Thermomechanical analysis and optimization of thermoplastic elastomer made of polypropylene and waste tire rubber

Abstract

This study presents the experimental characterization of new thermoplastic elastomers that comprised polypropylene and waste tire rubber (WTR). The processing was investigated to obtain standard tensile test samples. Particles and matrix compatibilization has been examined and the melt flow index was found to be a suitable way to determine the best ratio of compatibilizer. Additionally, standard mechanical tests were done on selected blends that have convenient compatibilizer concentration. Dynamic mechanical analysis tests have been carried out and storage modulus and loss factor were drawn as function of temperature. Influence of WTR concentration has been examined through quasistatic tensile tests ([Formula: see text] = 10−4, 10−3, 10−2 s−1). X-Ray tomography has been used to visualise the postmortem fracture surfaces as well as the internal microstructure of the samples. Image analyses have been performed via an in situ device in order to follow the damage process of the samples occurring under tensile stress in this type of composite.