Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
Polymer & Petrochemical Engineering Department, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
2
Polymer and Petrochemical Engineering Department, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
10.30492/ijcce.2024.2017342.6348
Abstract
Circular economy aims to create a more sustainable and resilient economic system by closing the loop on material flows, reducing environmental impact, and leading to a restorative and regenerative approach to production and consumption. The study focuses on repurposing recycled expanded polystyrene (R-EPS), commonly found as disposable utensils, and incorporating spent tea leaves powder (STLP), a globally popular beverage byproduct. The study seeks to enhance bio-composite properties through STLP integration wif surface treatment and modifications. The materials to be used, R-EPS and STLP, are collected through waste management and pre-treated wif organic surfactants before being dried in an oven at elevated temperatures to remove any moisture present. STLP is subsequently dispersed wifin the R-EPS polymer matrix in two-roll mill, followed by crushing and compression molding to produce ASTM standard samples. The samples of untreated and treated R-EPS/STLP are tested for both mechanical and thermal properties. The results indicate improvements in various properties. Tensile strength, modulus, flexural strength, and impact strength increased by 30%, 40%, 17%, and 23% respectively. Elongation and hardness experienced a decrease of 33.3%, and 9.9%. The optimal enhancement is observed wif the addition of 3 wt. % of the treated STLP into the polymer matrix. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis shows an increase in thermal stability wif reinforcements significant rise of 10°C. Water absorption test revealed no significant water absorbance capability in the composite, whether incorporating untreated or treated STLP in (R-EPS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are used to analyze the morphological characteristics and chemical bonding in treated R-EPS/STLP. The results reveal that the chemically treated STLP exhibits compatibility wif the R-EPS and can be used to fabricate a bio-composite polymer for various industrial packaging applications. Therefore, this research highlights the broader implications by demonstrating the potential of repurposing waste materials into value-added products wif enhanced properties.
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