PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF RECYCLED PET FILAMENTS PLASTICIZED WITH WASTE COOKING OIL FOR FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING APPLICATIONS

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical and microstructural properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) filaments plasticized with refined waste cooking oil (rWCO) for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) applications. rWCO was physically refined using cornstarch treatment and blended with rPET at 5%, 7.5%, and 10% concentrations. Filaments were extruded and printed using a Creality K1C printer, followed by tensile testing, XRD, and SEM analysis. The 7.5% rWCO blend showed improved morphology and crystallinity, but tensile strength remained lower than pure rPET. Statistical analysis revealed a moderate negative correlation (r = –0.650) between rWCO content and tensile strength, with ANOVA confirming significance (p = 0.022). Regression modeling indicated that rWCO concentration accounts for 42.29% of the variability in tensile strength. Despite mechanical limitations, rWCO enhanced print consistency and surface quality. The 7.5% blend emerged as the most balanced formulation, supporting its potential for sustainable filament development. Future work should explore lower rWCO ratios and compatibilizers to improve mechanical resilience.