Synergetic Co-Pyrolysis of Waste Bakelite and Thevetia Peruviana Seeds Enhances Value-Added Products

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology have investigated the synergetic kinetics and thermodynamics of co-pyrolysis of Bakelite and Thevetia peruviana seed blend to convert waste into valuable products. The study aimed to optimize the co-pyrolysis process and reactor design for real-scale applications. The research concluded that the synergistic interaction between Kaner seed and Bakelite reduces the activation energy of pyrolysis, leading to a higher weight loss and waxy oil yield compared to individual samples.

Key Takeaways:

  • The co-pyrolysis of Bakelite and Thevetia peruviana seed blend leads to a higher weight loss (79.70%) compared to Bakelite alone (60.34%).
  • The synergistic interaction between Kaner seed and Bakelite reduces the activation energy of pyrolysis by 26.76% from that required for Bakelite pyrolysis and by 16.13% from that required for Kaner seed pyrolysis.
  • The thermal degradation of the blend shows a different degradation mechanism (F4) compared to Bakelite alone (F5).
  • The pyrolysis of the blend shows a 17.27% increase in waxy oil yield compared to Bakelite alone.
  • GC-MS analysis of pyrolytic oil shows a significant change in the composition of the oil obtained from the blended sample compared to the individual sample due to a synergistic effect, supported by FTIR analysis.

Statistics:

  • The weight loss of the blend (79.70%) is higher by 19.36% compared to Bakelite alone (60.34%).
  • The activation energy of pyrolysis is reduced by 26.76% for the blend versus Bakelite alone and by 16.13% for the blend versus Kaner seed alone.
  • The waxy oil yield from the blend is 17.27% higher compared to Bakelite alone.
  • The thermal degradation of the blend shows a lower DG (466.990 kJ/mol) and DH (67.734 kJ/mol) and a higher DS (-1014.355 x 103 kJK-1mol-1) compared to both Bakelite and Kaner seed.

Sources:

  • Synergetic co-pyrolysis of waste Bakelite and Thevetia peruviana seeds: Insights from kinetics, thermodynamics, and product composition. Sustainable Chemistry for Climate Action, 2025, 6():100060. (Elsevier)
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.scca.2025.100060
  • NewsRx. Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology Researchers Detail Findings in Physics (Synergetic co-pyrolysis of waste Bakelite and Thevetia peruviana seeds: Insights from kinetics, thermodynamics, and product composition). Physics Week. June 10, 2025; p 774.