Polystyrene Composites Research Articles

Study of dielectric measurements of Bi4Ti3O12/polystyrene composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors

Eco-friendly, nontoxic and high-energy storage materials are very important for flexible electrode materials. Bi4Ti3[Formula: see text] lead-free, perovskite phase may prove suitable as filler in composites for electrode materials because of its large spontaneous polarization. We have synthesized Bi4Ti3[Formula: see text]/polystyrene (BTO/PS) composites and carried out their structural, morphological and bonding studies with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), in that order. Dielectric measurements in the broad frequency range of synthesized composites determined by Impedance analyzer. We observed that the dielectric constant of composites increased with filler concentration and decreased with applied field frequency. Bi4Ti3[Formula: see text]/PS composites can be good electrode materials.

Physical and biological study of Yttrium oxide/titanium oxide/carbon nanotube/polystyrene films for wound healing purpose

Different contributions of dopants based on Yttrium oxide (Y2O3)/titanium(IV) oxide (TiO2)/carbon nanotube (CNT)/have been incorporated into the polymeric matrix of Polystyrene (PS). These films were fabricated in films due to their feasibility and low cost. The contact angle revealed that the dopants supported the hydrophilicity of the films that Y2O3/TiO2/CNT/PS represents the second highest wettability with (56.15 ± 6.35°) films, while Y2O3/PS film displays rough surface with the highest wettability with (32.5 ± 0.9°). we examined the impact of Y2O3/TiO2/CNT/PS composite on the viability of a human lung cell-line to better understand its biological behavior. Specifically, we measured cell viability as a means to assess the effect of the composite. The results revealed that at a concentration of 5000 μg/ml, the cell viability was measured to be 31.8 %. However, at a lower concentration of 2.4 μg/ml, the cell viability increased significantly to 117.9 %. These findings highlight a concentration-dependent relationship between the composite and the viability of the human lung cell-line. The observed cell viability exceeding 100 % indicates that the Y2O3/TiO2/CNT/PS composite scaffold had a positive effect on cell proliferation and generation. This suggests that the modified PS scaffold is conducive to cellular growth and can be considered safe for human use. The results imply that the composite scaffold promotes a favorable cellular environment, potentially supporting tissue regeneration and indicating its potential suitability for biomedical applications. The surface morphology shows that the topography of the films was changed clearly with the dopants of Yttrium oxide, titanium(IV) oxide and CNT components. The TiO2 granules implanted in the PS composition cause an increase in pore size to an average of 2.2 μm. Pore diameters ranging from 100 to 500 μm may enhance cell proliferation, while lower sizes lead to more stable implantable discs.

Design of interconnected graphene loaded thermoplastic elastomeric blend composite films for minimizing electromagnetic radiation and efficient heat management

AbstractIn this work, electrically conductive thermoplastic elastomeric blend composite films based on polystyrene (PS)/ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate (EMA) filled with functionalized graphene were developed via the solution mixing technique. Morphological analysis revealed that selective localization of amine‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide (G‐ODA) sheets in the EMA phase of co‐continuous binary blend formed a well‐connected dense conductive pathway by graphene sheets ultimately facilitating the double percolation phenomenon. The electrical percolation threshold was achieved at ~2 wt% of G‐ODA loading which was much lower than that for both single polymer composites. An electrical conductivity of 0.9 S/cm was obtained for blend composite film with 10 wt% of graphene concentration whereas for the same filler loading, PS and EMA composites exhibited electrical conductivity of 1.9 × 10−1 and 2.3 × 10−1 S/cm, respectively. The obtained thermal conductivity of the blend composite with 10 wt% of G‐ODA loading was 0.95 W/m K with 400% enhancement compared to the neat blend system. The same composite exhibited increased real and imaginary permittivity of 92 and 83, respectively. The electrical percolation threshold is well‐correlated with the percolation concentration found from storage modulus and thermal conductivity data. The fabricated PS/EMA blend composite film exhibited absorption‐dominant electromagnetic interference SE of −25 and − 35 dB in X‐band frequency (8.2–12.4 GHz) for 10 wt% of graphene loading with a sample thickness of 0.5 and 1 mm, respectively.

Recycling Functional Fillers from Waste Tires for Tailored Polystyrene Composites: Mechanical, Fire Retarding, Electromagnetic Field Shielding, and Acoustic Insulation Properties-A Short Review.

