Composites from recycled polystyrene, from nanostructuring to incorporation
摘要
In this research, composite materials with improved properties were developed by reinforcing a recycled polystyrene matrix with carbon nanomaterials. Composite materials with different concentrations of carbon nanostructures (1.6–5.6 wt%) were prepared using a solution mixing/casting method to improve their mechanical properties, particularly hardness. Carbon spheres with an average diameter of 686 nm were used as fillers. EDS shows a content of 96.32 wt% of carbon, 3.42 wt% of oxygen and traces of Cr and Fe, these elements were also confirmed in the carbon spheres by the characteristic FTIR bands of OH, C = O, CO, and C–C. SEM showed the dispersion of carbon spheres in the polymer matrix. The presence of carbon spheres in the composite was also confirmed by FTIR. Vickers hardness tests demonstrated a significant increase in hardness of carbon sphere-filled composites.
Graphical Abstract