Analysis of the Mechanical Behavior of Virgin and Virgin-Recycled Polystyrene

Abstract

General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) is widely used in packaging and insulation, although its recyclability poses environmental challenges that require circular economy strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical and tribological behavior of virgin GPPS (100%N), a 50% virgin–50% recycled blend (50N–50R), and 100% recycled GPPS (100%R), processed in Mexico under controlled injection molding conditions. Micro-tensile, flexural, surface roughness, and sliding wear (pin-on-disk) tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM/ANSI standards. The results show that virgin GPPS exhibited the highest strength (micro-tensile: 31.1 MPa; flexural: 87.8 MPa), while the 50N–50R blend maintained comparable tensile strength (27.5 MPa) with greater ductility, making it viable for secondary applications. Recycled GPPS exhibited a significant reduction in strength (micro-tensile: 18.6 MPa; flexural: 41.1 MPa), although with greater deformability. In tribological tests, the coefficients of friction were 0.480 (100%N), 0.128 (50N–50R), and 0.143 (100%R), all with relative errors of less than 4%, confirming statistical validity. Surface roughness analysis showed that the virgin material had the most uniform surface (Ra = 1.0 µm), while the blends exhibited greater variation (Ra ≈ 1.2 µm). In conclusion, although recycled GPPS has limitations compared to virgin material, it retains acceptable mechanical and tribological properties for non-structural applications. These findings support its potential in circular economy strategies in Mexico and provide a framework for countries with similar recycling infrastructure conditions.