Patents

Thermocol is expanded polystyrene, a petrochemical based plastic. As a result of their versatile and highly desirable properties, as well as the ease and low cost of manufacture, thermocol is extensively utilized. However, disposal of thermocol like other plastics which are all non-biodegradable, poses major waste management problems due to their recalcitrance. Hence, the conversion of waste  polystyrene (a dead end product) into a useful commodity is desirable. As a result of its widespread use and poor rate of recycling,  polystyrene is viewed as a major post-consumer waste product. The use of plastic waste like polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, low-density polyethylene in hot bituminous mixes for road construction globally has paved the way for the use of thermocol waste. In this project feasibility study has been done with respect to use of thermocol waste in Hot  Bitumen Mixes for road construction.