Sorin - Lucian Ionascu

Mr. Sorin - Lucian Ionascu


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 July 2025 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PGPsenovschi Grigore
Psenovschi Grigore
ICIoan Calinescu
Ioan Calinescu
AFAlexandru Fiti
Alexandru Fiti
CCCHISEGA-NEGRILĂ Ciprian-Gabriel
CHISEGA-NEGRILĂ Ciprian-Gabriel
SISorin - Lucian Ionascu
Sorin - Lucian Ionascu
Lucica BarbesLucica Barbes
Lucica Barbes
Plastic waste is currently a major concern in Romania due to the annual increase in quantities generated from anthropogenic and industrial activities, especially from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), and the need to reduce environmental impact. This study investigates an alternative valorization route for polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) plastic waste through microwave-assisted pyrolysis, aiming to maximize conversion into gaseous products, particularly hydrogen-rich gas. A monomode microwave reactor was employed, using layered configurations of plastic feedstock, silicon carbide as a microwave susceptor, and activated carbon as a catalyst. The influence of catalyst loading, reactor configuration, and plastic type was assessed through systematic experiments. Results showed that technical-grade PP, under optimal conditions, yielded up to 81.4 wt.% gas with a hydrogen concentration of 45.2 vol.% and a hydrogen efficiency of 44.8 g/g. In contrast, PE and mixed PP + PE waste displayed lower hydrogen performance, particularly when containing inorganic fillers. For all types of plastics studied, the gaseous fractions obtained have a high calorific value (46,941–55,087 kJ/kg) and at the same time low specific CO2 emissions (4.4–6.1 × 10−5 kg CO2/kJ), which makes these fuels very efficient and have a low carbon footprint. Comparative tests using conventional heating revealed significantly lower hydrogen yields (4.77 vs. 19.7 mmol/g plastic). These findings highlight the potential of microwave-assisted pyrolysis as an efficient method for transforming ELV-derived plastic waste into energy carriers, offering a pathway toward low-carbon, resource-efficient waste management.