A Recycling Alternative for Expanded Polystyrene Residues Using Natural Esters

The objective of this research is to provide a new recycling method for one of the most consumed plastics today, since it is used for the manufacture of a wide variety of industrial products, which leads to an environmental problem caused by incorrect handling and final disposal. The dissolution of expanded polystyrene waste was evaluated by using natural esters for its post treatment and recovery. The use of omega-3 as a natural solvent creates an opportunity to take advantage of natural biomass, since it can be obtained from the residues from fishing activities, this being an economic advantage for obtaining raw material and also friendly with the environment. For the development of this research, expanded polystyrene containers were dissolved in omega-3, glyceryl tributyrate, and ethyl butyrate; methanol and isopropanol were used for its recovery. The characterization of the recovered material was carried out with thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. The experimental data obtained indicated that the use of these esters is a good alternative for the recycling of expanded polystyrene.