The study on physical properties of rubber flooring with plastic waste

Abstract

Natural rubber is not only a key driver of Thailand’s economic development but also plays a significant role in its social and rural economies, as it generates employment and strengthens community resilience. Concurrently, Thailand is facing a critical environmental challenge from plastic waste, exceeding 2 million tons annually. In response, this study proposes the development of anti-slip rubber flooring tiles incorporating recycled plastic waste, aiming to reduce plastic waste through material reuse while enhancing product value.The research focuses on the physical properties of rubber tiles blended with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), evaluated in accordance with ASTM standards. Key performance indicators include tensile strength, tear strength, hardness, and slip resistance. PET particles were prepared in three sizes: 4.72 mm (sieve No. 4), 3.01 mm (sieve No. 6), and 1.63 mm (sieve No. 10), to determine the optimal size for anti-slip flooring applications.The results indicate that rubber tiles containing PET particles of 3.01 mm exhibited the highest mechanical performance among all samples. Specifically, the tensile strength reached 13.72 MPa, while the elongation at break exceeded ASTM standards (150–300%) for all samples, with a maximum value of 713.91%. Similarly, the highest tear strength was recorded at 27.20 MPa for the same particle size. In terms of hardness, ASTM specifies an optimal range of 65 ± 5 Shore A. However, all tested samples fell outside this range, indicating the need for further material formulation improvements.Regarding slip resistance, ASTM standards require a minimum value of 36 PTV under wet conditions. The findings reveal that water significantly reduces slip resistance performance. While all samples demonstrated high slip resistance under dry conditions, their performance decreased substantially when tested on wet surfaces.In conclusion, the incorporation of recycled PET, particularly at a particle size of 3.01 mm, shows strong potential for enhancing the mechanical properties of rubber flooring tiles. However, further optimization is required to meet hardness standards and improve slip resistance under wet conditions, ensuring suitability for practical applications.