Expanded Polystyrene Waste Research Articles

Fabrication of Nanofiber Membranes from Waste-Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Combined with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and its Photocatalytic Activity

Society must face the challenge of creating high-value products from recycled waste polymers. This research focuses on the synthesis of nanofiber membranes from waste-expanded polystyrene (EPS) using electrospinning. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) enhance the photocatalytic activity of the fiber membrane. ZnO is a more useful alternative to TiO2 as a form of photocatalyst for degrading contaminants in water. This study systematically investigated the effects of varying amounts of ZnO NPs on fiber membrane nanostructure and photocatalytic activity. Methylene blue was used to measure the photocatalytic efficiency of fiber membranes, as they are commonly used in textile wastewater and exposed to ultraviolet light for 20 h. The results showed that the fiber membrane containing ZnO NPs with a concentration of 1 % effectively degraded methylene blue. HIGHLIGHTS The EPS/ZnO nanofiber produced using electrospinning was characterized using SEM-EDX, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy UV-Vis spectrophotometer testing proves that the EPS/ZnO nanofiber has photocatalytic activity capabilities that can remove organic contaminants The EPS/ZnO 1 % shows the highest efficiency; 45 % of methylene blue was degraded within 20 h of irradiation GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Improving hypercrosslinked polymer CO2/N2 selective separation through tuning polymer's porous properties: Optimization using RSM-BBD

This study investigates the effect of synthesis and operating parameters on the adsorption of CO2 and N2 and the CO2/N2 selectivity of a hypercrosslinked adsorbent based on waste-expanded polystyrene. Six factors were examined, including synthesis time, crosslinker and catalyst amounts, adsorption temperature and pressure, and CO2 percentage in the mixture. The response surface methodology (RSM) and ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) were employed to design the experiment. After synthesizing 19 adsorbents under different conditions, characterization tests were conducted. Results indicate that the specific surface area and micropore volume initially increase and then decrease with increased synthesis time, crosslinker, and catalyst amounts. The highest specific surface area and micropore volume were 803.84 m2/g and 0.1355 cm3/g, respectively. CO2/N2 selectivity and the adsorption of CO2 and N2 also increase and decrease with increased synthesis parameters. Furthermore, it was observed that CO2 adsorption and CO2/N2 selectivity increased with an increase in pressure and CO2 percentage and a decrease in temperature, while N2 adsorption decreased. The adsorbents were optimized using RSM to maximize CO2 adsorption and CO2/N2 selectivity with a target of 15 % CO2 in the gas mixture. The optimal synthesis parameters for the hypercrosslinked adsorbent, including synthesis time, crosslinker, and catalyst amounts, were determined to be approximately 13 hours, 30 mmol, and 30 mmol, respectively. Under optimal conditions for flue gas applications (CO2:N2/15:85), the adsorbent demonstrated a CO2/N2 selectivity of 11.05, making it suitable for flue gas capture.

Studies on particleboard production using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) waste as a binder for construction applications

This study explored the potential of using EPS waste as a substitute for synthetic resin in particleboard production. The objectives were to assess the impact of various processing parameters, including board density, EPS waste percentage, and pressing temperature, on the properties of the board. For this purpose, lab-scale particleboards were fabricated by combining kelempayan wood particles with EPS waste powders. Subsequently, the physical, mechanical, and thermal stability properties of the board were assessed. The results indicated that the board density, EPS waste percentage, and pressing temperature influenced the physical, mechanical, and thermal stability properties of the board. The bending properties, internal bond (IB) strength, and thickness swelling (TS) of the board exhibited an upward trend with increasing board density. At the same time, the TS decreased while bending properties and IB strength increased with rising EPS waste percentages and pressing temperatures. Notably, the board fabricated with a target density of 0.70 g/cm3, comprising 20 % EPS waste and pressed at 180°C, met the standard requirements for particleboard designated for construction purposes, except the modulus of rupture (MOR), which is slightly lower than the standard requirement. In addition, the thermal stability of the board increased with higher pressing temperatures. Conversely, increasing the density and EPS waste percentage to 40 % appeared to decrease the thermal stability of the board. These findings underscore the significant potential of EPS waste as a binder in particleboard production.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste upcycling and efficient oil/water emulsion separation with advanced EPS-cotton membranes

