iSTEM PROJECT ASSIGNMENT

• Title: Processing and application of Styrofoam waste

• Goal: Investigate and demonstrate the effectiveness of processing polystyrene foam waste
through dissolution in acetone and use of the resulting product as a varnish.
• Objectives:
üStudying the properties of polystyrene foam: review the physical and chemical properties
of expanded polystyrene.
üAnalysis of the problem of polystyrene foam waste: to study the problem of
environmental pollution by polystyrene foam waste. Evaluate current waste management
practices and their shortcomings. Development of a method for dissolving in acetone:
üConduct experiments on dissolving polystyrene foam in acetone. Determine optimal
dissolution conditions (temperature, concentration, etc.). Analysis of the resulting
solution.
üDetermine the characteristics of the resulting solution. Carry out chemical analysis to
confirm the formation of a varnish-like product. Study on use as a varnish
üDetermine the properties and characteristics of the resulting varnish. Conduct testing on
various surfaces to evaluate its applicability. Assessment of environmental benefits.
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Description (including four STEM components, Each part includes 50 words at least)
• Science(Chemistry)–The scientific aspect involves an in-depth analysis of
expanded polystyrene properties, including its chemical and physical properties.
Understanding the molecular structure and strength of polystyrene provides a
foundational knowledge base for the subsequent experiments in acetone dissolution
and the creation of a lacquer-like substance. Discussing about bonds and their types
in molecules and search answer for ”why polystyrene dissolve in acetone solution”.
• Technology- making the experiment at laboratory(use tools and apparatus): dissolve
polystyrene in aceton. Watch the videos in youtube and discuss about the proportion
of things. Use 3D laboratory.
 iSTEM PROJECT ASSIGNMENT
• Engineering- How can foam plastics be processed and used in everyday life?
1. We take the tank of gasoline and completely clean the inside. We cut a small part of the
gasoline tank.
2. We cut the exact center of the bottom of the bowl. We install the fan connected to the
motor there. As you pour acetone into the container and melt the foam, that fan will stir
the solution. The fan speed can be adjusted.
3. We take out a tap from the edge to pour the obtained varnish.
4. Pour the varnish poured into the bowl onto the floor of the garage and prepare it.
• Math– calculate and find the ideal proportion of mass of polystyrene and volume of
aceton. Predict how many volume of varnich will be produced. Calculate the yield of
product from solving.
 iSTEM PROJECT ASSIGNMENT
• Procedure
1. We take the tank of gasoline and completely clean the inside. We cut a small part of the
gasoline tank.
2. We cut the exact center of the bottom of the bowl. We install the fan connected to the
motor there. As you pour acetone into the container and melt the foam, that fan will stir
the solution. The fan speed can be adjusted.
3. We take out a tap from the edge to pour the obtained varnish.
4. Pour the varnish poured into the bowl onto the floor of the garage and prepare it.
 iSTEM PROJECT ASSIGNMENT
• Results an illustration of diagram, schema, or picture
We need these things:
• Tank of gasoline
• Polystyrene
• Acetone
• Fan
• Motor
• bootle
 iSTEM PROJECT ASSIGNMENT
Conclusion
• Styrofoam never decomposes in nature. It has a negative impact on nature as it does not rot
under the ground. Think about what would happen if all the Styrofoam piled up on the
ground untreated?
• Of course, it brings a big minus to nature. Therefore, foam plastic should be used in the
right direction and introduced into production. For this purpose, it is useful to dissolve foam
plastic in acetone and obtain a solid substance like varnish. We can apply and polish this
varnish on car, door exterior and foundation. You can add different colors and make
different colors. Therefore, we effectively used the 4 components of STEM and found a
solution to the problem.
 Poster
Science
Types of bonds, solvents, acetone,
Polymers, structure of
polystyrene (пенопласт),
varnish
Math
Calculating mass and yield of
product, finding the proportion of
solvents and polystyrene
Technology
3d or virtual laboratory,
Offline laboratory works by hands,
Use varnish at home condition
Polystyrene can be used in Engineering
Production of varnish. It will be
used for cars, doors and etc.
ex: polishes the exterior
of the car.