FT-IR Spectral Characterization of Aromatic Compounds in Pyrolytic Oil from Waste Tires: Implications for Alternative Fuel Applications

This study investigates the chemical properties and potential fuel applications of oil derived from waste tire pyrolysis, analyzed through Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Pyrolysis was conducted at 500°C under controlled conditions, followed by small-scale atmospheric distillation to enhance the oil’s fuel characteristics. The FT-IR analysis identified key functional groups, indicating the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons such as octadecane, and styrene/isoprene, along with long-chain alkanes. A comparative spectral assessment with diesel revealed similarities in hydrocarbon structures, suggesting that pyrolytic oil could serve as an alternative fuel. To further analyze its composition, FT-IR spectral library matching was performed. The raw pyrolytic oil exhibited a 95.59% similarity to octadecane (C₁₈H₃₈), confirming a significant presence of long-chain hydrocarbons commonly found in conventional fuels. Meanwhile, the distilled fraction demonstrated an 83.83% match with styrene-isoprene, indicating the presence of polymeric compounds that may influence combustion behavior. While these findings highlight the fuel potential of pyrolytic oil, the presence of oxygenated compounds suggests that additional refinement may be necessary to improve stability and performance. The findings underscore the potential of waste tire pyrolytic oil as a renewable energy source. However, the presence of oxygenated compounds necessitates further refinement to optimize its fuel properties. This research lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at improving the pyrolysis process and assessing the environmental implications of using pyrolytic oil on a larger scale. By exploring the opportunities for utilizing waste materials in energy production, this study contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop sustainable fuel alternatives.