Braille block from polystyrene foam recycling using D-limonene and reinforcing with coconut coir pitch

Abstract

The aim of this research is to develop a suitable ratio for a braille block forming. Braille block was produced by recycled polystyrene foam by dissolving the foam in D-Limonene and reinforcing with coconut coir pitch. The reinforcing materials, coconut coir pitch was prepared in mesh size of 100 and dried at 105 °C for 30 minutes. The ratio of polystyrene foam and coconut coir pitch consisted of 1:0, 1:1/2, 1:1/4, 1:1/6, and 1:1/8. The mixed materials were then added with hardener and left at room temperature for 168 hours. Tensile properties of un-aging and aging at 70 °C for 72 hours were observed. Elongation at break and compressive modulus were compared. The results have shown that the highest tensile strength was found in 1:1/6 specimens while after aging, the maximum tensile strength was shown in 1:1/4 specimens. For elongation at break, the specimen of 1:0 was recorded the best value. After compressive tests, the highest modulus was observed in 1:1/2 specimens. Overall, the optimum ratio of polystyrene foam to coconut coir pitch was 1:1/2, and this material was taken to build the braille block prototype.