The current work describe the fabrication of an oleophilic and hydrophobic EPS-cotton membrane through a facile one-step process, involving the immersion of pristine cotton fabric in a freshly prepared solution of EPS in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The characterization of EPS-cotton membrane is carried out using FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle measurements. The EPS-cotton membrane exhibits remarkable absorption capacity for diesel, gasoline, olive oil, and canola oil, i.e., 0.21 gg−1, 0.13 gg−1, 3.7 gg−1 and 0.40 gg−1, respectively. Using vacuum filtration, the membrane effectively segregates diesel oil, gasoline, olive oil, and canola oil emulsions from water. The flux of membrane for diesel oil, gasoline, olive oil, and canola oil emulsions with water is found to be 133 LMH, 207 LMH, 59 LMH and 89 LMH, respectively. Moreover, the water rejection (%) remains above 95 % in all cases. The separated samples are monitored through FTIR and UV/Vis, which suggests high separation efficiency of EPS-cotton membrane. Furthermore, FTIR and SEM analyses of EPS-cotton membrane before and after separations demonstrate suitable membrane stability, allowing for at least six cycles of effective use. EPS-cotton membrane fabrication not only facilitates the eco-friendly recycling of waste plastics but also promises versatile applications in environmental remediation.

Imidazolium-Based Sulfonating Agent to Control the Degree of Sulfonation of Aromatic Polymers and Enable Plastics-to-Electronics Upgrading.

The accumulation of plastic waste in the environment is a growing environmental, economic, and societal challenge. Plastic upgrading, the conversion of low-value polymers to high-value materials, could address this challenge. Among upgrading strategies, the sulfonation of aromatic polymers is a powerful approach to access high-value materials for a range of applications, such as ion-exchange resins and membranes, electronic materials, and pharmaceuticals. While many sulfonation methods have been reported, achieving high degrees of sulfonation while minimizing side reactions that lead to defects in the polymer chains remains challenging. Additionally, sulfonating agents are most often used in large excess, which prevents precise control over the degree of sulfonation of aromatic polymers and their functionality. Herein, we address these challenges using 1,3-disulfonic acid imidazolium chloride ([Dsim]Cl), a sulfonic acid-based ionic liquid, to sulfonate aromatic polymers and upgrade plastic waste to electronic materials. We show that stoichiometric [Dsim]Cl can effectively sulfonate model polystyrene up to 92% in high yields, with minimal defects and high regioselectivity for the para position. Owing to its high reactivity, the use of substoichiometric [Dsim]Cl uniquely allows for precise control over the degree of sulfonation of polystyrene. This approach is also applicable to a wide range of aromatic polymers, including waste plastic. To prove the utility of our approach, samples of poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS), obtained from either partially sulfonated polystyrene or expanded polystyrene waste, are used as scaffolds for poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to form the ubiquitous conductive material PEDOT:PSS. PEDOT:PSS from plastic waste is subsequently integrated into organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) or as a hole transport layer (HTL) in a hybrid solar cell and shows the same performance as commercial PEDOT:PSS. This imidazolium-mediated approach to precisely sulfonating aromatic polymers provides a pathway toward upgrading postconsumer plastic waste to high-value electronic materials.

Expanded polystyrene waste valorization as a hydrophobic coating II: packaging application

The application of the expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste to the functional material is still a challenge. The hydrophobic property of polystyrene has a potential to create a superhydrophobic surface. Here, we use expanded polystyrene waste to coat surfaces in two different ways—spray coating and dip coating—to produce superhydrophobic surfaces for food packaging. The ZnO was employed to make the surface rougher. However, the combination of ZnO and EPS waste produces only a hydrophobic surface. For spray coating and dip coating, the maximum water contact angle is 119° and 125° respectively. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) picture reveals many holes that increase the surface's roughness. The hydrophobic surface significantly cuts down on cleaning time. According to the food packaging parameter test mandated by the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) (BPOM regulation No. 20, 2019), the coating complies with heavy metals and ethanol stimulant migration testing requirements for food packaging. However, the migration condition in acetic acid stimulant surpasses the maximum standard. The total migration in 3% acetic acid stimulant (40°C for 10 days) is 22.95 mg/dm2 while the maximum value is 10 mg/dm2.

