Work

Innovative methods lined up for qualification of waste elastomer fillers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the present paper the impacts of particle size of different waste elastomer fillers and homogenization time with the polymer matrix have been studied. Oscillatory rheometric tests have been conducted on EPDM-containing polyethylene, iGC measurements and SEM images have been investigated to understand the phenomena behind the mechanical properties. One of the practically useful outcomes have been the extension of LVE range of blends with the whole fraction of EPDM particles (0.00–1.25 mm) compared to larger particle domains, such as 0.40–0.63 mm; 0.63–1.00 mm and 1.00–1.25 mm; since the smaller particles increase the interfacial area favourable for stress transfer. The most influenced mechanical property was the elongation at break followed by the impact strength in w-EPDM blends but no other statistical correlation between the particle size distribution and the sample preparation method and the measured mechanical properties has been found for the other type filler containing blends. A relationship between the crossover frequency, i.e., ‘apparent molecular weight’ and homogeneity of the dispersion of waste EPDM particles containing polymers has been found and confirmed by the mechanical properties either. The relative apparent molecular weight, expressed in rad/s, determined from the intersection of G′ and G″ obtained through frequency sweep tests can be used to quantify the homogeneity related to the dispersion of polymer/waste elastomer blends with the same composition but different particle sizes. • A crossover frequency-apparent molecular weight-particle dispersion relationship is found. • Frequency sweep test are practically useful whether fillers are worth fractionating. • IGC has been a useful tool for particle characterization even with PE-contents.

Source: Polymer Testing

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108819

Authors: Lilla Simon-Stőger, Márton Szigeti, Csilla Varga

Institution: University of Pannonia

Language: English

Topic: Polymer crystallization and properties

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,370