Optimization of Some Processing Parameters on the Quality of Emulsion Paint from Waste Polystyrene Pyrolysis Oil

Abstract

In furtherance to our effort to reduce environmental pollution, in this study, waste polystyrene (PS) was pyrolyzed through samples preparation (granules, foams). Polystyrene is heated in the absence of oxygen. Products are collected and some physical properties of the polystyrene fuel such as viscosity, density, melting point, moisture uptake, turbidity, elongation at break and water solubility were analyzed. Fuel used as a binder to optimize some processing parameters on the properties of the paint film. Parameters namely; nitrosol, solvent (water), titanium oxide (TiO₂), and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) were evaluated and optimized using polystyrene binder for the paint formulation. The result revealed that nitrosol, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), solvent (water) and titanium oxide (TiO₂) have acceptable concentration of 10 – 20 g, 25 – 30 g, 70 – 90 g and 10 – 20 g respectively. The concentrations mentioned above can serve as a guide for any coating industry attempting to fomulate emulsion paint using PS as a binder. This study to a large extend addresses the optimal values of these processing parameters for emulsion paint formulation and as a guide for the paint formulation.