LLDPE Composites Filled with Corona Discharge Treated Ground Rubber Tire Crumb

Abstract

The effects of corona discharge treatment (CDT) of ground rubber tire crumb (GRT) on the impact property of the thermoplastic composites containing GRT have been investigated. The composites were prepared by melt blending 40% GRT (average mesh size 40) into a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix. Ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate polymer (IBE) was used as a compatibilizer. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows that the corona discharge treatment of GRT increases the oxygen containing groups on the ground rubber surface. The CDT conditions such as the exposure time and power input for CDT have a moderate influence on the increase in oxygen concentration on the ground rubber surface. In some composites it has been found that treated-GRT marginally improved the impact property of the composites. However, prolonged times of treatment and higher power inputs for corona discharge of GRT reduce the impact strength of the composites. The improvement in impact energy in the former case is believed to be because of better interaction between the epoxy groups of the compatibilizer and the oxygen containing groups on the ground rubber surface. While in other cases the decrease in impact property may be the result of hardening of the GRT surface and/or differing levels of aging and rubber composition in worn tires before grinding.

Keywords

ground rubber tires rubber recycling corona discharge surface oxidation polymer blend blend compatibilization

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