Thesis

Optimizing Waste is a project focused on exploring ways to turn plastic waste into usable material. Plastic waste is a monolithic problem, both environmentally and economically, with countries like Kenya being unable to dispose of it properly. The plastics industry is always producing full-blast regardless of demand, meaning it’s not realistic to expect production to decrease anytime soon. There is one small positive in the midst of the plastic crisis, the reason it’s so hard to dispose of is the same reason it’s so useful for manufacturing. It can be cut, shredded, scored, bent, milled, melted, formed, molded, extruded, and all manner of other modifications, and remain the same material. Since plastic waste supply is practically limitless and the material itself is incredibly robust, developing a method to easily use it at home would be invaluable for makers both at NuVu and everywhere else.

Precedents

Major plastic types

HDPE - High Density Polyethylene

• Examples: shampoo bottles, milk jugs

LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene

• Examples: zip lock bags, Saran Wrap, plastic grocery bags, any stretchy plastic material 

PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate 

• Examples: plastic soda bottles, clothing fibers (polyester) 

PP - Polypropylene

• Examples: plastic tables/chairs, chemical bottles

Polyethylene Terephthalate

1. Chemical Resistance: PET does not react with water or food which is one of the reasons it is used for consumable packaging.  
2. Strength to Weight Ratio: PET is very strong for its lightweight.
3. Shatterproof: PET will not break or fracture. This makes it a great replacement for glass as a container.
4. Transmissivity: Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) is naturally transparent. That said, if high transmissivity is desired then plastics like Acrylic or Polycarbonate may be better choices.

Material Properties:

Polypropylene (PP)

1. The melting point of polypropylene occurs at a range.
2. Homopolymer: 160 - 165°C
3. Copolymer: 135 - 159°C
4. PP is one of the lightest polymers among all commodity plastics.
5. Polypropylene is a highly flammable material
6. PP retains mechanical & electrical properties at elevated temperatures, in humid conditions and when submersed in water. It is a water-repellent plastic
7. PP has good resistance to environmental stress cracking
8. PP produces lung irritants when melted, making it less easy to manipulate at home.

Material Properties: