Plastic waste is a potential alternative energy source in terms of its heating value. In general, plastic is processed by pyrolysis to produce oil, so that internal combustion engines can utilize it in producing power. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of plastic pyrolysis oil (PPO) and evaluate engine performance and exhaust emissions on the use of fuels resulting from the pyrolysis of plastic waste. In this research, plastic pyrolysis oil was produced through a slow pyrolysis process using raw materials from the type of plastic Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). Experiments were carried out by testing the characteristics of plastic pyrolysis oil (PPO), which included tests of heating value, octane number, density, kinematic viscosity, and flashpoint. The testing of engine performance and exhaust emissions was carried out on a single-cylinder gasoline motor. Testing the use of gasoline fuels was also done as a comparison of the characteristics of the PPO produced. The results showed that the characteristics of PPO have similar physical properties when compared to gasoline fuels. Performance testing of gasoline motors showed that the maximum power PPO of PET plastic types is lower by 3.3# (5.9 HP at 7167 rpm), and the LDPE type is lower by 14.8# (5.2 HP at 7030 rpm) when compared to gasoline fuel at 6.1 HP at 6619 rpm. Maximum torque is 6.77 Nm at 4314 rpm for the use of PPO of PET plastic-type, and LDPE plastic-type is 5.77 Nm at 5434 rpm, where this value is 19# and 31# lower than gasoline (8.36 Nm at 4428 rpm). PPO produces exhaust gas emissions in the form of lower HC and CO and more efficient fuel consumption compared to gasoline. These results indicate that the pyrolysis oil of plastic waste is a promising alternative fuel to be applied to spark ignition engine.
