Utilization of Recycled Polystyrene and Aluminum Wastes in the Development of Conductive Plastic Composites: Evaluation of Electrical Properties

Abstract

This chapter presents the development of new polystyrene matrix conductive composites from waste polystyrene and aluminum materials via a simple mechanical mixing. Polystyrene-based resin (PBR) was successfully prepared from waste polystyrene through solvolysis, and the graded aluminum particles (150 μm) were properly dispersed in its matrix. The compaction, void elimination, and required thickness were achieved via the usage of a single roller mill. Composite panels of different compositions of aluminum powder (0 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, and 40 wt%) respectively are subjected to curing at room temperature conditions. Physical and electrical properties of the developed composites were evaluated. Electrical resistivity range obtained for the composites developed, 1.32 × 10⁷ ohm-cm at 10 wt% aluminum in PBR matrix to 1.38 × 10⁶ ohm-cm at 40% aluminum, is less than the plain polystyrene 1.3 × 10⁸ ohm-cm. It was found that with the increase in aluminum content in PBR from 0 wt% to 40 wt%, there was a rise in density of the composite from 0.81 to 1.20 g/cm^3. The comparison of micrographs at 40× and 100× showed a good dispersion of aluminum particles in the polystyrene matrix. The recycled aluminum in combination with the PBR has produced conductive composite with moderate electrical properties applicable in various chemical, military, and in particular electronic industries.