Development of Plastic Composite Using Waste Sawdust, Rice Husk and Bamboo in the Polystyrene-Based Resin (PBR) Matrix at Ambient Conditions

Abstract

The use of Ppolystyrene-Bbased Rresin (PBR) synthesised from waste polystyrene in the valorisation of biomass like sawdust, rice husk and bamboo for the production of plastic composites at ambient conditions was the focus of this investigation. This chapter explores the preparation and properties of plastic composites produced from biomass wastes and PBR synthesised from waste. The preparations were made at varying percentage of waste biomass (between 0% and 40%). PBR was synthesised via solvolysis of waste polystyrene in a chosen solvent, and properly mixed with recycled biomass by simple mechanical stirring, using hand lay-up process in cold pressing to obtain the desired shapes. ASTM D-1037 standard was used to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured particleboards. Moisture content (MC), water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS) and mechanical properties, that is modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR), were suitably comparable to ANSI A208.1 standard. PBR synthesised at room temperature is confirmed as a good matrix for biomass fillers like sawdust, rice husk and bamboo in the production of plastic composite.