Effectiveness of Polysterene as Alternative Sealant

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

There are lots of things in this world like plastic, paper, cups, and styrofoam that can be recycled. If these are done correctly, less waste will crop up, new ideas will come up, and new things will be created. Looking into their usefulness after using is everybody's concern. Therefore, this study tried to explore the different techniques to recycle styrofoam and turn it into a useful product.

METHODS

Multiple methods were used in this study. Specifically, pre-experimental research and comparative designs were used to investigate and note the observations in some interventions or treatments presumed to cause change. The pre-experimental design could be a cost-effective way to discern whether a potential explanation is worthy of further investigation. Comparative analysis was done between the commercial sealant and the proposed styro-sealant to investigate the level of acceptance of target users. The researchers gathered data from selected construction workers through a self-made survey questionnaire to test the smell, adhesiveness, and compressibility of the sealant.

RESULTS

The results reveal that the smell of the styro-sealant is not approved by the end-users of the product. Its 46.67% rating is quite lower than the 73% obtained by the commercial sealant. When adhesiveness was tested, both the styro-sealant and the commercial sealant obtained very good ratings, 80% and 83 % respectively. Lastly, in terms of compressibility, the styro-sealant obtained a higher percentage (63%) than the commercial sealant (50%).

DISCUSSIONS

The results show that in terms of smell and adhesiveness, the commercial sealant is more acceptable than the styro-sealant. But in terms of compressibility in the breakage of the sealant, the styro-sealant is better as perceived by the end-users. The results imply the possibility of using this product; however, further study is needed to improve its smell for health reasons.