Effects of ground rubber powder in a polyethylene-based composite

Ground rubber powder (GRP) is a waste material obtained from discarded tires and has been explored as a reinforcement material in polyethylene (PE) composites to improve their mechanical properties. The present study investigates the influence of GRP content and particle size on the properties of PE/GRP composites. The samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for identifying organic compounds, and several mechanical tests to evaluate the properties. Statistical analysis was conducted through a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess the impact of different GRP concentrations on the impact strength within each particle size range. Based on the SEM analysis, the surface of PE exhibits a smooth and homogeneous texture, while the SEM image of the PE/GRP blend reveals a strong interfacial bonding and compatible morphology between the two components. The spectrum of the GRP revealed characteristic vibrations associated with polyisoprene, a major component of tire rubber. In the case of polyethylene PE, bands related to the characteristic vibrations of C-H groups were observed, along with indications of polyethylene degradation through oxidation. These findings contribute to the understanding of the chemical composition and properties of the individual components in the PE/GRP blend. In terms of mechanical properties, the elongation at break (EB) results showed that higher GRP concentrations, particularly at 10%, led to improved elongation values, indicating the reinforcing effect of GRP particles on the PE matrix. The impact strength analysis revealed that the inclusion of GRP particles significantly enhanced the impact strength of the blend. The optimal GRP concentration for maximizing impact strength was found to be 10%. Moreover, statistical analysis through a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the impact strength variations were significantly influenced by the concentration levels of GRP. These findings demonstrate the potential of GRP as a filler material to enhance the flexibility, ductility, and impact resistance of PE blends, expanding their applicability in various industries.