Polymer waste is currently a big and challenging issue throughout the world. Waste tires represent an important source of polymer waste. Therefore, it is highly desirable to recycle functional fillers from waste tires to develop composite materials for advanced applications. The primary theme of this review involves an overview of developing polystyrene (PS) composites using materials from recycled tires as fillers; waste tire recycling in terms of ground tire rubbers, carbon black, and textile fibers; surface treatments of the fillers to optimize various composite properties; and the mechanical, fire retarding, acoustic, and electromagnetic field (EMI) shielding performances of PS composite materials. The development of composite materials from polystyrene and recycled waste tires provides a novel avenue to achieve reductions in carbon emission goals and closed-loop plastic recycling, which is of significance in the development of circular economics and an environmentally friendly society.

Studying the Depth of Carbonifying Castings Obtained by the Lost Foam Casting Method with a Complex Polystyrene Composition

At present, lost foam casting method is an updated, long-term and the most economically feasible method in the foundry industry. Despite the fact that the casting technique is relatively simple, high demands are placed on the model materials. Carburization of the surfaces of steel castings obtained by the lost foam casting method is one of the main and the most significant problems in the use of this casting method. One solution is to use a complex composition of the material: a combination of cast and construction polystyrene. It was determined that the complex composition of the cast and construction polystyrene model in the ratio of 60 to 40% helps to reduce the depth of carburization and the percentage of internal defects. In addition, the cost of 1 kg of the complex composition models is 25% lower than the cost of 1 kg of models made of cast polystyrene.

Statistical analysis of the substitution of inorganic fibers and fillers with vegetable fibers and fillers in polystyrene composites

AbstractThermoplastic composites exhibit improved mechanical performance compared to pure matrices, and the fiber is usually the most influential component of the composite. Recently, studies related to the use of vegetable fibers have grown significantly, but few works report the direct comparative between inorganic and vegetable fibers and fillers as reinforcements. In this work, composites were produced with polystyrene (PS) matrix, reinforced with inorganic fibers (glass), vegetal fibers (kapok), particulate inorganic (CaCO3), and vegetal (wood) fillers. The composites were mixed by a twin‐screw co‐rotating extruder and after processed in an injection‐molding machine. Statistical analyses of density, tensile and flexural strength abrasion resistance were made, along with analyzes of thermal deflection temperature, dynamic mechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were performed on the composites. The main results indicate that all reinforcing agents (vegetal and inorganic fibers and fillers) show a regular trend of increasing the mechanical properties proven by statistical comparison, presenting p < 0.01 that proves a significant increase. By dynamic mechanical analysis, vegetable reinforcements showed a higher coefficient of effectiveness when compared to composites produced with inorganic reinforcements.

Highly tough and flame retardant polystyrene composites by elastomeric nanofibers and hexagonal boron nitride

Thermoplastics flammability remains a considerable threat during fire incidents. Conventionally, halogen-free fire retardant (FR) additives are incorporated into thermoplastics to reduce fire hazards. However, the incorporation of FR additives compromises the mechanical properties (most notably, toughness) of thermoplastics, which has impeded the development of thermoplastic products that possess both high mechanical and fire retarding performances. This study reports an in situ nano-fibrillation strategy to fabricate thermoplastics that exhibit fire retarding properties and a combination of high stiffness and toughness. The proposed composites were composed of in situ thermoplastic polyester elastomer (SBC) nanofibers within a polystyrene (PS) matrix containing hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) as the FR additive. The presence of elastomeric nanofibers successfully mitigated the losses in mechanical performances caused by the incorporation of 2 wt% hBN. Specifically, the inclusion of 15 wt% SBC nanofibers significantly enhanced the toughness of the PS-hBN composite by 350% with negligible effects on the stiffness as compared to neat PS. Furthermore, the presence of nanofibers resulted in synergies with hBN to fabricate composites with enhanced fire retarding performance since the total heat release (THR) of PS-hBN composite decreased from 212 to 189 MJ m−2 with 10 wt% nanofibers. Thus, nanofibers behave as a multifunctional component that compensated for the losses in mechanical performances caused by hBN incorporation, while enhancing the fire retarding performance. This strategy can be effectively implemented to fabricate the next generation of polymer composites with high fire retarding and mechanical properties for various applications including energy storage packs for batteries and electronics.

Balancing strength and sustainability: Incorporating recycled tyres and pawpaw fibre in polystyrene composites

AbstractThe study presents the development and characterization of rubberized fibrillated polystyrene composites using recycled rubber tires and pawpaw fibres. The composites were prepared by varying the proportions of rubber and fibre. FTIR, SEM, EDX and hardness testing were used to characterize the composites. FTIR spectroscopy revealed distinct peaks, including hydroxyl and amine, but with a notable absence of the O‐H group in nearly all composites, affirming their durability and potential suitability for applications in moist environments. SEM results showed that the introduction of rubber tires did not significantly alter the smooth and fine‐grained nature of the polystyrene resin, whereas the inclusion of pawpaw fibre resulted in an irregular and coarse surface. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the hardness of the composites was dependent on the composition, with rubber‐rich composites being more flexible and pawpaw‐fibre‐rich composites exhibiting greater rigidity.

