On 3D printing of low-cost sensors using recycled PET

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) thermoplastic polyester is durable, formable material that is widely used to manufacture consumer products like sailcloth, sailing spinnakers, food-grade containers, etc. for commercial and engineering applications. The recycling of PET is still a challenge because of its abundance, especially in low-income/developing countries. The present study reports the recycling of PET by utilizing the primary (1°) recycled PET (R-PET) for 3D printing-based sensor applications with the idea of converting waste to wealth. The investigations were performed on PET-based waste collected from institute campus canteens (in form of used food containers/soft drink bottles) after ascertaining their rheological, mechanical, morphological, bonding, and sensing capabilities. The sensing capabilities of R-PET were explored by performing a ring resonator test of a 3D-printed substrate using a vector network analyzer (VNA). The result of the study outlined that R-PET-based sensors may be used in sailcloth, and sailing spinnakers to monitor the location of boats in a shipyard/dock.