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Prototype Pultrusion of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic Bottles into Filament for 3D Eco-Printing: Education for a Sustainable Development Project

Author

Listed:
  • Ginés Morales Méndez

    (Faculty of Chemistry, University of Murcia, Campus of Espinardo, 5, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain)

  • Alicia del Cerro Pérez

    (Faculty of Education, University of Murcia, Campus of Espinardo, 5, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain)

  • Francisco del Cerro Velázquez

    (Faculty of Chemistry, University of Murcia, Campus of Espinardo, 5, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain)

Abstract

In light of mounting environmental concerns surrounding the overuse and accumulation of plastic waste, the United Nations (UN) has turned its attention towards sustainable materials and the Circular Economy (CE). Polymer recycling technologies have the potential to reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of plastic waste production, thereby contributing to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to this challenge, students enrolled in the fourth year of secondary education, specializing in technology, during the 2021–2022 academic year, developed an open-source prototype that automatically transforms polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into recycled rPET filament for 3D printing using an automated pultrusion model. In this working group, one of the students identified as gifted developed the pultrusion prototype using challenge-based learning and the project method (PM), which is now known as project-based learning. The resulting prototype has the capacity to transform PET bottles into rPET filament with mechanical properties comparable to those of commercial filaments, thereby enabling the manufacture of a wide range of products through 3D printing. It is not the intention of this work to create a commercial product. Rather, it is designed to promote social and sustainable entrepreneurship, CE, and the values of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through the recycling of polymers by means of 3D printing production. In addition, it seeks to develop the key competences for sustainability described in the methodological framework established by UNESCO in 2017.

Suggested Citation

  • Ginés Morales Méndez & Alicia del Cerro Pérez & Francisco del Cerro Velázquez, 2024. "Prototype Pultrusion of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic Bottles into Filament for 3D Eco-Printing: Education for a Sustainable Development Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8347-:d:1485753
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Despeisse, M. & Baumers, M. & Brown, P. & Charnley, F. & Ford, S.J. & Garmulewicz, A. & Knowles, S. & Minshall, T.H.W. & Mortara, L. & Reed-Tsochas, F.P. & Rowley, J., 2017. "Unlocking value for a circular economy through 3D printing: A research agenda," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 75-84.
    2. Alexandra Evans & Munir Hanjra & Yunlu Jiang & Manzoor Qadir & Pay Drechsel, 2012. "Water Quality: Assessment of the Current Situation in Asia," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(2), pages 195-216.
    3. Fernando Lozano Rivas & Francisco Del Cerro Velázquez & Ginés Morales Méndez, 2023. "Key Competences for Sustainability: Technical Project Supported by Ecodesign of Educational Spaces to Achieve SDGs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-15, February.
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