Ground Tire Rubber Research Articles

Waste flame-retardant polyurethane foam/ground tire rubber/carbon nanotubes composites with hierarchical segregated structures for high efficiency electromagnetic interference shielding

Recently, flexible conductive polymer composites (CPCs) have attracted increasing interests for their promise in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Inspired by the “steel reinforced concrete” structure, we proposed in this study a novel method to prepare a CPC with high EMI shielding performance from waste flame-retardant polyurethane foam (WFPUF) and ground tire rubber (GTR). In this CPC, WFPUF coated with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) served as a strong and conductive skeleton like the “steel” in “steel reinforced concrete”. Meanwhile, the GTR and CNT composite with a segregated structure occupied the pore space of WFPUF/CNT/CNF (WCC) to form the WCC/GTR/CNT composite, similar to the “concrete” in “steel reinforced concrete”. Owing to such a hierarchical structure, the resultant WCC/GTR/CNT demonstrated some coveted properties, including the enhanced mechanical properties, high electrical conductivity (84.0 S·m−1), excellent EMI shielding performance (53.8 dB), and long-term durability. Remarkably, the composite also showed great flame retardancy due to the presence of WFPUF. This work provided a promising strategy for the preparation of eco-friendly, low cost, flexible and efficient CPCs from polymer wastes, which showed high potential in EMI shielding.

Processing, Mechanical and Morphological Properties of GTR Modified by SBS Copolymers.

In this work, ground tire rubber (GTR) was thermo-mechanically treated in the presence of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers. During preliminary investigation, the effects of different SBS copolymer grades, the variable content of SBS copolymer on the Mooney viscosity, and the thermal and mechanical properties of modified GTR were determined. Subsequently, GTR modified by SBS copolymer and cross-linking agents (sulfur-based system and dicumyl peroxide) was characterized by assessment of rheological, physico-mechanical, and morphological properties. Rheological investigations showed that linear SBS copolymer, with the highest melt flow rate among studied SBS grades, was the most promising modifier of GTR, considering processing behavior. It was also observed that an SBS improves the thermal stability of the modified GTR. However, it was found that higher content of SBS copolymer (above 30 wt%) does not bring any effective changes and, for economic reasons, is inefficient. The results showed that samples based on GTR modified by SBS and dicumyl peroxide have better processability and slightly higher mechanical properties compared to samples cross-linked by a sulfur-based system. This is due to the affinity of dicumyl peroxide to the co-cross-linking of GTR and SBS phases.

A Comprehensive Study on the Styrene–GTR Radical Graft Polymerization: Combination of an Experimental Approach, on Different Scales, with Machine Learning Modeling

The study of the styrene–Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) graft radical polymerization is particularly challenging due to the complexity of the underlying kinetic mechanisms and nature of GTR. In this work, an experimental study on two scales (∼10 mL and ∼100 mL) and a machine learning (ML) modeling approach are combined to establish a quantitative relationship between operating conditions and styrene conversion. The two-scale experimental approach enables to verify the impact of upscaling on thermal and mixing effects that are particularly important in this heterogeneous system, as also evidenced in previous works. The adopted experimental setups are designed in view of multiple data production, while paying specific attention in data reliability by eliminating the uncertainty related to sampling for analyses. At the same time, all the potential sources of uncertainty, such as the mass loss along the different steps of the process and the precision of the experimental equipment, are also carefully identified and monitored. The experimental results on both scales validate previously observed effects of GTR, benzoyl peroxide initiator and temperature on styrene conversion but, at the same time, reveal the need of an efficient design of the experimental procedure in terms of mixing and of monitoring uncertainties. Subsequently, the most reliable experimental data (i.e., 69 data from the 10 mL system) are used for the screening of a series of diverse supervised-learning regression ML models and the optimization of the hyperparameters of the best-performing ones. These are gradient boosting, multilayer perceptrons and random forest with, respectively, a test R2 of 0.91 ± 0.04, 0.90 ± 0.04 and 0.89 ± 0.05. Finally, the effect of additional parameters, such as the scaling method, the number of folds and the random partitioning of data in the train/test splits, as well as the integration of the experimental uncertainties in the learning procedure, are exploited as means to improve the performance of the developed models.

