Preparation, characterization and Degradation potential of polystyrene Fe-ZnO/clay Nanocomposite

Abstract

Polystyrene has important and exclusive mechanical, physical and chemical properties which make it feasible for various applications. it has vast range of applications in food packaging, telecommunication, building insulations and electronics industry. Whereas, this has caused serious threats to the land and marine environment. It accumulates in the ecosystem which cause various pollution and waste management issues. Moreover, nature is unable to decompose and get rid of the waste on its own. In the present work polystyrene Fe-ZnO/Clay nanocomposites were successfully prepared by incorporating nanoparticles prepared through co precipitation method. Nanocomposites were prepared with five different loadings ranging from 0.01 – 0.05 g of Fe-ZnO /Clay. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive analysis (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), were done for nanoparticles and nanocomposites. The IR spectra show a change in the molecular groups of composites which indicates the oxidative degradation in the samples with high particle loading. SEM image revealed that the nanoparticles of Fe-ZnO/Clay of average particle size 183nm were distributed uniformly along the nanocomposite layer. The SEM image of film with highest nanoparticle loading reflected a significant variation in the physical structure of the film as well. EDX analysis revealed a change in the chemical composition of the sample with highest Fe-ZnO/ Clay nanoparticle loading after 60 days of soil burial as well. the decrease in elongation and tensile strength after soil burial indicates the breaking of polymer chain, reduction in molecular weight and the production of free radical ions. All these factors cause deterioration of mechanical properties. The antimicrobial analysis revealed the increase in the antibacterial impact of nanocomposites with the increase in loadings from 0.01g to 0.05g. Overall, the nanocomposite films with highest nanoparticle loading shown improved biodegradation as compare to pristine polystyrene.