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HDPE and PET property testing with physical, chemical, and biological contamination; plastic cleaning methodology evaluation
In Blantyre, Malawi, different ways of recycling PET and HDPE are investigated. Plastic bottles can be remelted into sheets for desk or table-top construction, or into insulating wool for housing construction. However, knowledge has to be gained to understand the impact of impurities on the recycling process as a whole and the mechanical properties in particular. The impact of corn (maize) residuals, dirt, mold, and fluids on remelted plastic is still unknown. Possible plastic washing mechanisms need to be explored to minimize the influence of impurities on final plastic quality. Even though the primary beneficiaries of the results of this study are NGOs in Malawi, the results of this work should provide insights into the non-food grade plastic recycling process for the scientific- and environment-oriented communities.
The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of impurities on plastic recycling (remolding) and propose a washing process to remove the impurities and mitigate their impact on the final product.
The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of impurities on plastic recycling (remolding) and propose a washing process to remove the impurities and mitigate their impact on the final product.
In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for:
- Producing plastic samples with variable contamination level and source.
- Test mechanical properties of plastic samples and their evolution over time with growing mold.
- Design and document the cleaning process to remove the contaminants.
- Confirm the efficiency of the cleaning process by testing the properties of cleaned plastic.
In the course of the project, the student will be responsible for: - Producing plastic samples with variable contamination level and source. - Test mechanical properties of plastic samples and their evolution over time with growing mold. - Design and document the cleaning process to remove the contaminants. - Confirm the efficiency of the cleaning process by testing the properties of cleaned plastic.
This research looks for a Master-level mechanical engineering student with interests in process engineering, sustainability, and plastic re-use.
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).
This research looks for a Master-level mechanical engineering student with interests in process engineering, sustainability, and plastic re-use.
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (jtkaczuk@ethz.ch).
ETH for Development (ETH4D) aims to develop innovations that are directly relevant to improving the livelihoods of people in low-resource settings and to educate future leaders in sustainable development.
2024-MSc-thesis-plastic-characterization.pdf