Water absorption and tensile properties of ground tire rubber/epoxy composites: effect of surface treatment

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the surface treatment effect of ground tire rubber (GTR) on the water absorption and tensile properties of aged GTR/epoxy composites. The GTR was treated using 10 wt-% NaOH solution and 1 wt-% stearic acid (SA) in acetone. The results showed that the GTR addition increased the water absorption and decreased the tensile strength and elastic modulus of epoxy composites. In dry condition, compared to the untreated GTR, the tensile strength of the treated GTR decreased by about 4.8% and 2.9% for the NaOH- and SA-treated GTR, respectively. Nevertheless, the addition of treated GTR increased the elastic modulus of epoxy composites by about 8.4% and 6.0% for the NaOH-and SA-treated GTR, respectively. For the aged epoxy, the tensile strength and elastic modulus decreased further due to the matrix plasticisation and degradation of the interface GTR/epoxy strength. It was found that the SA-treated GTR has better performance than the NaOH-treated GTR.

Rheological Characterization of Ground Tire Rubber Modified Asphalt Binders with Parallel Plate and Concentric Cylinder Geometries

Recently, scrap tire rubber-modified asphalt binders and pavements have been the preferred choice of state DOTs and parties involved due to the desirable engineering, as well as economic and environmental impacts. Rheological and mechanical properties of rubber modifications have been the main focus of researchers for the last couple of decades. This paper investigates the rutting potential, fatigue cracking resistance, and continuous performance grade (CPG) changes of waste tire rubber-modified, original, and aged asphalt binders. The CPG of asphalt binders is determined at high, intermediate, and low temperatures. A Delta T Critical comparison of the binder was carried out to establish a relationship between measured parameters. Linear amplitude sweep (LAS) tests at equi-stiffness temperatures were conducted to discover the fatigue life of all binders while the multiple stress creep recovery test is performed to assess the high-temperature rutting performance of asphalt binders as per the Superpave performance grading system at accepted regional (58 °C) as well as high PG temperatures. In addition, parallel-plate geometry and concentric cylinder geometry were used with the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) test to discover the impact of discrete particles available in crumb/ground tire rubber-modified asphalt binders as per standards. The results show that rubber modifications improved the base binder’s rutting resistance and continuous PGs without adversely affecting the fatigue cracking resistance. Based on the mathematical expressions developed, 2.71%, 7.82%, 12.94%, and 18.05% (by weight of binder), GTR modifications improved the high PG of the modified binders one, two, three, and four grade bumps, respectively. Similar linear correlations with R2 0.872 and 0.6 were established for continuous low and intermediate PGs, respectively. MSCR test results revealed that both 9% and 20% GTR modifications were achieved to enhance the H-grade traffic level of the original binder to E-grade.

Investigate the effect of ground tyre rubber as a reinforcement filler in natural rubber hybrid composites

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the effect of various proportions of Ground Tyre Rubber (GTR) blends with Natural Rubber (NR)/Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) or NR/Chloroprene Rubber (CR) composites. The NR (95 phr) composites were developed with 5 phr of EPDM or 5 phr of CR along with different ratios of GTR (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 phr) by a two-roll mill and hydraulic press. The interfacial adhesion of NR/EPDM and NR/CR composites was improved with the addition of nylon 6 at 5 phr. Hence, the silica (20 phr) and carbon black (10 phr) were used as conventional fillers in these composites. The mechanical and curing properties of the developed NR-based hybrid composites were evaluated and compared with control samples. It was noted that the maximum tensile strength, tear strength, hardness, and Young’s modulus were increased by 8%, 9.39%, 6.35%, and 18.31% in NR/EPDM/GTR (95/5/10), while for NR/CR/GTR (95/5/10), 17.1%, 10.71%, 6%, and 31.72% over the control sample. The elongation at break was reduced by 29.11% in NR/EPDM/GTR (95/5/10), but for NR/CR/GTR (95/5/10) was 21.65% over the control sample. The cure properties like scorch time (tS2) and cure time (tC90) were decreased, while minimum torque (ML) and maximum torque (MH) were enhanced with the incorporation of GTR 10 phr in both the composites when compared with the control sample. The addition of GTR increased the sulfur in the cured composites, which was confirmed in EDS analysis. Based on the microstructure and thermogravimetric analysis, GTR particles were uniformly distributed, and the thermal stability was increased by 19.6% and 21.5% in NR/EPDM/GTR (95/5/10) and NR/CR/GTR (95/5/10) composites, respectively, over the control sample. The absorption peaks of NR, EPDM, CR, and GTR elements in the developed composite were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In the NR/EPDM composite, the glass transition temperature (Tg) was increased from −60.7°C to −58.17°C, but for the NR/CR composite, it was −61.43°C to −58.96°C. Finally, the inclusion of 10 phr of GTR was recommended to be suitable for NR with EPDM or CR composites.

