Abstract
A model solvent technique is presented according to which polystyrene (PS) foam scrap is recovered in the form of small grains. The process mainly comprises dissolution of the waste into benzene or toluene, filtering, dispersion of the solution into water, and subsequent distillation. The alternative solvent/non-solvent systems have been studied on the basis of solution rheology, operating conditions during the recycling procedure, and extents of recovery of PS and solvent. Eventually, the toluene/water system has been chosen for a larger scale experiment (LSE), the product of which was used for characterization work. No influence on critical properties was detected due to the solvent technique followed.