Analysis of recycled polystyrene electrospinning process: Fiber diameter, morphology, and filtration applications

Author(s)

Lima, Felipe de Aquino ; Honorato, Ana Carolina Sguizzato ; Medeiros, Gabriela Brunosi ; Chagas, Paulo Augusto Marques ; da Silva, Edilton Nunes ; Vieira, Ana Cristina Coelho ; Oliveira, Wanderley Pereira ; Aguiar, Monica Lopes ; Guerra, Vadila Giovana

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING; v. 13, n. 2, p. 18-pg., 2025-01-23.

Abstract

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste poses significant environmental challenges, due to its persistence, necessitating effective recycling solutions. In this study, EPS was transformed into submicrometric fiber membranes by electrospinning, offering a sustainable method for air and water nanoparticle filtration. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to statistically analyze the effects of polymer concentration (5-25 wt%), percentage of DL-limonene (10-50 %), voltage (15-25 kV), and injection flow rate (0.4-1.2 mL/h) on fiber characteristics. Fiber diameters ranged from 240 to 1537 nm, with DL-limonene, a green co-solvent, reducing the diameter by up to 279 nm, while higher polymer concentrations increased the diameter by up to 742 nm. Morphological variations included bead-on-string fibers at low polymer concentrations and porous fibers at 20 % polymer with 40 % DL-limonene, demonstrating the potential for membrane tunability. In air filtration tests, removal efficiencies of 75.15 +/- 1.17 % were achieved, at a pressure drop below 50 Pa and a face velocity of 4.8 cm/s, with the fibers with pores enhancing nanoparticle capture by diffusion and interception mechanisms. Water filtration tests using metal oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4, ZnO, TiO , and CeO ) showed retention efficiencies of 84% for Fe3O4 and 76 % for ZnO, influenced by electrostatic interactions and particle aggregation. Lower efficiencies were observed for TiO and CeO , due to weaker interactions and smaller aggregate sizes. Surface charge measurements revealed that the membranes carried negative charges, affecting the filtration mechanisms. The findings highlight how solvent composition and process parameters can be used to tailor fiber properties for specific applications, transforming EPS waste into functional materials for air and water remediation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/18068-2 - Production process of short nanofibers, applications and uses
• Grantee: Paulo Augusto Marques Chagas
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• FAPESP's process: 23/05407-3 - Production process of short nanofibers, applications and uses
• Grantee: Paulo Augusto Marques Chagas
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE