Sustainable Reinforcement of Rubber Compound using recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) : A Review

Abstract

The growing environmental concerns surrounding plastic waste and the depletion of non-renewable resources have driven research into sustainable alternatives for rubber reinforcement. This review explores the utilization of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a reinforcing agent in rubber compounds, aiming to reduce dependency on conventional fillers like carbon black. Various processing techniques, including mechanical blending, chemical grafting, and surface modification, are examined to enhance PET’s compatibility with rubber matrices. The study highlights the impact of PET reinforcement on mechanical, thermal, and dynamic properties, demonstrating its potential to improve tensile strength, elasticity, and wear resistance while contributing to sustainability. Additionally, the review discusses key challenges such as dispersion issues, interfacial bonding, and processing limitations, along with strategies to overcome them. The findings suggest that recycled PET can serve as an eco-friendly and cost-effective reinforcement material, supporting the circular economy by repurposing post-consumer plastic waste. Future research directions are also proposed, focusing on optimizing PET-rubber interactions and developing advanced hybrid reinforcement systems to further enhance performance.