Characterization of Mechanically Recycled EPS Under Compressive and Bending Loadings
摘要
Expanded polystyrene (EPS), due to its widespread use and non-biodegradability, presents a significant recycling challenge. While its low density offers advantages, it also raises economic and environmental concerns, often leading to landfill disposal. This study investigates the feasibility of mechanically recycling EPS from agricultural packaging and construction waste, focusing on the resulting mechanical properties. The research examines mixtures of recycled EPS at 5%, 10%, 25%, and 50%, comparing them to unused EPS. It addresses inconsistencies in previous research, which frequently reports property degradation without conclusive results. The study emphasizes mechanical recycling, excluding chemical methods for economic and environmental reasons. The analysis evaluates the correlation between mechanical properties and apparent density, crucial for EPS applications in construction. By comparing recycled EPS’s mechanical performance to established industry standards, the research aims to determine its viability for construction use. The study uses EPS from two sources with varying densities to generate the recycled fractions. The aim is to provide a comprehensive analysis of recycled EPS’s mechanical properties, addressing gaps in current understanding and promoting further research. By using a substantial number of samples, the study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of recycled EPS in the construction industry, highlighting its potential for sustainable applications.