DEVELOPING AN ECO-FRIENDLY

GLOWING DISC FROM RECYCLED

POLYPROPYLENE FOR SUSTAINABLE
OUTDOOR RECREATION

Submitted by : Kiran Kumar Roy ( 2111112004)

Akash Adhikary (2111112002)

Khitish Mohapatra (2111112007)
INTRODUCTI
ON
1 . PHOTOLUMINESCENT PIGMENT
• Photoluminescent pigments are the substances that
can collect and store light energy (typically from
ambient light or direct light exposure), and
subsequently emit that energy in the form of visible
light over time after the light source has been turned
off. This Phenomena is called as photoluminescence .
• It is a white , odourless powder easily implemented
into many type of transparent material like plastics ,
glass , resin .
Properties of the pigment
• Non – toxic & safe for use.
• Energy efficient as they do not consume electricity to produce light.
• Highly durable & can resist exposure to environment conditions which
makes them suitable for outdoor applications.
• Availaible in multiple colours such as green , blue , aqua etc for
various creative applications .
• Can be recharged by exposure to light sources, making them suitable
for repeated use.
PHOTOLUMINESCENT
PROCESS
• It contains 2 major phases & causes glow in the dark phenomenon to
occur .
• 1. Absorption: When exposed to an external light source, the
photoluminescent pigment absorbs photons (light particles). This
energy raises the energy level of the electrons inside the pigment’s
atoms.
• 2. Releasing energy: The pigment’s electrons drop back to their
lower energy state after absorbing it. They do this while emitting
visible light as a way to release the extra energy.
Glowing pigment Photoluminescent pigment
 WHY DOES IT GLOW IN THE
DARK ?
As the pigment contains a phosphor which is a substance
that emits light for a certain period of time after
exposure to an energy source like Sunlight .
• Zinc Sulfide & Cadmium Sulfide are such phosphors .
• Strontium Aluminate is a significant example that emits
light for hours after exposure to an energy source like
sunlight, vehicles light or automotive lighting .
2.RECYCLED POLYPROPYLENE (rPP)
• (rPP) is a type of plastic material that is produced by reprocessing
and reusing post industrial PP waste.
• The recycling process involves collecting used polypropylene
products, cleaning them, and then processing them into pellets or
flakes, which can be used to manufacture new products .
• By recycling polypropylene, we can reduce the amount of plastic
waste going to landfills and help conserve natural resources .
• The resultant polymer can increase mechanical properties and
recycled PP of injection grade provided by the college were used as
base material.
Advantages of rPP
• Lightweight which makes it beneficial for applications where weight
is an issue .
• Cost effective than using virgin PP .
• The production of rPP requires less energy compared to the
production of virgin plastic that results in lower carbon footprint .
• rPP maintains good mechanical strength, making it suitable for
various load-bearing applications.
• Flexible & used in applications like automotives, packaging, textiles,
agriculture & construction.
Recycled Polypropylene
3 . GLOWING ECO-DISC
➢These are moulded recycled polypropylene composite discs mixed with
photoluminescent powder and worked on same way as absorbing uv
energy or sunlight to emit glowing light at night.
➢ They are approximately 100mm in diameter and 6mm in deep.
➢ Eco-disc can generate light upto 10 hr based on the grade of
pigment on minimal exposure to light.
➢ Surface of the disc is texture free to avoid slip.
➢ Disc can be installed in road with the help of silicon based adhesive or
may be easily fitted with screw or bolts.
Glowing eco-disc Eco-disc absorbing Sunlight
 CASE STUDY
1 . SMART HIGHWAYS , NETHERLANDS , 2014
• Smart Highway is a series by artist Daan Roosegaarde in collaboration
with Heijmans. The movement has two notable examples.
A) .GLOWING LINES , OSS
‘Glowing Lines’ was highlighted in the CH2M report but at that time
was still in laboratory testing.
The material has been piloted on 500m of highway outside of
Amsterdam.
• The road markings are applied as a photoluminescent paint which
charge during the day from exposure to sunlight and emit light in
darkness.
B).Van Gogh – Roosegaarde Cycle Path,
Eindhoven
This 600m long path was also identified in the CH2M study and is
constructed from blue/green aggregate coated in a Photo-luminescent
substance (Used in glowing lines project) laid on top of wet concrete
and then buffed to provide a smooth cycle surface.
The aggregate charges on exposure to the sun and emits light during
dark periods for up to 8 hours.
The system is supplemented using solar powered LEDs on the edge of
carriageways and at sharp deviations in route.
• This ensures efficiency if the weather is not bright enough to
recharge the path.
METHOD OF PREPARATION
A) TWIN SCREW EXTRUDER
• The twin screw extruder technology was used to compounding, the
photoluminescent pigment generally mixed with recycled
polypropylene (rPP).
• The extruder barrel temperature at various extruding zones, melt
pressure, and screw speed are the operating conditions of the co-
rotating twin-screw extruder used for the compounding of both
pigment and rPP.
• With different Extruder zones and the die were operated at respective
temperatures of 150°C, 170°C, 180°C, 190°C, 200°C, and 190°C at 276
screw rpm .
Photoluminescent pigment and rpp are fed
through feeders at the extruder in their
corresponding batches.
• The extruded strand that comes out from
the die head was passed the water bath
for cooling at the same time it also under
go cutting process to from pallets.
B ) SAMPLE
PREPARATION
➢ Sample preparation mainly contain injection &
compression moulding process for producing different
parts form granules.
➢ After compounding process. The compounded
material feed to the hopper or barrel, mixed, melt and
forced into the mould cavity, cool & ejected as a final
shape.
SHEET FROM COMPRESSION MOULDING
CHARACTERIZAT
ION
• The mechanical properties of glowing eco-disc can vary depending on
factors such as the source of the recycled polypropylene &
photoluminescent pigment used, the recycling process used, and any
additives or fillers combined during the recycling or manufacturing process.

A) Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of rPP might be slightly lower compared to
virgin polypropylene due to probable degradation during previous use, the recycling
process & addition of photoluminescent on it. However, the difference in tensile
strength can be minimised by using proper recycling techniques and additives.
B) Flexural Strength and Modulus: Similar to tensile strength, recycled polypropylene flexural
strength and modulus may be slightly reduced when compared to virgin material. Proper processing
and blending of recycled material with virgin material or additives can aid in the preservation or
enhancement of these qualities.
c) Abrasion Resistance: The ability of a material to resist wearing or
erosion brought on by friction and contact with other surfaces is referred
to as abrasion resistance. Due to its innate toughness and low coefficient
of friction, polypropylene typically exhibits moderate to good abrasion
resistance. It can withstand the accumulative wear brought on by routine
scraping or rubbing against other materials.
d) Scratch Resistance: When a substance is said to be scratch resistant, it
means that it can endure having visible scratches form on its surface. The
scratch resistance of polypropylene is typically lower than that of several
other technical plastics, such as acrylic or polycarbonate. Given how soft
it is, it may be vulnerable to surface scratches from sharp objects.
RESULTS &
DISCUSSION
• A) . INSTALLATION ON ROAD
➢ Location of discs were marked onto the road with the help
of chalk and a tape measure at 3m centre to centre.
➢ Marked out locations were cleaned of dirt and dust using a
brush and leaf blower and dried out using a blowtorch to heat
the ground surface.
➢ A core drill power-driven by a small generator was used to
core out a circular 2-3mm larger than the diameter of the disc
to the required depth.
➢ A blow torch was used again to dry or out slightly
pooled water from the cored-out area.
➢ Resin was applied to the cored-out area and then
disc was placed on top with additional resin added to
seal the surround if required.
➢ The resin dried within 3-4 hours and sealing the
discs in place.
B)
CONSIDERATION
• To be considered, a road marking product must be designed and tested to ensure
that it meets all appropriate Standards.
• As a result, the product would have to meet all of the following criteria for
performance and durability.
A) Standards: It basically follows ASTMD & ISO standards for different test process.
b) Performance:
➢ Luminance
➢ Skid resistance
➢ Refection under vehicle light
C) Durability:
➢ Lesser maintenance requirements.
➢ Durability with respect to traffics quantities.
D) Sustainability:
➢ Carbon foot print and materials
E) Economic impact:
➢ Long last and whole life costing.
 CONCLUSIO
N
• Finally, eco-friendly glowing discs provide a responsible and sustainable alternative to
standard lighting methods.
• These discs brighten places while decreasing carbon footprint by utilizing renewable
energy sources, deploying efficient technologies, and minimizing environmental
impact.
• Accepting such advancements pave the path for a brighter and more environmentally
friendly future.
• The use of eco-friendly luminous discs for road applications has enormous promise for
mproving traffic safety and energy efficiency.
• Their low energy use, long lifespan, and enhanced visibility all contribute to lower
maintenance costs and carbon emissions.
• We can make roads safer and more environmentally friendly by implementing these
sustainable lighting options, which will benefit both travellers and the world.
• The use of environmentally friendly materials and methods in disk
manufacture can help to greatly reduce the environmental impact of
road transportation.
• These enhancements not only correlate with the expanding worldwide
emphasis on sustainability, but also address pollution and resource
depletion concerns.
• Furthermore, the use of sophisticated technology such as Laser-
Assisted Systems (LAS) can significantly improve road safety.
• LAS technology has the ability to improve production precision and
accuracy, leading in more reliable and efficient disks.
• As a result, enhanced braking performance, fewer accidents, and safer
road conditions for all users are possible.
FUTURE WORK
➢ The ongoing use of recycled polypropylene and pigment in Eco-Disk
installations on highways opens up great prospects for sustainable
urban and rural development. As communities and governments place
a greater emphasis on environmentally friendly infrastructure, low-cost,
high-quality lighting solutions become a crucial component in
improving pedestrian and bike safety while minimizing environmental
effect.
➢City inhabitants can enjoy well-lit, safe routes for their daily commute
and recreational activities by incorporating these disks into city
sidewalks, park walkways, and bike lanes. This not only promotes active
transportation but also decreases reliance on regular street lighting,
potentially saving energy and lowering carbon emissions.
➢ Additionally, the incorporation of Eco-Disks into traffic calming
techniques might be investigated. These disks could be strategically
positioned to demarcate pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, and shared
spaces, encouraging traffic safety and improving the urban landscape
overall .
➢ The usage of Eco-Disk installations on roadways is especially
advantageous in rural regions, as they provide much-needed illumination
without relying on ambient light sources. These disks provide a stable and
cost-effective lighting solution for walkways and roads in areas with
minimal or no street lighting infrastructure, making it safer for walkers and
cyclists to travel throughout the night .
THANK YOU