Barrier performance of expanded polystyrene/poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) nanocomposite membrane for petrochemicals

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) /poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) nanocomposite thin films containing nanoclays/metal oxides with different filler loadings were prepared. The mechanical strength of the composite was studied in terms of tensile strength, percentage elongation and Young’s modulus. The nanofillers enhance the hydrophobicity of EPS/EVA polymer film as revealed by the increase in contact angle with filler loading. The mass transport studies of the as-prepared composite films for the vapours of petrol, diesel and kerosene indicated enhanced barrier property due to the uniform dispersion of nanofiller particles in the polymer matrix. These fillers occupy the pores at the polymer surface as evident from FE-SEM analysis and produce a tortuous pathway that partially blocks the motion of polymer chains and retard the coefficient of diffusion of the organic vapors. This approach offers a simple way of up cycling waste thermocol in a cost-effective manner which imparts thermal, mechanical and barrier properties and also minimizes the usage of toxic chemicals. Moreover, it is highly significant because of the urgency in the conversion of waste plastics into value-added products, for a clean and green environment.