Analyzing recycled waste-infused mortars: Preparation and Examination of thermal, mechanical, and chemical characteristics

In response to the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions in the construction industry, this study provides an in-depth investigation and experimental evaluation of the thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties associated with the incorporation of three different categories of waste into mortar. These categories include expanded polystyrene waste (EPSW), expanded perlite waste (EPW), human hair waste (HHW), textile fiber (TFW), and paraffin waste (PW). Various samples were prepared by adding different proportions of these waste materials as sand substitutes in cement mortar. To enable a thorough assessment of the material properties, a comprehensive series of tests were carried out, including measurements of thermal conductivity, flexural strength, compressive strength, chemical composition and crystalline structures. The results revealed that, for a replacement level of 50%, there was a decrease in thermal conductivity by 28%, 55%, 44% and 67% for EPSW, EPW, TFW, HHW and PW mortars, respectively, which resulted in a decrease in compressive strength by 75%, 71%, 50%, 79% and 81%, respectively. Furthermore, the chemical characterization showed that the chemical composition of the mortar remained consistent, even when a substantial proportion of waste materials was introduced. The study emphases the sustainable construction key role in reducing building life cycle emissions.

Electrodeposition modification of heterogeneous cation exchange membrane using expanded polystyrene waste: Enhanced electrochemical properties and electrodialytic performance

In this study, surface modification of a cation exchange membrane based on polyvinyl chloride was accomplished via electrochemical deposition of post-sulfonated waste-expanded polystyrene aiming to enhance its electrochemical properties and electrodialytic performance. The membrane was synthesized by the phase inversion method, modified with different concentrations of polyelectrolyte, characterized by FTIR and SEM analyses, and applied for electrodialytic desalination of NaCl solution. Deposition of sulfonated polystyrene with polyelectrolyte concentration of 2 g/l, current of 8 mA/cm2, and period time of 30 min caused a reduction in electrical resistance up to 52 %. Furthermore, the sodium ionic flux through electrodialytic desalination was improved by 58 % as a result of the promotion of the electrochemical properties of the membrane.

An experimental evaluation of a hybrid bio-composite based on date palm petiole fibers, expanded polystyrene waste, and gypsum plaster as a sustainable insulating building material

Gypsum plaster is essential in construction as a thermal insulator and decorative material. This study aims to protect the environment by valorizing two commonly found wastes in Algeria, namely date palm petiole fibers (DPP) and expanded polystyrene waste (EPS), to produce a gypsum plaster hybrid biocomposite material comparable to, or better than, neat gypsum plaster (NGP). Hand-made samples with different DPP mass loadings (0; 5; 10; and 15%), EPS mass ratios (0.3%), or both were used. Different morphological, mechanical, and thermophysical tests were performed on the produced hybrid composites. FTIR shows the characteristic peaks for gypsum, polystyrene, and fibers. XRD shows that NGP, EPS, and DPP are 71.58, 29.91, and 52.93% crystallinity, respectively. Compression strengths, flexural strengths, and young modulus show that EPS, DPP, or both significantly reduce all mechanical properties of prepared samples. The biocomposites produced had lower thermal conductivity (λ) (0.265–0.414 W/(m.K) at 24◦C) and bulk density (ρ) (852–925 kg/m3) than reference NGP samples witch have 0.425 W/(m.K) in thermal conductivity and 977 kg/m3 in therm of bulk density. Based on a comparative study, gypsum plaster reinforced with DPP, EPS, or both exhibits potential as a viable alternative to insulation materials, thereby offering a sustainable solution for construction purposes.

