastic Pollution
Over 14 million tonnes of plastics is annually dumped, and as a result, they cause the death
of 1,000,000 species of aquatic life. Global plastic production accounts for about 8% of world oil
production. The global demand of plastics has increased with the continuous development of
industry, agriculture and fishery. As a result, more and more plastic wastes generate year by
year. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the global production of plastic
wastes was about 360 million tons in 2018. The toxic effect of plastic wastes refers to organism
adverse reactions generated by the invasion from plastic to organisms. Microplastics can inhibit
the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress and transmembrane transport in the plant
A promising solution to this problem is the transformation of plastic waste into sustainable
fuel. Various studies have been conducted to explore this possibility. Chanashetty and Patil
(2015) conducted research on producing fuel from plastic waste, utilizing a condenser and
Their findings indicated that this approach is effective in addressing the issue of large plastic
waste accumulation and contributes to fuel storage through the production of diesel, kerosene,
and lubricant oil. Similarly, Karad and Havalammanavar (2017) investigated the conversion of
waste plastic into fuel, petrol, diesel, and kerosene using the pyrolysis method. They concluded
that this approach could potentially save 1 million species of oceanic life and contribute to a
greener future. Arunkumar and Nataraj also explored the conversion of waste plastic into fuel oil
using bentonite as a catalyst. The outputs included petrol, diesel, and fuel oil, with inputs
The energy output from plastic waste-derived fuel and its environmental impact are also
significant areas of study. Mathur et al. (2016) focused on extracting pyrolysis oil from waste
plastic using the pyrolysis process. The study revealed that by processing grade 5 plastic
materials, 1.65 liters of oil could be obtained from 1.5 kilograms of plastic. Verma et al. (2018)
investigated the production of engine fuel through waste plastic pyrolysis and performance
enhancement in a CI Engine with a diesel blend. Their findings indicated that blending plastic oil
with diesel at a 40% ratio resulted in emissions reduction without compromising power output.
Economic Feasibility
The economic feasibility of transforming plastic waste into fuel is another crucial aspect.
Bezergini et al. (2017) researched the production of alternative diesel fuel from waste plastic
using a pyrolysis plant. The study findings revealed a reduction in production costs by
Pyrolysis Process
The pyrolysis process is instrumental in the transformation of plastic waste into fuel. Mustofa
Kamal and Zainuri (2015) conducted a study on the environmentally friendly production of
liquid fuel from plastic waste through pyrolysis at 900°C. They found that pyrolysis at 900°C
resulted in a higher calorific value of the fuel compared to 425°C. Karmina et al. (2016) studied
the catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastic using a stainless steel semi-bath reactor and condenser.
The study found that a significant yield (77–88%) of liquid product was obtained, indicating the
Fuel Characterization
The characterization of the fuel obtained from plastic waste is also a significant area of
research. Khan et al. (2016) conducted a study on the characterization of pyrolytic waste plastic
oil and its diesel blend fuel. The study concluded that there was a minimal amount of char
volatile products generated in the process. Sharuddin et al. (2018) studied the pyrolysis of plastic
waste for the production of liquid fuel as a potential energy resource. They concluded that the
process is viable and shows great potential for the future. Transforming plastic waste into
sustainable fuel presents a promising solution to the global plastic waste crisis. The process not
only helps manage plastic waste but also provides an alternative source of energy. Further
research and development in this field could lead to more efficient processes and better quality of
fuel, making this a viable and sustainable solution for the future.
As stated by Masuod and Baqar (2023) regarding electricity usage in power plants, waste
plastics are the third most important energy consumers after oil and gas. In this study, catalytic
pyrolysis technology was used to convert plastic waste into gasoline in an environmentally
friendly way. Pyrolysis is carried out in the absence of oxygen and at a temperature of about 350
degree celsius. Among these machines, the waste PP rate at 420 degree celsius is about 89%,
followed by LDPE and HDPE with 65% and 53% respectively. In general, the oil produced has
fuel. Nanda and Berutti (2020) provide a comprehensive review of various thermochemical
processes, including pyrolysis, which affect the thermal degradation of plastics under anaerobic
conditions. The process produces liquid hydrocarbons that can be used to make other fuels. Lin
et al. (2019) continued to explore microwave vacuum pyrolysis, demonstrating its potential to
provide simultaneous waste reduction and sustainable energy conversion. Their analysis showed
that the oil produced by this method has high calorific value and can be used as energy. (2019)
focused on catalytic microwave-assisted pyrolysis of plastic waste and showed that some
catalysts can produce petroleum series hydrocarbons. The ability to create customized pyrolysis
requirements for specific hydrocarbons is a significant advance in the production of fuel products
Chapter III
Methodology
A. Materials
B. Experimental Design
1. Gathering of Materials
The main materials needed for this experimental study are plastic waste, a pyrolysis
reactor, catalysts, heating source, condenser, collection chamber, and measuring instruments.
