A review on recycled expanded polystyrene waste as potential thermal reduction in building materials

• Main Authors: Aminudin, Eeydzah, Md. Din, Mohd. Fadhil, Mohamad, Zurina, Noor, Zainura Zainun, Iwao, Kenzo
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: QD Chemistry
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/45512/; http://www.ipcbee.com/vol12/22-C059.pdf
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a common application mainly for construction materials and packaging for consumer products. EPS also has been chosen as recycled material due to the contribution towards non-biodegradable material when it exposed to the landfill. In addition, this waste will also create harmful to our environment due to its toxicity and recalcitrant compounds. The recycled waste material will benefit when it actually can reduced the heat from building material at low cost application. This eco-friendly product will reduce the process of heat transfer between objects. Hence, it plays a great role as an insulator and also benefit in consuming the energy efficiency. A review has been made regarding the availability and performance of polystyrene waste to the market. By recycling this material, a minimization of waste generation can be implemented from the source. Even though the EPS has the ability to reduce heat but sometimes it will create consequences on its products especially low in strength and low in fire resistance. Therefore improvement has been made to sustain the application of recycled EPS in market. As conclusion, recycling EPS will generates wealth from waste, utilize a simple technology that can sustain energy, cheap and safe to public.