Successful Experiments in Blending Rubber(s) with Polyester Waste Fabric to Produce Products of Industrial and Domestic Use

Non-woven polyester fabric waste is available in huge quantities from industry which is difficult to reuse. It cannot be melted nor can it be dissolved in any solvent owing to its complex structure and cross-linking. Presently it is incinerated or burned in cement industry. But its burning creates hazardous pollutants. This study focuses on utilizing the strength and durability of the two raw materials involved to form a Polyester Rubber Composite (PRC) with improved stability and process ability. A detailed chemical and mechanical analysis of PRC has been done, which indicates compatibility of the two polymers and enhancement in the hardness of the rubber by around 20–45 units. The PRC has been subjected to compression molding to fabricate commercial products like Bush and gaskets, which exhibit significant enhancement in chemical, processing and physical properties. A brief economic analysis of PRC gasket and virgin butyl rubber gasket shows a reduced cost margin of approx. 7.00% in the processing cost of the former, validating the market potential of the product. The utilization of these industrial waste materials, whose current disposal practices pose a concern at environmental level, into serviceable products gives a route for sustainable recycling practices.