The influence of the functionalization of polystyrene and graphene oxide composites on the flammability characteristics: modeling with artificial intelligence tools

The influence of the functionalization of polystyrene and graphene oxide composites on the flammability characteristics: modeling with artificial intelligence tools

Interaction of silica with polystyrene: mechanical properties, polymer/filler adhesion and failure behavior

Composites of polystyrene with different loading of silica were prepared by melt mixing in a Brabender Plasticorder at a rotor speed of 60 rpm. The mechanical properties of the composites such as tensile behavior, impact strength, and flexural properties were studied as a function of filler loading. The tensile moduli of the composites increased with silica content. To improve adhesion between the filler and the matrix, an amino silane coupling agent was used. The composites with coupling agents showed enhanced mechanical properties. Thermal properties were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA) and flammability tests. Composites with 15 wt.% and 0.5 wt.% coupling agent showed optimum properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of the tensile fractured samples revealed the extent of filler dispersion and filler/matrix interaction. Finally, experimental results were compared with theoretical predictions.

Photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin from water with waste polystyrene and TiO2 composites

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is one of the widely used antibiotics with a broad antimicrobial spectrum in the fluoroquinolone type. Its concentration in water bodies has increased over the years due to its frequent use. Since ciprofloxacin in the aquatic ecosystem adversely affects human health as well as other organisms, it must be removed from wastewater.The aim of this study was to develop Polystyrene (PS) and Titanium dioxide (TiO2) composites that can be used as catalysts in CIP removal by photocatalytic process. Waste PS (obtained from disposable cutlery) was used in the synthesis of these composites. In this study, PS-TiO2 composites with different PS content (C20, C50, C80; the numbers in the names indicate the PS percentage in the composite by weight) were synthesized. This is important in terms of the use of one waste in the removal of another waste.This process was optimized using Box-Behnken design, one of the response surface method. Parameters such as the amount of polymer in the composite, pH and initial CIP concentration were studied and their effects on CIP removal were found. The validity and adequacy of the selected model were evaluated according to the relevant statistical data. These are R2 = 0.9751, adjusted R2 = 0.9565, the model's p-value <0.05 and the lack of fit-value 0.246. Optimum conditions for CIP removal were obtained when the C50 was used, with a pH value of 3 and an initial CIP concentration of 5 mg/L.In the process carried out under these conditions, the CIP removal was found to be 95.01 % at the end of 180 min. This value was predicted as 94.37 % in the model. According to these results, C50 composite synthesized with waste PS can be used effectively for CIP removal.

Performance analysis of lithium-ion battery with solid electrolyte membrane

Herein, a prototype Li-ion battery (LIB) was fabricated using a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane in place of a liquid electrolyte and a separator to enhance electrochemical performances. The SPE was synthesized using a casting method, employing a lithium chloride (LiCl) to polystyrene (PS) composition ratio of 1:5 in a solvent of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). SEM investigation of SPE revealed a uniform and homogenous texture with a microporous structure, which is promising for the flow of Li-ion through the membrane. A remarkable thermal stability up to 400 °C was found in TGA analysis. In electrochemical analysis, it is observed that the charging and discharging performances of Li-ion batteries were improved. The output voltage of the pouch cell exhibited an increase from an initial value of 0.4 V to a maximum value of 1 V after being charged with a steady supply of 4 V. The average current flow during the discharging process was measured as 4.53 μA, while the specific capacity of the pouch cell was found to be 6.734 μAhr/gm. With the aforementioned characteristics, this battery offers a promising alternative to the traditional LIB for modern industrial applications.

Study of Rice Husks and Expanded Polystyrene Composites for Construction Applications

Study of Rice Husks and Expanded Polystyrene Composites for Construction Applications

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.

Fabrication and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Polystyrene Based Zinc Oxide-Graphite (PS/ZnO-G)

One of the most significant environmental challenges nowadays is the rising manufacturing of non-biodegradable polymer wastes like polystyrene. In order purpose of manufacture environmentally friendly polystyrene that easily decomposes, a solvent approach was used to create polystyrene based zinc oxide- graphite composites. The surface morphology and materials contained in the modified polystyrene were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis to verify the dispersion and distribution of the nanoparticles by scanning electron microscopy and the material contents by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. While the crystal structure, chemical bonds, and functions were determined by X-ray Diffraction and Fourier transform infrared, no change in the chemical structure occurred in polystyrene. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to assess the thermal decomposition. And its results found that the temperature of the decomposition was 46.78° lower in zinc oxide and graphite-based polystyrene composites than in pure polystyrene. It came to light that the presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles causes phase separation and consequently impacts the thermal behaviour of graphite-based polystyrene composites. The phase separation was demonstrated by the Thermogravimetric curves showing two degrading steps. This satisfies the urgent demand to synthesize polystyrene that is eco-friendly and easy to thermally decomposition, as well as easy to recycle, which benefits both the environment and the commercial side.

