Manufacturing and analysis of plastic recycled tiles

Project Title

Manufacturing and analysis of plastic recycled tiles

Project Area of Specialization Mechanical EngineeringProject Summary

Plastic pollution is of great concern throughout the world as it is causing harmful environmental effects. This project is about manufacturing and analyzing the properties of the tiles made from recycled plastic. A system is proposed to recycle waste plastic and make building materials (tuff tiles) from it. For this purpose, plastic shredder is to be manufactured, which will be used in shredding plastic specifically PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). The shredded plastic will then undergo the process of extrusion and molding. Different compositions of tile will be used and analyzed. Also, different pigments will be added for the visual appeal of the tile. After the production of tiles, analysis will be made in comparison with the traditional tuff tiles. The analytical results would lead to conclusion that how recycled plastic tiles are more feasible as well as cost effective than the traditional tuff tiles.

Project Objectives

1. Recycle plastic waste into building material (tuff tiles)
2. Analysis of recycled tiles with different compositions
3. Cost and strength analysis of recycled tiles comparitive to traditional tiles

Project Implementation Method

The process starts with the collection of plastic waste (PET). The plastic is then shredded into small flakes of approximately 5-7mm in size. The shredded plastic is then extruded at the melting temperature of PET i.e., 260°C. This molten plastic is collected in the mold and pressed hydraulically. Differnet color pigments will be added for the beautification of the recycled tile. Once the final product is manufactured, the next step is the analysis of the tile which would include compressive/tensile strength test, flexural strength test and water absorptivity tests.  On the basis of results, tile having the best composition will be selected and compared with the traditional tuff tile.

Benefits of the Project

1. Recycling of plastic
2. A feasible and effective solution for the reduction of plastic waste in Pakistan
3. Cheaper and durable tiles 
4. Product can be used in every house, building etc.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The technical details of the project are explained below:

1. Dimension of the tile would be 150x150 mm
2. Thickness of 25mm.
3. Compressive strength of 50 MPa
4. Tensile strength of 10 MPa.
5. Overall weight of the product w be approximately 500g.
6. Estimated cost of the recycled tile would be 10-15 PKR per piece. 

Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry ManufacturingOther IndustriesCore Technology OthersOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Sustainable Cities and Communities, Life Below Water, Life on LandRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	80000
Plastic shredder	Equipment	1	70000	70000
Extruder gear box	Miscellaneous	1	10000	10000