Energy Recovery from Polyethylene Terephthalate(PET) Recycling Process

Solid waste generation especially from plastics increase every year due to the current consumption habit in the society. The improper disposal of plastics has been a major concern to environment as they are not easily degradable. In this study, energy derived from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle recycling process were studied. Raw and used PET samples were produced by using injection moulding machine. The amount of energy recovered upon production was calculated by using Universal Testing Machine. The effect of temperature and pressure during production on raw and used PET plastics were measured. Temperature at 260 degrees Celsius and 7 Mpa pressure gave highest energy production. The results of raw and used PET samples exhibit comparable amount of energy 0.8J and 2.044 x 10^sup -4^MJ/Kg - 2.0635 x 10^sup -4^MJ/Kg, respectively. PET show decrement of average hardness value 8.99 % after filled with hot water at 100 degrees Celsius. The increased of hot water filling temperature subsequently reduced the tensile strength and hardness value for both HDPE and PET.