Researchers at the University of Delaware and Argonne National Laboratory have introduced a chemical experiment that converts EPS into PEDOT:PSS, successfully turning Styrofoam into a valuable resource, which is a high-value conductive polymer used in electronics.
The study shows how Styrofoam waste can be integrated into functional electronic devices, such as silicon-based hybrid solar cells, to achieve Styrofoam recycling.

Are there other ways to recycle Styrofoam?
In fact, there are chemical recycling and mechanical recycling methods to achieve Styrofoam recycling.
Foam can be broken down into its polymer components through a process called pyrolysis, which can be used as fuel in various industries, thereby achieving chemical recycling.
Mechanical recycling is carried out by compressing the foam waste material into dense blocks and melting them to form pellets. The foam is usually compacted by a foam densifier before Styrofoam recycling to minimize the volume when transported to the recycling facility.

Main advantages of foam densifier
There are many foam recycling machines on the market, such as cold-press compactor, and hydraulic-press compactor, but foam densifier has won the favor of many consumers with its high compression ratio and intelligent operation.
Foam densifier compacts foam to one-ninetieth of its original volume through the hot melt principle, while the compression ratios of cold-press compactor and hydraulic-press compactor are 50:1 and 70:1 respectively. Obviously, foam densifier can maximize the efficiency of transportation and space management.
Most importantly, the hot melt ingots produced by foam densifier can not only reduce the cost of transportation, but also significantly improve the granulation efficiency in subsequent Styrofoam recycling. Therefore, downstream buyers generally tend to buy hot melt ingots.

INTCO Recycling, as a leader in Styrofoam recycling solution, has been deeply involved in this industry. If you have any needs, we are always here to help you.