We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Sustainable Reinforcement of Rubber Compound Using Recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
A comprehensive review found that incorporating recycled PET into rubber compounds can improve tensile strength by up to 45%, enhance thermal stability by 20–30°C, and reduce energy consumption by approximately 50 MJ/kg compared to virgin PET, while advancing circular economy goals. Diverting post-consumer PET waste into high-performance rubber composites reduces the volume of plastic that would otherwise enter waste streams where it fragments into microplastics.
Increasing environmental concerns over plastic waste and the depletion of non-renewable resources have intensified the search for sustainable alternatives in rubber reinforcement. This review comprehensively investigates the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r-PET) as a green reinforcing agent in rubber compounds, replacing traditional fillers such as carbon black and silica. Experimental studies reveal that incorporating r-PET can improve tensile strength by up to 45%, enhance thermal stability by 20–30°C, and lead to energy savings of approximately 50 MJ.kg-1 compared to virgin PET. Notably, this review is the first to integrate mechanical performance analysis with life cycle assessment (LCA), providing a dual perspective on technical feasibility and environmental impacts. Processing methods, such as mechanical blending, chemical grafting, and surface modification, have been discussed to enhance r-PET compatibility with rubber matrices. Challenges such as poor dispersion, interfacial adhesion, and thermal degradation are critically analyzed, along with mitigation strategies. The findings demonstrate that r-PET not only offers performance and cost advantages but also supports circular economy initiatives by repurposing postconsumer PET waste into high-performance rubber composite. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on hybrid reinforcement systems, compatibility enhancement, and carbon-footprint reduction.
More Papers Like This
Plastic roads: evaluating the role of waste PET in hot mix asphalt – a review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined the mechanical, environmental, and economic impacts of incorporating waste PET into hot-mix asphalt, finding optimal performance at 4–6% PET dosage improving rutting resistance, durability, and flexibility. Life cycle assessment studies reported a 47.4% reduction in global warming potential, though long-term field data remain limited and regulatory and processing barriers hinder large-scale adoption.
A Review on the Formulation and Rupture Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate in a Mechanical Recycling Context
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines polyethylene terephthalate's structural and mechanical properties before and after mechanical recycling, detailing how degradation mechanisms during reprocessing affect the quality of the final product. The authors identify key knowledge gaps around structural modifications caused by processing and highlight widely used reinforcement techniques along with their limitations for industrial PET recycling.
Comprehensive Review of Geotechnical Engineering Properties of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Fibers and Strips for Soil Stabilization
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes research on using recycled PET plastic fibers and strips as soil reinforcement in geotechnical engineering, finding that PET additions consistently improve shear strength, bearing capacity, and settlement resistance, while offering an environmentally beneficial second life for one of the most widely discarded plastic types.
Mechanical properties studying in concrete through PET plastic and rubber waste integration in mixture
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers incorporated recycled PET plastic and rubber tire waste as partial replacements for fine and coarse aggregates in concrete mixes at substitution rates up to 60%, finding that while compressive strength and density declined with higher replacement ratios, the resulting lightweight concrete could reduce structural dead loads and offers a viable outlet for polymeric waste in non-load-bearing applications.
Natural Rubber Latex-Modified Concrete with PET and Crumb Rubber Aggregate Replacements for Sustainable Rigid Pavements
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested concrete mixes that replaced conventional aggregates with recycled PET plastic and crumb rubber waste, modified with natural rubber latex. The results show that waste plastic can be incorporated into road pavement concrete, offering a way to divert plastic waste from landfills while creating durable construction materials.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.