Reduction of polystyrene/polyurethane plastic wastes from the environment into binders for water-resistant emulsion paints

Waste management is fundamental to resource and environmental sustainability. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane (PU) waste plastics were recycled and applied as binder in emulsion paint formulation. The recycled polystyrene (rPS) and polyurethane (rPU) were blended into composite resins, where toluene was used as the solvent. The blends of rPS and rPU were optimized, while some physicochemical properties of the composite blends (rPS/PU) were evaluated. The results showed that the incorporation of rPU into rPS increased the viscosity (1818 mPa–3924 mPa), rate of gelation (dry-to-touch time: 15 min–0.25 min), moisture content (2.7%–8.1%), moisture uptake (3.2%–5.0%), solid content (48%–53.4%) and density (0.82 g/cm3 to 1.050.82 g/cm3) of the rPS/PU composite resins. Characterization was carried out using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results summarily showed that there are interactions among the rPS and rPU molecules in the composite, where complimentary structural and morphological characteristics were also achieved. The composite resin also exhibited superior bond strength (0.5–4.24 Mpa) on wood, cast mortar, ceramic, and steel surfaces due to its stronger intra- and inter-surface interactions compared to the neat rPS resin. The composite resin was used as a binder in the formulation of emulsion paint. The paint exhibited stronger resistance to water, among other superior properties, when compared to the paints formulated using neat rPS and conventional polyvinyl acetate (PVA) resins. The reduction of plastic waste in this study holds potential for the production of highly water-resistant emulsion paint for outdoor and indoor applications.

Innovative valorization of EPS waste for oil/water separation using electrospinning and [Im, Br] ionic liquid

The aim of this study is to develop an innovative membrane for separating oil-water mixtures, based on Expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste collected from food and electronic packaging and functionalised by the ionic liquid 3-hexyl-1-methyl-1 H-imidazol-3-ium Bromide [Im,Br]. Different percentages of IL were added (1%, 3%, 6%, 12%). The surface chemistry, surface morphology, wettability and emulsion separation performance of the developed membranes were investigated in detail. The fiber diameter decreased considerably after the addition of the ionic (passing from 1,09 µm to 0442µm). Surface properties showed a transition from hydrophobic to super-hydrophobic properties, as demonstrated by water contact angles ranging from 116° to 154° degrees. These results demonstrate the successful functionalization of recycled EPS-based membranes by the addition of ionic liquid, leading to surfaces that are highly capable of repelling water. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable solutions for oil-water separation during oil spill incidents, as well as recovering EPS waste.

Expanded polystyrene waste with Lead-Organic frameworks for adsorptive desulfurization of gasoline

In the current work, a Pb-based metal–organic framework (Pb-MOF) is integrated with expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste for adsorptive desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) from gasoline. Pb-MOF is synthesized using lead nitrate and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid and incorporated into a clear EPS-tetrahydrofuran solution through ultra-sonication to obtain the Pb-MOF-EPS membrane. The as-prepared Pb-MOF, pristine EPS, and Pb-MOF-EPS membranes are characterized by FTIR, SEM, and EDX. The Pb-MOF-EPS membrane is exposed to 10 ppm DBT solution made in n-hexane, at room temperature as it showed enhanced removal of DBT compared to pristine EPS. Moreover, the Pb-MOF-EPS membrane also demonstrated efficient removal of DBT from commercial gasoline without any sample pre-treatment requirement. The study exhibits that waste EPS can be functionalized with MOFs for adsorptive desulfurization thus, utilizing waste polymer for offering a sustainable and low-cost solution for thiophenes removal.

Formulation of Emulsion Paint Derived from Waste Expanded Polystyrene as a Binder

Emulsion paint, also known as water-based paint, is a type of paint that consists of small water droplets suspended in a binder. The binder, typically made of acrylic or vinyl acetate polymers, acts as a film-forming agent that holds the pigments and other additives together. Emulsion paint was formulated from waste expanded polystyrene as a binder. The formulated emulsion paint which underwent a three-staged process had a pH of 7.82, density of 1.31 g/cm3, the drying time was 15-20 and 85-90 minutes for the set to touch and set to hard drying times respectively, viscosity of 10.4 Cp. The formulated paint exhibited good adhesion, tackiness, opacity, flexibility and stability properties. The paint also possessed good resistance to blistering; which indicates that it has good external exposure resistance and thus; can perform well when exposed to environmental conditions such as rain and sun. Effects of concentration on viscosity, density, melting point, refractive index, moisture uptake, turbidity, elongation at break and water solubility were studied for the polystyrene binder to ascertain for its suitability. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer was employed to characterized the binder. This investigation revealed favourable properties of a conventional emulsion paint inherent in the formulated polystyrene binder derived emulsion paint such as, drying time, moisture uptake, water solubility.

