Influence of micronized waste tire rubber on the mechanical and tribological properties of epoxy composite coatings

Epoxy coatings reinforced with 1–20 wt% micronized waste tire rubber (WTR) for improved mechanical and tribological properties were investigated. The hardness was improved as compared to the pristine epoxy coating by 22% at an optimum loading of 5 wt% WTR. The coefficient of friction of the epoxy composite coatings reduced considerably after reinforcing with WTR for all loadings. Similarly, the wear resistance was improved by over 70% for up to a loading of 10 wt% WTR. However, the mechanical and wear properties deteriorated at higher WTR loadings. The WTR reinforced epoxy coatings exhibited promising properties at optimum loading of 5 wt%. The effect of load, sliding speed, temperature and the ensuing wear mechanisms were analyzed and discussed. [Display omitted] •Novel epoxy composite coatings reinforced with waste tire rubber was developed.•Coefficient of friction of the epoxy composite coatings was reduced by up to 20%.•Specific wear rate was reduced by over 70% for up to 10 wt% reinforcement.•Composite coating reinforced with 5 wt% exhibits optimum properties and performance.•Sliding speed has greater influence on the specific wear rate than applied load.