Abstract
The practice of recycling over the years has been increasingly encouraged, with the aim being the manufacturing of materials that contribute to sustainable development. In light of this, the present work evaluated the potential of mixtures of polystyrene (PS)/recycled copolymer polypropylene (PPr), using styrene-(ethylene/butylene)-styrene (SEBS) as a compatibilizing agent. Initially, the mixtures were prepared in a co-rotational twin-screw extruder, and, afterwards, the extruded granules were molded by injection. The properties of torque rheometry, impact strength, tensile properties, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), heat deflection temperature (HDT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were evaluated. The formulation PS/PPr/SEBS (70/20/10 %wt.) demonstrated an increase in viscosity, corroborating with an increase of 123% and 227% in the elongation at break and impact strength, respectively, compared to neat PS. Though the elastic modulus and tensile strength suffered losses, the reduction was not drastic. Furthermore, the addition of a semi-crystalline recycled material in the amorphous matrix (PS) contributed to an increase in thermomechanical strength, as seen in the HDT. The morphology revealed that SEBS is effective in making PS/PPr mixtures compatible because the dispersed phase is well adhered to the PS matrix and promotes greater morphological stability. Thus, it is possible to add value to discarded material and reduce the costs of the final product, which can reduce pollution.
Highlights
As the world’s population grows, an enormous amount of waste is generated that is derived from polymeric materials, contributing to environmental and social impacts [1]
Copolymer PP residues are a source of environmental pollution and raw material waste. They are associated with beneficial properties and high added value, including the technological potential to be used as a polystyrene (PS) impact modifier
Samsudin et al [20] investigated the chemical resistance of polystyrene (PS)/polypropylene (PP) mixtures compatibilized with SEBS
Summary
As the world’s population grows, an enormous amount of waste is generated that is derived from polymeric materials, contributing to environmental and social impacts [1]. Copolymer PP residues are a source of environmental pollution and raw material waste They are associated with beneficial properties and high added value, including the technological potential to be used as a polystyrene (PS) impact modifier. As a transparent and fragile thermoplastic with good tensile properties, PS can be synthesized, processed, and recycled, and it is resistant to biological degradation [10] It has low impact strength and, it must be toughened for certain applications [11]. Samsudin et al [20] investigated the chemical resistance of polystyrene (PS)/polypropylene (PP) mixtures compatibilized with SEBS. Luna et al [23] investigated the toughening of polystyrene (PS) with hybrid mixtures of copolymer polypropylene (PP) and recycled polypropylene (PPr), using SEBS as a compatibilizing agent. Both the economic and environmental benefits are justification for research evaluating thTehpiostewnotirakl oafimtheisdretocycslteuddymaptoelryiaslt.yrene/recycled copolymer polypropylene mixtures, using styrene-T(ehtihsylwenoerk/buatimylende)t-ostsytruednye (pSoElBySs)tyarseanec/ormecpyactliebdiliczoinpgolaygmenetr. polypropylene mixtures, using styrene-(ethylene/butylene)-styrene (SEBS) as a compatibilizing agent
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