Weatherability of polypropylene/waste tire dust blends: Effects of trans‐polyoctylene rubber and dynamic vulcanization

Abstract

Two series of polypropylene (PP)‐based blends containing waste tire dust (WTD) from scrap tires were naturally weathered. From investigations of specimens after 3‐month and 6‐month weathering periods, the overall indication was that blends with trans‐polyoctylene rubber (TOR) and sulfur dynamic vulcanization (PP/WTDT‐SDV) resisted the deleterious effects of atmospheric factors better than the blends without TOR and dynamic vulcanization (PP/WTD). Tensile test results showed that PP/WTDT‐SDV blends exhibited higher tensile strength and elongation at break than PP/WTD blends. The PP/WTDT‐SDV blends also recorded higher retention values of tensile strength and elongation at break than PP/WTD blends. An increment in the Young's modulus of PP/WTD blends was noticed, however, after both exposure periods. The morphology of the fracture surfaces showed that less WTDT‐SDV than WTD was removed from the PP matrix, a result indicating the presence of improved interfacial adhesion in PP/WTDT‐SDV blends. Micrographs of exposed surfaces showed the formation of easily removed layers on the surface of PP/WTDT‐SDV, which might act as a protective covering and resist the deleterious effects of weathering on the internal parts of the PP/WTDT‐SDV blends. Thermograms showed that the melting temperatures of the exposed PP/WTDT‐SDV specimens were higher than those of PP/WTD samples after both outdoor exposures. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers.

Incorporation of Kenaf Core Fibers into Low Density Polyethylene/Thermoplastic Sago Starch Blends Exposed to Natural Weathering

“…It is apparent that the retention of tensile strength decreased as the KCF loading increased. Most blends showed diminutions of tensile strength after the exposure as a result of the combined effects of atmospheric factors such as solar radiation, temperature and humidity as well as seasonal variations and environmental pollutants [12]. When a sample was subjected to natural weathering for a longer period, severe surface cracks developed, and this permitting chemical degradation, water absorption, microorganism attack to take place and eventually deteriorate the properties of the composite [11].…”

“…The presence of both carbonyl and hydroxyl functional groups signified the photo-oxidation of both blends during the period of outdoor exposure [12].…”

Characterization and properties of LDPE/(ground tire rubber)/crosslinked butyl rubber blends

“…At present, reducing the size in the form of grinding is among the most common of the applied scrap rubber recycling technologies; it consists of mechanical disintegration of the scrap rubber material until the required particle size has been reached. The disintegrated scrap rubber containing high‐quality material can be used, among other things, as filler in thermoplastic compositions , thermoplastic elastomers , and rubber compounds , as well as as an asphalt modifier , a cement modifier , an absorbent , and a substrate used in the processes of pyrolysis and devulcanization . In general, the increased content of ground tire rubber (GTR) in polymer composition results in lower mechanical properties of the obtained products.…”

Effects of natural weathering on the degradation of alkaline‐treated peanut shell filled recycled polypropylene composites

“…In general, these results are explained on the basis of degradation factors, namely photooxidation, hydrolytic degradation, temperature and moisture effects as well as microorganism attacks. UV radiation initiates the breaking down of the polymer chain and generates carbonyl and hydroxyl groups . Thus, in this case, the intensification of carbonyl peaks proves that the photodegradation had taken place, resulting in some changes in the chemical structure of the polymer .…”