A viable approach for polymer upcycling of polystyrene (styrofoam) wastes to produce high value predetermined organic compounds

• Published in: Polymer degradation and stability 2023-11, Vol.217, p.110528, Article 110528
• Main Authors: Gautam, Bhaskarchand, Huang, Meng-Ru, Lin, Chien-Cheng, Chang, Chia-Chih, Chen, Jiun-Tai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acylated (AS) and brominated styrene (BS); animal and human health; bromination; bromine; degradation; depolymerization; durability; Photo-triggered depolymerization; pollution; Polymer upcycling; Polystyrene waste; polystyrenes; styrene; waste management; wastes
• ISSN: 0141-3910
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2023.110528

•Polystyrene waste (PS) is used to produced high value upcycled styrene based product.•PS first functionalized into acetylated polystyrene (PSA) and brominated polystyrene (PSB).•Photo-depolymerizing techniques is employed to gain the monomeric form of functionalized PS.•Our approach can apply for the waste management, waste recycling, and sustainable upcycling of various polymers wastes. Styrofoam is generated mainly from polystyrene (PS) and has been used worldwide because of its low manufacturing cost and excellent physical properties such as lightweight, water resistance, high impact resistance, and durability. Styrofoam has been used for various applications in our lives, which are packaging goods, storage of chemical materials, producing plates, cups, and miniature electronic devices. The extensive use of styrofoam generates huge polystyrene wastes, causing enormous pollution not only to the environment but also to animal and human health. To minimize the styrofoam wastes from the environment, here we attempt to upcycle the discarded styrofoam materials into predetermine high-value acylated styrene (AS), 1-(4-vinylphenyl) ethanone, and brominated styrene (BS), 1‑bromo-4-vinylbenzene, organic compounds. Styrofoam is first functionalized by acyl and bromine groups to produce the acylated polystyrene (PSA) and brominated polystyrene (PSB). After photo-triggered depolymerization, upcycled organic AS and BS compounds are produced. We believe that our work will inspire researchers and waste management organizations not only to recycle styrofoam waste but also to generate more upcycled polystyrene-based high-value organic compounds using more sustainable and economical approaches. [Display omitted]