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Sustainable Composite Based on Recycled Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) Embedded with Titanium Phosphate/Zinc/Silver Nanofiller: Physico-Chemical Evaluations
Summary
Researchers developed composite materials by blending recycled PET bottles with titanium phosphate nanofillers modified with zinc and silver, finding that the additives reduced surface hydrophobicity and stiffened the amorphous phase while preserving mechanical damping — suggesting potential as multifunctional antimicrobial textiles aligned with circular economy principles.
Considering the commitments outlined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda, as well as the principles of recycling and the Circular Economy, this work aimed to develop a new material with enhanced properties and added value from post-consumer poly (ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) bottles. Extruded composites based on rPET were loaded with pristine titanium phosphate (TiP) and TiP modified with zinc and silver salts. The rheological assessment showed variation at low frequencies. A reduction in the contact angle was detected with the addition of fillers. No variation in rPET crystallization was observed using optical microscopy. The fillers did not affect the lightfastness. Some stiffening of the rPET amorphous phase was noted, but the damping ability of rPET remained unchanged. The material is believed to offer multifunctional feasibility for the textile sector, potentially acting as a light stabilizer and antimicrobial agent. The work endorses the principles of sustainability and confirms the suitability of recycling as a means to reduce the impact of post-consumer plastics.