Composites from recycled polystyrene, from nanostructuring to incorporation

• Published in: MRS advances 2024-12, Vol.9 (22), p.1742-1746
• Main Authors: Poiré-De la Cruz, David Ricardo, Granados-Martínez, Francisco Gabriel, Ignacio-De la Cruz, Juan Luis, Contreras-Navarrete, José de Jesús, Flores-Ramírez, Nelly, García-González, Leandro, Zamora-Peredo, Luis, Domratcheva-Lvova, Lada
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied and Technical Physics; Biomaterials; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Materials Engineering; Materials Science; Nanotechnology; Original Paper
• ISSN: 2731-5894; 2059-8521
• DOI: 10.1557/s43580-024-01007-8

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