Microconcretos autoadensáveis contendo resíduo de rocha ornamental e resíduo de poliestireno expandido: influência das relações filler/cimento e agregados leves/convencionais

Abstract Eco-efficient self-compacting micro concretes with partial replacement of Portland cement by ornamental stone waste (OSW) and replacement of conventional aggregates by expanded polystyrene waste were addressed in this study. A base mixture was obtained using a particle packing method, and replacement fractions followed a second-order composite experimental design. The mixtures’ rheological, physical, mechanical and eco-efficiency parameters were evaluated and discussed. As expected, the incorporation of residues reduced the mechanical strength, and mixtures with high incorporation of lightweight aggregates tended to segregate. However, OSW has been shown to increase workability and decrease viscosity, contributing to control segregation due to the reduced amount of water required without impairing the fluidity of the mix. At the same time, the lightweight aggregate decreased both the density of the mixtures and the viscosity. The interaction of the residue with the lightweight aggregate proved promising in obtaining more eco-efficient lightweight microconcretes.

The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of lightweight cement mortar containing grated expanded polystyrene waste

The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of lightweight cement mortar containing grated expanded polystyrene waste

Enhancing mechanical properties of waste expanded polystyrene composites through varied coupling agents and wood powder formulations

This study investigates Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) by incorporating waste Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and various wood powder reinforcements. The mechanical properties of WPCs play a pivotal role in sustainable material development. Our research delves into the effects of different treatments on wood powders and their interactions with the polymer matrix.Pine, teak, and silk tree wood powders underwent alkali immersion and coupling agent treatments. The ensuing composites underwent rigorous testing, including flexural strength, hardness, and impact resistance assessments.The findings underline the complex factors governing WPC mechanical properties. Pine-based WPCs, reinforced with pine wood powder and subjected to alkali treatment, exhibited the highest flexural strength at 29.56 MPa, whereas the lowest flexural strength of 14.65 MPa was observed in WPCs reinforced with alkali-treated teak wood powder. The highest impact strength quantified at 2.54 kJ/cm², was found in untreated pine wood powder-based WPC. In contrast, the lowest impact strength was identified in teak wood powder-based WPC treated with alkali.

Conversion of Waste Expanded Polystyrene into Blue-Emitting Polymer Film for Light-Emitting Diode Applications.

The wide range of applications and continuous demand for plastics is causing serious global environmental problems. Massive discharges of expanded polystyrene (EPS) are thought to be primarily responsible for the increased white pollution. Waste EPS has received wide attention in the development of innovative products. White light-emitting diodes pumped by a near-UV chip (n-UV WLEDs) are regarded as a very promising solid-state lighting. The performance of the n-UV WLED is largely determined by the properties of the tricolor luminescence materials. In this work, a blue-emitting polymer film for n-UV WLED applications was developed from waste EPS. First, using waste EPS as a raw material, benzimidazole groups were bonded to PS benzene rings by chemical reactions to obtain modified PS (PS-PBI). Then, a film based on PS-PBI was prepared by a simple solution drop-casting method. The PS-PBI film can emit intense blue light when irradiated with 365 nm light. An n-UV WLED pumped by a 365 nm UV chip was fabricated using PS-PBI film as the blue-emitting layer. The fabricated n-UV WLED shows excellent luminescence properties, such as a bright white light with color coordinates of (0.337, 0.331), a relatively low color temperature (CCT, 5270 K), and an especially high color rendering index (CRI, 93.6). The results prove that the blue-emitting PS-PBI film prepared from waste EPS is a very promising candidate for n-UV WLED applications. The strategy of converting waste EPS into a high-value-added blue-emitting film in this work provides a convenient and feasible approach for upcycling waste EPS, achieving significant environmental and economic benefits.

