The use of reclaimed rubber from waste tires for production of dynamically cured natural rubber/reclaimed rubber/polypropylene blends: Effect of reclaimed rubber loading

Authors

A Thitithammawong
C Hayichelaeh
W Nakason
N Jehvoh

Publication Date

2019-12-01

Abstract

Reclaimed rubber (RR) from waste tires was introduced into thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on blends of natural rubber (NR)/RR/polypropylene (PP). The curing characteristics of NR/RR compounds together with properties of TPVs, i.e., mixing and dynamic vulcanization behaviors and mechanical, dynamic and morphological properties, were investigated with respect to RR content. The results show that the RR affects static and dynamic vulcanization of rubber molecules by increasing cure rate but lowers curing efficiency. Increasing the RR content in NR/RR/PP TPVs slightly reduces tensile strength but with a sharp impact on elongation at break. Dynamic properties reveal that elastomeric response of NR/RR/PP TPVs is inferior relative to that of NR/PP TPV. However, the complex viscosity indicates improved processability of the TPVs. SEM micrographs confirm dispersed phase morphology with vulcanized NR and RR particles embedded in the PP matrix, and the particle size increases with RR content.

First Page

98

Last Page

104

Recommended Citation

Thitithammawong, A; Hayichelaeh, C; Nakason, W; and Jehvoh, N (2019) "The use of reclaimed rubber from waste tires for production of dynamically cured natural rubber/reclaimed rubber/polypropylene blends: Effect of reclaimed rubber loading," Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals: Vol. 29: No. 2, Article 12.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/jmmm/vol29/iss2/12