Recycling expanded polystyrene with a biodegradable solvent to manufacture 3D printed prototypes and finishing materials for construction

Abstract

The amount of plastic waste generated is causing damage to the environment, such as sea and soil pollution, and one of the alternatives for disposing of polymers is recycling. This work proposes recycling expanded polystyrene using a biodegradable solvent, its plastification with glycerol, and the preparation of the composite with post-consumer recycled gypsum for applications to manufacturing by 3D printing and for finishing materials for construction. Specimen for tensile testing and shore D hardness were prepared by injection process and by 3D printing. In addition, Thermogravimetric (TG), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimeter, Scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analyses, and flame propagation tests were also carried out. TG and FTIR analyses show that the recycling process did not degrade the material, and the addition of glycerol and gypsum improved the thermal stability of the composite. The mechanical properties of the injected and 3D printed samples with gypsum were similar, due to the dimensional stability of the manufactured filament, which improved the speed and quality of the specimen printing. The increase in ductility and the reduction in the glass transition temperature showed that the recycled expanded polystyrene (RPS) were effectively plasticized with the addition of 2 wt% glycerol, preserving their flame self-extinguishment when subjected to the flame propagation test. Due to these properties, the plasticized RPS can be used to manufacture articles for finishing in civil construction, and the RPS composite can be used to manufacture 3D printed prototypes.