Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
5 years ago

Enhancement of the hydrophobicity of recycled polystyrene films using a spin coating unit

Enhancement of the hydrophobicity of recycled polystyrene films using a spin coating unit
R. Catarino-Centeno, Elías Pérez, Armando Gama Goicochea, Guillermo González-Alatorre, Rosalba Patiño-Herrera
This article describes a technique for recycling polystyrene cups (PSr) mixed with poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) to produce PSr/PBMA films and subsequently PSr films by removing PBMA with a selective solvent (acetic acid), with the benefit of a reduction in environmental pollution generated by polystyrene waste. Removal of PBMA increases roughness, which generates a significant increase ( ∼34°) in the water contact angle, reaching its highest value at 128°. By increasing the hydrophobicity of surfaces, properties with important technical applications are acquired such as those used in antifouling paints, stain-resistant surfaces, and surfaces that avoid the formation and accretion of ice on microelectronic devices. Roughness of PSr/PBMA films is significantly affected by the concentration of both polymers and by the spin rate, reaching its highest value at 2% PSr and 3% PBMA at 2000 rpm. For optimal film deposition, a cheap spin coating unit was designed and built, with a price less than 4% of that of a commercially available spin coating unit. Lastly, it was found that the data obtained with our spin coating unit is described by the Meyerhofer model with accuracy of 88% ± 3%. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45365.

Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi

DOI: 10.1002/app.45365

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