CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROCARBON LIQUID BY-PRODUCT FROM POLYETHYLENE WAX PRODUCTION: GC–MS COMPOSITION AND FUEL PROPERTY EVALUATION

Eldor Mashayev; Akhmadali Khudoyberdiyev; Iroda Talipova; Dianna Lukasheva; Elena Mezentseva; Khusain Urakov; Mohinur Pardaeva

doi:10.66960/jof.3093-8899.00022

Authors

Eldor Mashayev Acting Associate Professor, PhD Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4594-3670
Akhmadali Khudoyberdiyev Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9495-5251
Iroda Talipova Author
Dianna Lukasheva Author
Elena Mezentseva Author
Khusain Urakov PhD student Author
Mohinur Pardaeva Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66960/jof.3093-8899.00022

Keywords:

GC–MS analysis, hydrocarbon composition, fuel properties, cetane number, low-temperature properties, polymer waste valorization, petrochemical feedstock

Abstract

The increasing production of polyethylene wax through thermal degradation of high-molecular-weight polyethylene generates a liquid hydrocarbon fraction as a by-product, the composition and potential utilization of which remain insufficiently studied. In the present work, the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of this liquid fraction were comprehensively investigated in order to evaluate its potential industrial applications. The sample was obtained during the thermal cracking of polyethylene and subsequently fractionated by atmospheric distillation up to 220 °C. Molecular composition was determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), while fuel-related properties were evaluated through measurements of octane number, cetane number, and low-temperature characteristics according to relevant ASTM methods. GC–MS analysis revealed that the liquid fraction is predominantly composed of paraffinic hydrocarbons in the carbon number range C₈–C₂₆, with the major contribution originating from C₁₀–C₁₆ compounds. Linear alkanes were identified as the dominant components, accompanied by smaller amounts of branched alkanes and minor quantities of olefins formed during polyethylene chain scission. The obtained hydrocarbon distribution indicates that the investigated product belongs to the middle-distillate range typically associated with kerosene–diesel type fuels. Fuel property analysis showed that the liquid exhibits a cetane number of approximately 42, confirming its favorable ignition characteristics for compression ignition engines. Low-temperature measurements indicated a cloud point of −16 °C and a pour point of −27 °C, which are typical for paraffin-rich hydrocarbon mixtures.
The results suggest that the investigated liquid fraction cannot be directly classified as a standard commercial fuel but may serve as a promising blending component for kerosene and diesel fuels after appropriate upgrading and purification. In addition to fuel applications, several alternative utilization pathways were identified, including use as an industrial solvent, feedstock for further cracking or pyrolysis processes, raw material for paraffin production, precursor for surfactants and synthetic lubricants, and potential heat-transfer fluid for industrial reactors. The findings highlight the potential of polyethylene cracking liquids as valuable secondary hydrocarbon resources and contribute to the development of more efficient and circular utilization strategies for polymer-derived hydrocarbon streams.

Author Biographies

Eldor Mashayev, Acting Associate Professor, PhD

PhD of the Department of Chemical Technology of Oil and Gas Refining at the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology
Akhmadali Khudoyberdiyev

Assistant of the Department of High Molecular Compounds and Plastics, Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology
Iroda Talipova

Chief Forensic Expert, Laboratory of Forensic Analysis of Materials, Substances, and Products, Kh.S. Suleimanova Republican Forensic Center, 1st Class Lawyer
Dianna Lukasheva

Leading Forensic Expert, Laboratory of Forensic Analysis of Materials, Substances, and Products, Kh.S. Suleimanova Republican Forensic Center, 2nd Class Lawyer.
Elena Mezentseva

Senior Forensic Expert, Laboratory of Forensic Analysis of Materials, Substances, and Products, Kh.S. Suleimanova Republican Forensic Center, 2nd Class Justice Advisor
Khusain Urakov, PhD student

Department of Cellulose and Wood Technologies, Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology
Mohinur Pardaeva

Student of the Department of High Molecular Compounds and Plastics, Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology

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