Nanomembrane Approach Reuses Waste, Cleans Produced Water

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 213946, “Nanomembranes From Polymeric Waste for Produced-Water Treatment,” by Anton Manakhov, Iaroslav Rybkin, and Fahd I. AlGhunaimi, Saudi Aramco, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ In the oil and gas sector, produced water is the most significant waste stream. Among the different materials used for water filtration, including ceramics, polymers, and carbon nanomaterials, polymeric nanofibers can be considered a unique solution that can be used as a membrane or an adsorbent. In the complete paper, the authors write that polymeric nanofibers can be prepared from polystyrene waste. Introduction The management of polystyrene trash and recycling creates a significant environmental problem. While most of this substance ends up in landfills, only a small portion of polystyrene is recycled or burned. By turning this trash into products with added value, recycling will become more appealing economically and will result in lower CO2 emissions and less chemical waste dumped on the ground. At the same time, the use of modified nanofiltration membranes for generated-water purification has been a subject of study for many researchers. The complete paper includes a review of the literature dedicated to advances in this approach. Dissolved polystyrene waste can be used as a feedstock in the electrospinning process to create nanofibrous membranes. Electrospinning is one of the more basic methods for producing nanofibers with dimensions ranging from micrometers to nanometers. Strong electrostatic forces are used to overcome the surface tension of a polymer solution or melt. These pressures produce the ejection of charged polymer jets, which dry as they approach a grounded electrode, where they are gathered as nanofibers. In this work, the nanofibrous polystyrene membranes were prepared from discarded expanded polystyrene waste. Initially, polystyrene waste was collected and dissolved in an organic solvent; then, the nanofibrous membranes were prepared by the electrospinning of nanofibers from this solution. The morphology, pore sizes, and other parameters were controlled and optimized by tuning the concentration of polystyrene, the nature of the solvent, and the spinning voltage to form uniformly sized nanofibrous membranes.

Synthesis of magnetic hyper-crosslinked polymer from waste-expanded polystyrene as efficient sorbent for removal of Congo red and crystal violet

Given that water contaminants pose a huge threat to the environment and human health, the significance of water pollution treatments becomes increasingly evident. In the meantime, white pollution is still a huge headache to the surroundings. Herein, based upon the concept of turning trash into treasure, a series of hyper-crosslinked polymers (named as EPS-HCPs: EPS-FDA, EPS-DCX, EPS-BCMBP) were fabricated through one-step Friedel-Crafts alkylation by adopting wasted expanded polystyrene (EPS) as the raw material and taking formaldehyde dimethyl acetal (FDA), dichloroxylene (DCX) and 4,4′-bis(chloromethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl (BCMBP) as cross-linker, respectively. EPS-HCPs were applied to remove Congo red and crystal violet from aqueous solution, and the EPS-BCMBP exhibited distinctly excellent removal performance. For the convenient separation and recycling of the sorbent, the EPS-BCMBP was modified with magnetism to produce magnetic EPS-BCMBP (M-EPS-BCMBP). The maximum adsorption capacity of M-EPS-BCMBP reached 2160 mg g−1 for Congo red and 303 mg g−1 for crystal violet, with extremely fast adsorption equilibrium time (5 min). The M-EPS-BCMBP could be served as one of ideal candidates for removal of dye pollutants. This work sheds light on establishing a facile strategy for converting wasted EPS into robust sorbents for dyes removal, which plays a key part in sustainable treatment of wastewater.

Novel and Accessible Physical Recycling for Expanded Polystyrene Waste with the Use of Acetone as a Solvent and Additive Manufacturing (Direct Ink-Write 3D Printing).

The current high production of plastics has prompted the exploration of alternative pathways to facilitate recycling, aiming for a progressively sustainable society. This paper presents an alternative and affordable technology for treating waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) mixed with acetone in a 100:1 volume ratio to be used as 3D printing ink for Direct Ink Write technology. In order to optimize the printing parameters, a comprehensive study was conducted, evaluating different needle diameters, printing speeds, and bed temperature values to achieve homogenous pieces and a highly repeatable 3D printing process. Results showed that the main optimum printing parameters were using needles with diameters of 14 to 16 G and printing speeds ranging from 2 to 12 mm/s, which were found to yield the most uniform ribbons. Increasing the bed temperature, despite favoring acetone evaporation, led to the generation of more heterogeneous structures due to void growth inside the printed ribbons. Thus, employing room temperature for the bed proved to be the optimal value. Lastly, a comparative study between the starting material and the EPS after the printing process was conducted using FTIR-ATR and GPC analyses, ensuring the preservation of the original polymer's integrity during physical recycling.