Effects of pyrolyzed Buxus sempervirens ingredient as micro and bio fillers on polystyrene: Spectroscopic characteristics

In this study, Buxus sempervirens leaf ingredient (LP) and the carbon (LC) and the ash (LA) were obtained, which are the bio-originated materials. Carbon and ash obtained from this natural plant were prepared by heating and pyrolysis for 2 h at 250 ℃ and 700 ℃, respectively. Then, the solution casting method was used to prepare the composites of these bio-additives with polystyrene. Next, the effects of the additives on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra of polystyrene were investigated. In addition, the additives led to noticeable changes in X-ray diffraction results, implying a change in the morphology of the polymer. All of these observations imply the uniform formation of the polystyrene (PS) composites with the micro and bio-fillers.

Preparation of a novel Fe‐MOF as the flame retardant synergist and its application in polystyrene

AbstractIn this work, a metal organic framework (Fe‐MOF) with the effect of absorbing toxic gases and good compatibility was synthesized by chelating a novel organic ligand contained carbonization groups (reacted by tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane and 1,4‐piperazine dialdehyde) with iron salt. Then, it was used as the synergist to improve the efficiency of intumescent flame retardant (IFR) within polystyrene (PS) substrate. With the addition of 20% IFR and 2% Fe‐MOF, the obtained PS composites exhibited a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 28.3% and a UL rating of V‐0. Moreover, the peak heat release rate (pHRR), total heat release (THR), and total smoke production (TSP) of PS composites were decreased by 77.6%, 35.2%, and 33.7%, respectively. According to the mechanism analysis, it was found that Fe‐MOF mainly acted in the condensed phase, contributing to the existence of dense char residues with the presence of IFR system. In addition, the good compatibility of organic ligand in Fe‐MOF with PS substrate could partially alleviate the deterioration of mechanical properties due to the addition of IFR. For PS‐20%IFR/2%Fe‐MOF, the impact strength was improved from 1.7 kJ/m2 (PS‐22%IFR) to 2.2 kJ/m2, the tensile strength was also increased from 21.3 MPa (PS‐22%IFR) to 22.4 MPa.

Preparation and characterization of short date palm mat (DPM) fiber reinforced polystyrene composites: Effect of gamma radiation

The utilization of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites is growing fast in numerous sectors. In this study, the effect of the addition of short date palm mat (DPM) fibers in polystyrene matrix on the physico-mechanical and thermal properties were studied. Short DPM fiber reinforced polystyrene composites were produced by compression moulding process and the fiber content was 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt%. Physico-mechanical and thermal properties were examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis of the composites were also done. The findings from the investigates exposed that the composites with 10 % fiber content showed improved mechanical and thermal characteristics as compared to other composites. The morphological analysis also supported the results where good interfacial bonding among fiber and polystyrene matrix was found for the composites with 10 % fiber content. The optimized (10 % fiber content) composites were exposed to gamma radiation (2.5–7.5 kGy) and the best result was found at 5.0 kGy radiation dose. Degradation of gamma irradiated composites was conducted in four different media such as water, acid, base, and brine.

Lowering the percolation threshold when filling polystyrene with surface-functionalized carbon nanohorns

Carbon nanohorns (CNHs) are highly porous material composed of spherical aggregates of short carbon tubes with closed ends. Given their significant potential for a variety of applications, including electromagnetic shielding, it is important to tune the morphology and surface functionality of CNHs. In this study, CNHs functionalized with –CHx groups were synthesized by arc discharge of a graphite rod with the addition of toluene vapor. The resulting material was used as a filler for polystyrene composites, whose electromagnetic properties were studied over the frequency range of 1 kHz–4 GHz. Our research showed that functionalization increases the electrostatic association of CNHs, thereby facilitating the formation of conduction paths. As a result, polymer composites containing functionalized CNHs exhibit improved electromagnetic response and lower electrical percolation threshold. The insights gathered from this study provide crucial information on the relation between charge transport and polarization phenomena, the structure of CNHs, their surface state, and their arrangement in the polymer matrix. This information could potentially aid in the further development of this exceptional material.

Synthesis and characterization of porous forsterite (Mg2SiO4)-filled polystyrene composites

Synthesis and characterization of porous forsterite (Mg2SiO4)-filled polystyrene composites