Ahmad, Murtaza Aziz (2023) Effect of the different Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) densities on the mechanical properties of the EPS. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
This project examined the mechanical properties of waste Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) under various densities. The key parameters used to obtain desirable mechanical properties of waste EPS were temperature, pressure, and time. Therefore, it examined the effect of each density on the mechanical strength of EPS by implementing procedures developed in this project to obtain the maximum capacity of waste EPS and suggesting applications for each density. Moreover, the concern is that increased worldwide attention to waste polystyrene and mixed waste have limited uses for recycling (Ayse & Filiz, 2016). These wastes are accumulating due to the new export bans on such waste products. The cost of burying this waste in a landfill in Australia varies from $80 - $200 per tonne for the waste levy application. It is not economically suitable for landfill or recycle these materials due to their expensive cost of processing (Zhuang et al. 2016). Further, the experiment demonstrated finding the ideal density, and mechanical strength, under the correct parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and time to provide optimal mechanical strength.
Furthermore, the row waste EPS is collected and then placed under the heat press machine to modify density into 220, 450, 600, 850, and 1000 (kg/m^3). Three specimens were tested in each density under the Tensile, Compressive and Flexural tests to demonstrate their maximum capacity in following ASTM Standards. Followed, by develop a comprehensive method to optimise waste Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) production across various densities by manipulating temperature, pressure, and time. Through experimentation (Figure 1), it highlighted distinct mechanical strengths tied to different densities showcasing the importance of tailored manufacturing for enhanced performance and sustainable EPS utilisation. It demonstrated by increasing the density can increase the stiffness and strength of waste EPS. The range of tensile strength can be between 1-22 MPa with stiffness of 0.3-3.2 GPa. Similarly, the compressive strength sits between 18-93 MPa and stiffness of 0.6-2.3 GPa. Likewise, the flexural strength lay between 11-37 MPa and stiffness of 1.3-3 GPa. The execution procedure and adoption of the correct temperature, pressure, and time are critical to achieving the maximum capacity of waste EPS. It is proven and demonstrated that waste EPS has unique strength under various densities.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Ferdous, Wahid |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Oct 2025 01:38 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Oct 2025 01:38 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Expanded Polystyrene (EPS); mechanical strength |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52928 |
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