Development of PP/r-PET Low-speed Wheels: An Approach to Value Added Recycling of PET along with Minimizing Virgin Plastic Usage in the Industry

Abstract

The increase of plastic usage in different applications has a huge impact on the environment due waste generation. This study was focused not only to find a way to reduce the virgin plastic usage but also to convert a commodity plastic waste into a commercial engineering product. Post consumed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles were used as a source of recycled PET (r-PET) and blended with commercial grade polypropylene (PP) to produce the center part of low speed wheels. Thermomechanical properties of PP/r-PET blends were investigated along with the effect of compatibilization. The quality of prepared wheels was examined with dynamic drum test and impact test. The addition of recycled PET into polypropylene enhanced the properties of blends and it also supported to maintain the fatigue life of the wheel.