The plastic waste will be sourced locally in the Philippines to ensure the relevance of the study to
2. Assembling
The researchers will start by collecting and preparing the plastic waste for the
experiment. The plastic waste will be sorted, cleaned, and shredded into small pieces to facilitate
the pyrolysis process. The shredded plastic will then be loaded into the pyrolysis reactor along
with the selected catalyst. The heating source will be activated to initiate the pyrolysis process,
The condenser will be used to cool and condense the vapors produced during pyrolysis, leading
to the collection of the liquid fuel in the chamber. The researchers will monitor and regulate the
3. Testing of Product
To evaluate the efficiency and quality of the sustainable fuel produced, the researchers
will conduct various tests. These tests may include analyzing the chemical composition, calorific
value, viscosity, and combustion characteristics of the fuel. The researchers will compare these
properties with standard fuel specifications to assess the viability of the sustainable fuel for
practical use. Additionally, the researchers will assess the environmental impact of the process
C.Statistical Treatment
The data collected from the experimental tests will be analyzed using statistical
methods to determine the effectiveness of transforming plastic waste into sustainable fuel.
Statistical analysis may involve comparing the properties of the sustainable fuel with
traditional fuels, conducting regression analysis to identify key factors affecting fuel quality,
The statistical treatment will provide valuable insights into the feasibility and
sustainability of the plastic waste conversion process. Overall, this experimental design aims to
demonstrate the feasibility of converting plastic waste into sustainable fuel through pyrolysis,
highlighting the potential for addressing both waste management and energy challenges in a
sustainable manner.
CHAPTER IV
Presentation of Data
1 KG 5ml
5KG 52ml
10 KG 105ml
Table 1 provides a detailed overview of the amount of plastics, measured in kilograms, used in
different trials to test their capacity to produce varying volumes of extract, measured in
milliliters.The data reveal distinct variations in output across the trials. Trial 1 resulted in a
minimal production of 5 milliliters of extract, representing the lowest yield recorded. Trial 2
increase compared to the first trial. Meanwhile, Trial 3 yielded the highest amount, with a total
of 105 milliliters of extract, showcasing the most efficient result among the trials.
FUEL
FLAMMABILITY
ODOR
COLOR
Table 2 presents a comparison of various characteristics between the extracted biofuel and
results indicate that the extracted biofuel is flammable, much like the commercialized fuel,
demonstrating a similar ability to catch fire. When it comes to odor, the findings suggest that
both fuels have very similar scents, showing no significant difference between the two. In terms
of color, the extracted biofuel is noticeably the same as the commercialized fuel, indicating that
PERSON 1
PERSON 2
PERSON 3
PERSON 4
PERSON 5
Table 3 illustrates the survey results assessing whether the extracted biofuel has the potential to
function as an alternative fuel source. A total of five individuals participated in the survey,
offering valuable insights into their perspectives on the biofuel's viability. Remarkably, all five
respondents unanimously voted "Yes," affirming their belief that the extracted biofuel can serve
as an effective alternative energy source. The positive responses were attributed to the biofuel’s
color. The respondents' recognition of these properties highlights the biofuel's potential not only
as an energy source but also as a sustainable solution aligned with environmental goals.
CHAPTER V
Summary
Plastic waste is a growing environmental crisis, with millions of tons accumulating in landfills
and oceans, causing serious damage to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Current disposal
methods, like incineration and landfilling, not only fail to solve the issue but also contribute to
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, increasing global energy demands are
To address these dual challenges, this project seeks to develop and optimize processes that
convert plastic waste into environmentally sustainable fuel alternatives. The aim is to reduce
Conclusion
Our study investigated the feasibility of using recycled plastic bottles as an alternative fuel
source. Our experiments demonstrated that plastic can be converted into a fuel-like substance,
the resulting exhibited significantly have similar properties to commercialized fuel. Specifically,
the fuel produced a noticeably the same color, and having a similar odor to the commercial fuel.
Also, it did burn with the same flammability. While this process offers a potential solution for
plastic waste reduction and renewable energy source, the significant production of harmful
smoke presents a major health concern. Therefore we do not recommend the widespread
adoption of this study due to the significant health risks associated with the smoke produced.
However, the possibility to reduce plastic waste remains considerable, and further research
should focus on refining the harm. Future advancements addressing the health concerns could
Recommendations
This study on using plastic waste (specifically plastic bottles) as an alternative fuel source offers
several key recommendations for future researchers. First, if they conduct experiments, they
should do so in unpopulated areas to avoid the harmful effects of smoke on people. Second, the
plastic bottles, cans, and drums used must be dry to prevent water contamination. Third,
researchers need to investigate methods to mitigate or eliminate the harmful smoke produced to
prevent health risks. Understanding this fuel-creation process will lead to better outcomes and
the development of a new energy source. Overall, using plastic waste as an alternative fuel
source can help reduce plastic pollution and potentially transform into a renewable energy
solution.
References
https://www.britannica.com/science/plastic
https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/may-2023/understanding-plastic-pollution-and-its-
impact-lives
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.04.063
http://doi.org/10.26480/ecr.02.2023.66.74
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-022-02476-4
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344863434_Fuel_from_Plastic_Waste_A_Review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320744259_Alternative_Diesel_from_Waste_Plastics
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
354026475_The_paradigm_in_conversion_of_plastic_waste_into_value_added_materials
APPENDICES