Management of ground tire rubber waste by incorporation into polyurethane-based composite foams

Rapid economic growth implicated the developing multiple industry sectors, including the automotive branch, increasing waste generation since recycling and utilization methods have not been established simultaneously. A very severe threat is the generation of enormous amounts of post-consumer tires considered burdensome waste, e.g., due to the substantial emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Therefore, it is essential to develop novel, environmentally friendly methods for their utilization, which would hinder their environmental impacts. One of the most promising approaches is shredding, resulting in the generation of ground tire rubber (GTR), which can be introduced into polymeric materials as filler. The presented work is related to the thermomechanical treatment of GTR in a twin-screw extruder with zinc borate, whose incorporation is aimed to enhance shear forces within the extruder barrel. Modified GTR was introduced into flexible polyurethane (PU) foams, and the impact of modification parameters on the cellular structure, static and dynamic mechanical performance, thermal stability, as well as thermal insulation, and acoustic properties was investigated. Emissions of VOCs from applied fillers and prepared composites were monitored and evaluated. Depending on the treatment parameters, beneficial changes in foams’ cellular structure were noted, which enhanced their thermal insulation performance, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. It was proven that the proposed method of GTR thermomechanical treatment assisted by zinc borate particles might benefit the performance of flexible PU foamed composites and hinder VOC emissions, which could broaden the application range of GTR and provide novel ways for its efficient utilization.

Microwave Devulcanization of Ground Tire Rubber and Its Improved Utilization in Natural Rubber Compounds

We devulcanized ground tire rubber (GTR) with microwaves at different temperatures (140–200 °C) and heating rates (2–18 °C/min). We measured the soluble content and the cross-link density of the samples, and then evaluated them by Horikx’s analysis and determined the specific microwave energy during devulcanization and the selectivity parameter of the treatments. We also introduced the K·D number that can be calculated as the product of the selectivity parameter (K) and the relative decrease in the cross-link density (D). The results showed that GTR devulcanized at lower temperatures, selectivity was very high, and the degree of devulcanization was adequate. At higher temperatures (180–200 °C), the degree of devulcanization reached 85%, but the selectivity parameter was low, which indicates severe degradation at this temperature range. At lower temperatures (140–160 °C) and decreasing heating rate, i.e., increasing residence time, the degree of devulcanization showed an increase, but at higher temperatures, the heating rate had no significant effect on the degree of devulcanization. We introduced different devulcanized GTRs (dGTRs) to natural rubber-based mixtures and produced samples with two different mixing methods: conventional mixing and so-called two-step mixing. In the latter one, in the first mixing step, we added vulcanizing agents to the dGTR, and in the second mixing step, we added this mixture to the reference mixture. Two-step mixing helped recover mechanical properties, especially tear strength. Scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy showed that microwave devulcanization and the vulcanizing agents mixed with dGTR acted in the cross-section of dGTR.

Back to the origin: A spick‐and‐span sustainable approach for the devulcanization of ground tire rubber

AbstractA new sustainable approach for the development of value added devulcanized rubber will augment its application in tire industry and play a significant role toward the product quality, production economy and market completion. The right choice of devulcanizing agent is carried out to keep in mind that the chemical will act as superior devulcanizing agent, easily available, low cost, smoothly penetrate into the crosslinked network in presence of carrier, multifunctional activity and eco‐friendly in nature. Consequently, the current research work is focused on the devulcanization of ground tire rubber (GTR) by way of a multifunctional devulcanizing agent, bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide. The uniqueness of the chemical agent is that it will devulcanize GTR mechanochemically and subsequently the so‐grown devulcanized rubber can facilitate the homogeneous silica dispersion into the revulcanized rubber compound. The degree of devulcanization and the devulcanized rubber quality is measured by the swelling experiment and Horikx theory. The experimental results clearly specified that the optimal devulcanization time is 40 min to obtain better‐quality of devulcanized rubber and enhanced mechanical and thermal performance of revulcanized rubber. The homogeneous silica dispersion in the rubber matrix is further supported by the scanning electron microscopy images. Ultimately, it was established that the as‐grown technology is suitable for rubber reclaiming, which provides to the advancement in the ecological sustainability.

