Effect of polyethylene addition to coal on hydrogasification enhancement

Hydrogasification of a coal/polyethylene mixture was carried out using a low concentration of polyethylene in the samples with the aim of industrial application. Coal/polyethylene mixtures in the ratio of 90:10 and 75:25 were used in this study. A hydrogasification experiment was conducted using a unique batch reactor at 1073 K under a 7.1 MPa hydrogen atmosphere. The reaction time varied from 1 to 80 s. The results revealed a methane yield from the mixtures that was noticeably greater than the values calculated from experimental results obtained from coal and polyethylene respectively, assuming no mutual influences. A significant synergistic effect was observed even when the polyethylene content was as low as 10 %. It is suggested that there might be an advantage in hydrogasification processes if waste plastics are mixed with coal, such content being practically assumed.