Synthesis and characterization of SnO2 nanofiller from recycled expanded polystyrene

Abstract

Polymer waste that has been viewed as a major threat to our environment is currently gaining attention as valuables resources are being obtained from it. Researchers are now developing nanocomposites/blends from plastic wastes as a way of recycling waste plastic rather than employing incineration and landfilling methods of recycling that are not environmentally friendly. The utilization of nanofiller to recycle waste polymers will enhance the mechanical, thermal and optical properties of the recycled polymers that are repeatedly degraded when they are managed via incineration and landfilling. The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize SnO2 nanofiller from recycled expanded polystyrene (rEPS) polymer wastes (PWs). A product was obtained, and it was characterized using BET, SEM and XRD. The BET showed microporous adsorption with surface area as 3.5880 m2/g, pore size 5.47314 m and the pore volume 0.004909 cm3/g, the SEM analysis showed spherical-shaped particles between 5 µm and 50 µm and the XRD indicated that the material is crystalline with tetragonal shape. This work showed a perfect way of upcycling waste polymers in a cost-effective manner and subsequently having the properties enhanced.