A case study of the comparison between rubberized and polymer modified asphalt on heavy traffic pavement in wet and freeze environment

Ground tire rubber (GTR) usage in asphalt pavement with the dry process has gained more prominence in recent times. The objective of this work is to investigate the pavement performance of GTR-modified asphalt pavement and polymer-modified asphalt pavement on heavy volume of traffic conditions in Michigan's wet and freeze environment. A suite of laboratory tests was done to evaluate the pavement performance of GTR-modified and polymer-modified asphalt mixtures. To reveal the strain and stress relationship under different frequencies and temperatures, the dynamic modulus test was applied. The Hamburg wheel tracking device (HWTD) was used to assess the high-temperature deformation resistance. The disc-shaped compact tension (DCT) test was used to evaluate the low-temperature cracking characteristics. The characteristics of the asphalt binder were assessed by the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) for high-temperature properties and the asphalt binder cracking device (ABCD) for low-temperature properties. After the construction, a field noise test was conducted. The experimental results stated that the polymer-modified asphalt mixture and GTR-modified asphalt mixture showed higher dynamic modulus and better ability to prevent cracking than the conventional asphalt mixture at low temperatures, as well as better permanent deformation and stripping resistance than the conventional asphalt mixture. The fracture energy of the GTR-modified hot mix asphalt (HMA) is 13–16 % larger than the polymer-modified HMA. The number of passes to the stripping point of GTR-modified was 510–518 % higher than the conventional HMA. When compared to the field core, the lab-compacted HMA offers superior pavement performance. The extracted asphalt binder test results show the GTR-modified asphalt has better rutting resistance and cracking resistance than polymer-modified asphalt, and the results in the noise test demonstrated that the rubber-modified asphalt pavement mitigated the noise level by 2–3 dB on the road at different vehicle speeds. Moreover, the pavement condition was noticeably enhanced after the reconstruction of the surface course. The total number of passenger tires to be used in this project is about 2270. To summarize, better rutting and cracking properties in asphalt pavement are shown by the project's utilization of rubber technology. And the GTR-modified HMA is comparable to polymer-modified HMA. Therefore, it may be appropriate to utilize rubber technology on high-traffic volume asphalt pavement in Michigan's wet and freeze climate.

A Case Study of Recycled Tire Fabric and Ground Tire Rubber in Asphalt Pavement in Pavement Construction

A Case Study of Recycled Tire Fabric and Ground Tire Rubber in Asphalt Pavement in Pavement Construction

Development of Novel Low-Cost Sustainable Abrasive Flow Finishing Media From Ground Tire Rubber and Its Performance Evaluation

Abstract The present experimental endeavor aims to develop and study the characteristics of a novel ground tire rubber media (GTRM) through rheological, thermal, and mechanical characterizations. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals the presence of natural and styrene butadiene rubber in ground tire rubber (GTR) and confirms the thermal stability of developed GTRM under the working temperature of the abrasive flow finishing (AFF) process. Investigation reveals that incorporating GTR into media improves AFF performance up to 50 phr, after which it degrades due to poor self-deforming characteristics and abrasive holding capacity at higher GTR fractions. It has also been observed that the percentage of oil and the size of the GTR particles are significant media parameters that govern the GTRM property and thus influence its performance. GTRM with bigger GTR produces deep abrasive cut marks and nonuniform shearing. A comprehensive study reveals that GTRM containing 50 phr GTR (80 mesh), 10% oil, and 60% SiC (220 mesh) results in the highest percentage improvement in surface roughness (% ΔRa) of 44% on flat geometry. The same media, but with coarser SiC (80 mesh), was also used to polish a micro-grooved workpiece. Results show 64% improvement in Ra for the top surface and 58% for the bottom, respectively. Both surfaces still contain a few pits and unevenness; however, the surfaces and top edge of the groove became smooth after AFF.

