Manufacturing of Bathroom Tiles Using Waste Plastics

Written by R. MOHAMMED ASHIK, KISHORE KUMBLE M, LOGITH P, BARATHKANNA K

Nowadays solid waste management is one of the major environmental problem and waste utilization has become an attractive alternative to disposal. In this way this technology contribute in the decontamination of the environment. 

Introduction

The main problem related to plastic waste is the growing number of products that use plastic packaging. The use and development of plastics have contributed a significant amount to negative effect. Since waste plastic materials are burned in municipal land without any use or accumulated as landfill which causes air pollution due to emission of toxic gases, ozone layer depletion, global warming and affects human, plants, animals. So the objective of this study is to produce a plastic tiles from those non-biodegradable (PET) waste plastic.

3.- Technological Innovation

PET (POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE)

Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET for short, is a type of plastic that is in common usage in many products today and is easily recyclable. PET is predominantly produced for the textiles industry as ‘polyester’, but this article will focus on the more pure form used in packaging. Primarily used in plastic drinks bottles, it is recognisable by the ‘spot’ on the base of the bottle, composed of moulded plastic. Chemically, PET is a thermoplastic polymer, and is made up of polymerised, repeating units of C. 

RESIN

In polymer chemistry and materials science, resin is a solid or highly viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin that is typically convertible into polymers. Resins are usually mixtures of organic compounds. This article focuses on naturally occurring resins.

TECHNOLOGY

The methods involved in this process are collection of waste PET plastics, shredding of waste plastic into small particles, mixing of epoxy resin with the plastic and the mixture is compressed in the mould into tiles. Manufacturing cost of this plastic tile is relatively lesser than the ordinary tiles and also ecofriendly. To evaluate different physical and mechanical properties, tests like water absorption test, transverse resistance, resistance of impact, hardness and abrasion resistance tests werecarried out as per IS specifications on the plastic tile and these test results were compared with normal cement tiles.

Importance and Its Potential

Promoting recycling of plastic polymers as a substitute for virgin plastic. Diverting waste plastic from the residual waste going to incineration (creating a carbon neutral energy source) and landfill. To reduce energy usage. Consumption of virgin raw materials. Reduce air and water pollution. To protect the natural resources. Reduction in green house emission. Promotion of sustainable living.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

Anticipated Cost, Risks and Benefits.

The cost for the production of this plastic tile is around Rs.10-15 /- per tile. Out of many plastic wastes, only a few types of plastic can be recycled, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) that is used for soft drink and juice bottles. Another example of recyclable plastic is High-density polyethylene (HDPE) that is commonly used for water and milk packaging. To recycle plastic, we also have to be careful because if the plastic waste is burned, it will cause the toxic substance from waste to be released into the air and be inhaled by humans. Data obtained from the Deputy of contamination Prevention in the Ministry of Environment (MOE) show that each individual produces an average of 0.8 kilogram of waste in a day in which 15 percent of it is plastic.