Comparative Performance of Recycled PET and Commercial Fibres Under Thermal and Mechanical Stress

Authors

  • Azmi Ahmad Department of Petrochemical Engineering, Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia
  • Siti Nuraisyah Mohamad Bazri Department of Petrochemical Engineering, Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia
  • Nur Iliya Syuhada Mohd Azli Hisham Department of Petrochemical Engineering, Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n6.014

Keywords:

Fibre, mechanical strength, thermal resistance, sustainable

Abstract

This study This study investigates the mechanical strength and thermal resistance of fibre produced from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in comparison to commercial fibre. The objective is to assess the potential of recycled PET fibre as a sustainable material under thermal and mechanical stress. Recycled PET fibres were fabricated using a modified cotton candy machine. Beeswax treatment was applied at 60°C, 40°C, and room temperature to evaluate its influence on tensile strength. Observations on stretchability, brittleness, and wax adsorption were recorded to compare the mechanical performance of both fibre types. Thermal resistance testing involved immersing the fibres in silicone oil and subjecting them to progressive heating at 30°C, 60°C, and 80°C. Results showed that commercial fibres retained superior flexibility across all beeswax treatments, while recycled PET fibres became brittle and showed limited stretchability. However, recycled PET exhibited greater thermal stability, withstanding higher temperatures before showing signs of burning, whereas commercial fibre melted at 80°C. These findings suggest that although recycled PET fibre has lower mechanical resilience, it performs better under high temperatures. This makes it a promising candidate for applications requiring heat resistance, such as thermal insulation or packaging. However, mechanical limitations remain and may necessitate further treatment or reinforcement. The study contributes to the advancement of recycled PET in sustainable material development and offers baseline data for future enhancement of recycled fibre products.

Author Biographies

Azmi Ahmad, Department of Petrochemical Engineering, Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

Dr. Azmi Ahmad holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, specializing in water and wastewater treatment. He is currently a Lecturer at Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Johor, Malaysia. With a strong academic and research background, he is actively involved in teaching, supervising student projects, and conducting research related to environmental and chemical engineering. His primary research interests focus on sustainable solutions for water and wastewater treatment, including the use of natural coagulants, membrane technologies, and waste valorization. Dr. Azmi also contributes to curriculum development and student mentoring, supporting academic excellence and innovation in technical education. He remains committed to advancing research in sustainable water management.

Siti Nuraisyah Mohamad Bazri, Department of Petrochemical Engineering, Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

Siti Nuraisyah Mohamad Bazri is a Diploma graduate in Petrochemical Engineering from Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Johor, Malaysia. She has completed her academic and industrial training requirements and is currently awaiting her convocation. During her studies, she developed a strong foundation in engineering principles and technical skills relevant to the field. She actively participated in academic projects and student activities, demonstrating both competence and teamwork. Her interests include areas related to engineering, technology, and environmental improvement. Siti Nuraisyah is keen to further her studies or pursue a career in the technical field, where she can contribute meaningfully to industry development.

Nur Iliya Syuhada Mohd Azli Hisham, Department of Petrochemical Engineering, Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

Nur Iliya Syuhada Mohd Azli Hisham recently completed her Diploma in Petrochemical Engineering at Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Johor, Malaysia, and is currently awaiting her official convocation. Throughout her academic journey, she gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in engineering-related subjects. She was actively involved in coursework and group projects, which helped her build strong problem-solving and communication skills. With a keen interest in science, technology, and environmental awareness, she is motivated to continue learning and exploring opportunities in the engineering field. Nur Iliya aspires to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully in any role she undertakes within the industry.

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Published

16-06-2025

How to Cite

Ahmad, A., Mohamad Bazri, S. N., & Mohd Azli Hisham, N. I. S. M. A. H. (2025). Comparative Performance of Recycled PET and Commercial Fibres Under Thermal and Mechanical Stress. RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 10(6), 135–141. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n6.014

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 6 (2025): RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

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Articles

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This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).