Polymeric composites based on polystyrene and cement dust wastes

Due to the economical and environmental concern, polymer mortar and polymeric composites were prepared by mixing recycled polystyrene waste and cement dust waste as a filler. Virgin polystyrene and portland cement were used for comparison. Cement dust was treated by the reaction with stearic acid to increase the adhesion between the filler and the polymer matrix. The composites were prepared by mixing different concentration of treated and untreated cement dust (30, 50, 70 and 90 wt.%) with either virgin or recycled polystyrene. The suitability of the prepared polymeric composites as building materials in terms of mechanical properties, water absorption and chemical resistance was studied. After 1 week immersion in water, 10% sodium chloride (NaCl) and 10% sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) solutions, it was found that the chemical resistance and the mechanical properties were enhanced and the water absorption was retarded. The recycled polystyrene composites filled with treated cement dust gave the highest abrasion resistance and the lowest weight loss, also the best compressive and bending strength.

► Cement dust and plastic wastes management is a global environmental problem.
► Polymer mortar and polymeric composites were prepared by mixing recycled polystyrene waste and cement dust waste as a filler.
► The filler was found to have good physical, chemical and mechanical properties, low water absorption, and to be light weight.
► These properties make these composites useful in the construction and building industry.