Producing Interpenetrating Network from Waste Tires Rubber with commercial Unsaturated Polyester

Waste tires constitute environmental problems because of their three-dimensional complicated structure. The presence of different additives within their composition makes them difficult to degrade. In this research, the waste tire rubber is used as raw material after inserting effective groups, like the carboxylic group within the rubber to be used directly without the need to separate additives or recover the rubber individually. Ground tire rubber (GTR) was modified by functionalizing with different ratios of maleic anhydride. Network polyester was prepared from modified GDR and diethylene glycol. Interpenetrating networks IPNs were prepared from polyester of GTR with trade unsaturated polyester. The characterization of the IPNs was studied via infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and AFM pictures. The results indicate that there is a complete interaction between the two types of networks and the IPNs are of one phase. Also increasing the MAn ratio in the GTR gives more homogeneity to the produced IPNs, whereby the number of crosslinking increases.

Mechanical and performance properties of re-vulcanized blends of GTR/NR

The effect of natural rubber (NR) on the mechanical and performance properties of ground tire rubber (GTR) has been investigated. The mechanical properties of vulcanized GTR/NR blends were determined in a universal testing machine. It was found a decreasing in the mechanical properties of the GTR/NR blends as the number of re-vulcanization processes increases. This behavior was attributed to the decrease in the concentration on GTR in the vulcanized GTR/NR blend with respect to the next one, and to a structural net degradation into the re-vulcanized GTR/NR blend due to the reversion process (over vulcanization). In the loss modulus charts was observed that the peaks of the curves got smaller and wide as the re-vulcanization process increased, due to the mechanical loses and elastic gains of the GTR/NR re-vulcanized blends. On the other hand, in the performance results was found that the cut growth values of Flexion Ross were more affected by the thickness of the plaque of vulcanized rubber than for the number of re-vulcanization processes of the GTR/NR blend. In addition, as the re-vulcanization processes increased, the structural degradation of the tridimensional cross-linked net, increased as well, more severely from the fourth re-vulcanization process. It could be concluded that the GTR/NR blends with high GTR content, could be used in the sole shoe fabrication, taking care that the thickness is ≤ 4.5 mm, and that the GTR/NR blends have not been subjected to more than two re-vulcanization processes.

Application of supercritical carbon dioxide jet to recycle waste tire rubber: An experimental and optimization study

Towards devising an efficient recycling technology concerning both rubber pulverization and devulcanization, this study employed supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) jet for recycling waste tires. The particle size and devulcanization extent of the resulting ground tire rubber (GTR) were monitored at different processing conditions, which were optimized by adopting a response surface methodology. The use of ScCO2 jet led to fine GTR with irregular surfaces, with a sufficient pulverization of rubber observed at a high jet pressure. A higher temperature led to a high degree of devulcanization and an improved breakage selectivity of crosslinks. Moreover, it was found that an ambient pressure would not enhance rubber pulverization nor devulcanization; however, it was necessary to maintain the supercritical state of carbon dioxide. Upon optimization, the radical reactions between broken polymer chains or sulfur crosslinks led to a GTR devulcanization degree of approximately 45 %, registering a final particle size of 0.162 mm.

Fracture modeling of rubber-modified binder based on Discrete Element Method

This study investigates the effects of rubber on anti-crack resistance for binders at the low temperature based on Discrete Element Method (DEM). Based on the commercial software Particle Flow Code (PFC), cohesive zone modeling (CZM) and viscoelastic modeling were combined for predicting the behavior of unmodified and Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) modified binders. A new binder fracture test was designed and further simulated in PFC to reveal the interactions between the rubber and binder particles. Then, fracture analysis was conducted in different aspects, including fracture energy, Load-CMOD curves which are mechanics indices, evolutions of crack length, crack number and fracture process zone (FPZ) etc., which are morphological indices. Results from simulations show that the rubber particles play an important role in improving the anti-crack performance of binders at the low temperature. The rubber modified binder will have a ductile failure mode rather than brittle one of unmodified binder, resulting in higher fracture energy. The evolutions of micro-cracks, FPZ and dissipated energy are significantly influenced by rubber particles, which explain the reason for better post-peak behavior, larger peak load of GTR modified binder in macro fracture tests.

Energy Dissipation and Dynamic Fragmentation of Alkali-Activated Rubber Mortar under Multi-Factor Coupling Effect.

