Effect of Modified Waste Bio-Filler for Sustainable Reinforced Polymer Composite for a Circular Economy

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 with surface treatment and modifications. The materials to be used, R-EPS and STLP, are collected through waste management and pre-treated with organic surfactants before being dried in an oven at elevated temperatures to remove any moisture present. STLP is subsequently dispersed within the R-EPS polymer matrix in the 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 ۳۰%, ۴۰%, ۱۷%, and ۲۳% respectively. Elongation and hardness experienced a decrease of ۳۳.۳%, and ۹.۹%. The optimal enhancement is observed with the addition of ۳ wt. % of the treated STLP into the polymer matrix. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis shows an increase in thermal stability with reinforcements significant rise of ۱۰°C. The water absorption test revealed no significant water absorbance capability in the composite, whether incorporating untreated or treated STLP in R-EPS. Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy is used to analyze the morphological characteristics and chemical bonding in treated R-EPS/STLP. The results reveal that the chemically treated STLP exhibits compatibility with 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 with enhanced properties.

کلیدواژه ها:

Circular Economy ، expanded polystyrene ، spent tea leaves ، Surface treatment ، bio-fillers mechanical strength ، thermal stability ، water absorption