Composites Based on Polystyrene and Asphaltenes

Abstract

Composites based on polystyrene and asphaltenes isolated from heavy oil were produced by melt mixing. The content of asphaltenes in the composites was varied from 5 to 30 wt %. Partial solubility of asphaltenes in polystyrene was demonstrated. The undissolved part of asphaltenes forms in the polystyrene matrix aggregates up to tens of micrometers in size, which leads to a decrease in the tensile strength as compared with the unfilled polymer. Asphaltenes also serve as plasticizers for polystyrene lowering its glass-transition point.