Recycled rubber aggregate (RRA) made from ground tire rubber has been promoted for its light weight and shock resistance. The high alkalinity of alkali-activated slag mortar has a modification effect on the surface of RRA. This paper studies the performance of alkali-activated slag mortar using RRA as aggregate (RASM), which has significance for applications in low-carbon building materials. The orthogonal test analysis method was used to analyze the significance and correlation of the main variables of the test. The dynamic energy absorption capacity and crushing state of RASM under the synergistic effect of various factors were studied using the separating Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test system. The energy absorption characteristics and failure modes of RASM were analyzed by SEM and microscopic pore characterization. The results show that the increase of the alkali equivalent of the mix ratio will increase the peak value of the absorption energy of the specimen. When the size of the RRA is between 0.48 mm~0.3 mm, the dynamic energy absorption of the specimen will reach its peak value. Although the increase in the total volume of RRA will reduce the energy absorption capacity of RASM specimens, its crack resistance is enhanced.

Mechanochemical Treatment in High-Shear Thermokinetic Mixer as an Alternative for Tire Recycling.

This publication highlights the use of a high-speed thermokinetic mixer as an alternative to recycling ground tire rubber (GTR) using mechanochemical treatment. The GTR initially had a gelled fraction of 80% and presented a reduction of up to 50% of gel fraction in the most intensive condition (5145 rpm, n2). The processing condition at the lowest speed (2564 rpm, n1) resulted in greater selectivity in chain scission (K~1). However, in the most intense processing condition (10 min to n2), more significant degradation was observed via random scission, reduction in the glass transition temperature, Tg (11 °C), increase in the soluble polymeric fraction, and a more significant reduction in the density of bonds occurs. The artificial neural network could describe and correlate the thermal degradation profile with the processing conditions and the physicochemical characteristics of the GTR. The n2 velocity resulted in the formation of particles with a smoother and more continuous surface, which is related to the increase in the amount of soluble phase. The approach presented here represents an alternative to the mechanochemical treatment since it can reduce the crosslink density with selectivity and in short times (1–3 min).

Mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical analysis and molecular cross-linking of GTR/NR re-Vulcanized blends

The effect of natural rubber (NR) on mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of ground tire rubber (GTR) was investigated. Mechanical and thermal properties of GTR/NR vulcanized blends were determined with a universal testing machine and a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The molecular cross-linking density was determined by molecular swelling in toluene. Presents results indicate that the carbon black embedded in the GTR interior phase of the GTR/NR re-vulcanized blends, did not participate in the NR phase molecular motion restriction. The blends of GTR/NR showed the phenomenon known as reversion, leading a decreasing of the mechanical properties, that could be attributed of the degradation of the interphases (GTR/NR) n+j, j=1,2,3,…. On the other hand, the Cole-Cole charts of the GTR/NR vulcanized blends changed from a semicircular to an irregular form as the NR concentration increases, imposing the heterogeneity of the blend. In addition, in the Cole-Cole charts of GTR/NR vulcanized and re-vulcanized blends, the height ( E´´) and the width ( E´) of the curves decreased while the re-vulcanization processes number was greater; obtained results could be attributed to the increasing of the molecular cross-linking density.

Solid State Orientation of Thermoplastic Vulcanizates

AbstractDie drawing has been used to produce polymeric products with superior mechanical properties by orientation of polymer chains. Although this process has been studied for a variety of thermoplastics and composites, there are no current publications exploring its efficacy to enhance thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). TPVs combine the elasticity and high elongation at break of thermosets while maintaining the processability of a thermoplastic. For the first time, TPVs are die drawn and the effect upon their mechanical and thermal properties is investigated. TPVs based upon ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and polypropylene (PP) as well as ground tyre rubber (GTR) and PP are prepared by dynamic vulcanization using a twin‐screw extruder. In all cases, die drawing leads to an increase in tensile strength and modulus of the material along the drawing direction, often at the cost of elongation at break. At a draw ratio of 2, EPDM/PP TPVs exceed the strength and modulus of neat polypropylene whilst maintaining an elongation at break in excess of 200%. For EPDM/PP, tensile strength increases from ≈21 MPa to over 90 MPa using a draw ratio of 4, whilst for GTR/PP this increases from ≈15 to ≈57 MPa.