Solvated polystyrene resin: a perspective on sustainable alternative to epoxy resin in composite development

ABSTRACT

Because of its superior mechanical qualities, chemical resistance, and adherence to a variety of substrates, epoxy resin is the most often utilized plastic matrix in composite development. However, in recent years, solvated polystyrene, also called polystyrene-based resin (PBR), has been used to make plastic resin. PBR is simple to make, inexpensive, and can be cured without the use of heat. This review evaluates the qualities, benefits, and possibilities of PBR as a composite development alternative to epoxy resin. PBR can be created manually using the mixing and laying-up techniques, and it can be fully dried at room temperature for three to ten days without the need for a curing agent or hardener. PBR has been reinforced with a variety of fillers to create different composites of competing properties depending on filler types and quantities. Future perspectives and recommendations were outlined, including the projective aspect of PBR-based composites for future work.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Hybrid composites
• polystyrene-based composite
• polystyrene-based resin
• epoxy resin
• solvolysis

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Compliance with ethical standards

This article does not contain any studies involving human or animal subjects.

Additional information

Funding

There was no external funding for the study.