Abstract
The emission flux of styrene monomer from expanded polystyrene beads (EPSB), expanded polystyrene (EPS) and others, such as pillow, cushion and soft toy samples was measured by using passive flux sampler (PFS). The styrene emission flux was measured at 298 K (11-220 μg/m2/h), 309 K (32-620 μg/m2/h), and 323 K (203-2.23×103 μg/m2/h) and it was found that the emission flux increased with increase in temperature. Apparent activation energy for styrene emission flux from samples was measured < 100 kJ/mol. Activation energy for thermal degradation reaction of polystyrene chain was reported 210 kJ/mol. Thus, it is observed that the rate controlling step is not degradation reaction step but may be mass transfer steps. It may face some difficulties for the users of expanded polystyrene-used products as if expose styrene and other chemical compounds.
