Mechanical, Crystallographic, and Microstructural Analysis of Polymer Composites Developed from Iron Filings and Polystyrene Wastes

Abstract

The development of polystyrene composites, by solvent casting method, with iron filling waste as fillers is considered to improve the mechanical, crystallographic, and microstructural properties for definite uses. Tensile tests were conducted based on the ASTM D638-10 standard. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and microstructural analysis were also conducted. The Young’s modulus increased (from 335.2 N/mm2 to 1131.3 N/mm2) with increasing filler concentration (0 – 15 wt%) and vice versa occurred for elongation at break (from 4.9 mm to 1.6 mm). XRD revealed that there is a good structural interaction between the iron filings particles and the polystyrene based resin (PBR) matrix. The composites combine the amorphous and crystalline natures of polystyrene and the iron filings respectively. There was also no chemical reaction observed, but the development of synergistic structural reinforcement in the polystyrene matrix. Microstructural analysis revealed that a good dispersion and distribution of iron filings particles in the polystyrene matrix. The composite with 15% filler had the best interfacial adhesion and the proper mix of the particles-matrix system.

Keywords

• composite polymer
• polystyrene
• iron filings
• wastes
• properties