The Utilization of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene Plastic) as A Raw Material for Plastic Tiles

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Plastic is known for its durability, malleability and for being light-weight. It is also convenient to use in almost everything that is why people are fond of using this. With that, the demand for plastic production increased and at the same time, the disposal of these plastics became a factor of floods, diseases, and pollution. With the given problem solutions pop out and one of those is recycling. This research aims to recycle plastic waste especially High-density polyethylene by utilizing this to make tiles out of plastics.

METHODS

First was the researcher gathered the materials needed for the experiment. Then it would be the plastics that were weighed for about 160 grams. After this, it would be passed through a shredder to be able to have almost similar sizes. Next, it would then be put in a molder at the same time furnace for it to be shaped and melted. After melting it for 40 minutes it would be cooled and polished the edges. The tiles created would then be compared in terms of water absorption, bend strength and adhesion or compaction through drop tests. After that, the results of the two variables would then be compared with each other.

RESULTS

Based on the results in terms of water absorption, the plastic tiles show no absorption ability while the ceramic shows about a 15% increase in weight. Next would be in compaction test through drop test. in each trial, the plastic tiles didn't break unlike in ceramic tiles in all trials the ceramic tiles show brittleness. Then next would be in terms of the bend strength. The ceramic tiles are a lesser amount of flexibility while the plastic tiles show a larger amount of resistance during bending moment.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results it is said that in all tests that the variables underwent the results of plastics and ceramic shows a significant difference. It shows that utilizing plastics is better for most aspects compared to using ceramic. The plastics show the right amount in every test. This research may be successful but it also has some flaws. This study lacks the variation of test done and the materials were plain. So to further enhance this research I suggest to look for a better test to compare these two and to prove that plastic can be utilized in making tiles. You can also add more trials and materials used in making the plastic tiles.