Plastic Waste Valorization for Fused Deposition Modeling Feedstock: A Case Study on Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate/High-Density Polyethylene Sustainability

In this study, material development, characterization, and sustainability assessment are performed on blends from recycled post-consumer commodity plastics for fused deposition modeling (FDM) filament extrusion. A polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) high-density (rHDPE) blend 80:20 ratio is modified using three different methods: compatibilization with Maleic Anhydride, surface functionalization of PET sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), hybridization by combination the two methods which a novel approach. The selected were reinforced chopped glass fibers characterized. printability was assessed, dimensional accuracy prints calculated. addition, cost estimation comparison between developed commercially available FDM filaments carried out. Finally, life cycle (LCA) conducted each prepared to facilitate decision optimum in relation mechanical properties environmental performance hence correlate material, economic, advantages.