Implementation of the emulsification-diffusion method by solvent displacement for polystyrene nanoparticles prepared
Ana María Pineda-Reyes1, Mauricio Hernández Delgado1, María de la Luz Zambrano-Zaragoza2
1Laboratorio de Investigación y Posgrado en Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Av. 1o. de Mayo s/n Cuautitlán Izcalli Estado de México 54740 Mexico quintana@unam.mx.
RSC Advances
|April 15, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a green chemistry method to create polystyrene nanoparticles (PSN) from recycled expanded polystyrene foam. This sustainable process yields concentrated PSN, offering an eco-friendly recycling alternative.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nanotechnology offers environmental solutions through improved preparation methods and industrial scalability.
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam presents a significant global waste challenge.
- Recycling EPS foam into valuable nanomaterials is an underexplored area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and optimize a novel emulsification and solvent displacement method (EDSD) for producing polystyrene nanoparticles (PSN) from EPS waste.
- To develop a sustainable and scalable nanotechnology-based recycling strategy for EPS foam.
- To characterize the obtained PSN and evaluate the process efficiency and solvent recovery.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an modified emulsion-diffusion technique, termed EDSD, for PSN synthesis.
- Employed reduced pressure for sustainable solvent recovery (ICH Class 3).
- Investigated process optimization and scalability for industrial application.
Main Results:
- Achieved highly concentrated PSN dispersions with a minimum particle size of 225.8 nm and a low polydispersity index (0.158).
- Demonstrated high process performance (97.1%) and efficient solvent recovery (up to 85%), enabling solvent reuse.
- Confirmed spherical and uniform morphology of the synthesized PSN with smooth surfaces.
Conclusions:
- The EDSD method provides a sustainable and efficient route for recycling EPS foam into valuable polystyrene nanoparticles.
- This green chemistry approach addresses a major environmental issue by transforming urban waste into functional nanomaterials.
- The optimized process is scalable and facilitates direct use of concentrated PSN dispersions, minimizing waste and resource consumption.
