A Study on Expanded Polystyrene Solid Waste Management for Value-Added Products

Boitukisetso Tshepo Modyela, Daniel Makundwaneyi Madyira, Ronny Thapelo Tebeta

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Expanded waste polystyrene (EPS) has a wide range of applications due to its polymeric structure. This in turn raises environmental and health concerns since their properties prolong degradation thus causing the material to accumulate in nature. Energy recovery is feasible using chemical recycling processes due to conventional petroleum fractions and high carbon content in the material. The material is voluminous, causing waste management problems as the material occupies large volumes for a small mass. The investigation aimed to study the pyrolysis parameters that can be used to extract value-added products from voluminous EPS waste. From dissolution, triphenylamine which is less voluminous was derived from the waste EPS. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed for both the triphenylamine, and EPS samples, and the materials showed results of being thermally stable. The pyrolysis parameters were found to have an onset temperature of 400°C, peak degradation temperature of 420°C, and an end set Temperature of 432°C.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2022 IEEE 13th International Conference on Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies, ICMIMT 2022
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages192-195
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781665484008
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Event13th IEEE International Conference on Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies, ICMIMT 2022 - Virtual, Online, South Africa
Duration: 25 May 202227 May 2022

Publication series

Name2022 IEEE 13th International Conference on Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies, ICMIMT 2022

Conference

Conference13th IEEE International Conference on Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies, ICMIMT 2022
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityVirtual, Online
Period25/05/2227/05/22

Keywords

  • dissolution
  • polystyrene
  • pyrolysis
  • triphenylamine waste

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science Applications

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