IJIMCE : International Journal of Innovation in Mechanical Construction and Energy
Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): IJIMCE : International Journal of Innovation in Mechanical Construction and Ene

Conversion of Waste Tyres into High-Energy Fuel Products Using Pyrolysis Technology

Unegbu, Hyginus (Unknown)
YAWAS, Danjuma (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Nov 2025

Abstract

The accumulation of waste tyres poses a critical environmental and public health concern due to their non-biodegradability, complex composition, and fire hazard potential. This study explores the thermochemical valorization of end-of-life tyres into high-energy fuel products through pyrolysis, emphasizing process optimization, product quality assessment, and environmental performance. A fixed-bed pyrolysis system was operated across a temperature range of 350°C to 550°C to evaluate its influence on product distribution and yield characteristics. The maximum oil yield of 52.3% was obtained at 500°C, representing the optimal balance between primary depolymerization and suppression of secondary cracking reactions. The pyrolysis oil exhibited a high heating value (43.6 MJ/kg), suitable for energy applications, but exceeded international standards for sulfur content and viscosity, necessitating upgrading prior to use in transportation fuels. The gaseous fraction, enriched with hydrogen and light hydrocarbons, showed strong potential for process self-sufficiency and co-generation. Solid char demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties for application as a fuel or adsorbent material. Statistical modeling using linear regression accurately predicted oil yield trends, and Aspen Plus® simulations closely aligned with experimental results, validating the process model for scale-up. A comparative life cycle assessment revealed that pyrolysis significantly outperforms incineration in terms of greenhouse gas reduction, energy recovery, and particulate matter emissions. These findings confirm that tyre pyrolysis is a technically feasible and environmentally advantageous approach for sustainable waste management and fuel generation. Further integration with refining technologies and renewable energy inputs is recommended to enhance commercial viability.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijimce

Publisher

Subject

Automotive Engineering Energy Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology

Description

The journal scopes include (but not limited to) the followings: Innovations in Mechanical Energy Systems : Advanced technologies in energy conversion and power generation, Renewable energy sources and their integration into mechanical systems, Energy-efficient design and optimization in mechanical ...