| Abstract | This work explores the incorporation of thermal black particles and nanofibrillated cellulose fibrils, both individually and in hybrid combinations, as additives in recycled polystyrene foam production. Despite being one of the most widely used thermoplastics worldwide in the foams manufacturing industry, polystyrene is among the least recycled plastics. The foamability of a recycled polystyrene was investigated as a function of thermal black content, the cleanest and most eco-responsible form of carbon black from its industry, and of nano-fibrillated cellulose content, nanoscale building block in wood fibers’ microfibrils. Eco-responsible foams were obtained using carbon dioxide as a blowing agent, recognized for being environmentally friendly and not depleting the ozone layer. The characterization results are presented in terms of foam morphology, open cell content, foam density, expansion ratio, compression strength, thermal insulation, and acoustic insulation. These findings reveal that these eco-responsible extruded foams exhibit performance comparable to commercial counterparts. The incorporation of nanoscale carbon fillers and cellulose nanofibrils enhances the recycled polystyrene foams performance, creating opportunities for greener and more sustainable insulation and cushioning applications. |
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