Abstract
This work presents the effect of EPDM powder particles size on its thermomechanical regeneration process in a batch mixer. The recycled material was decomposed into six particle groups (125, 250, 355, 500, 710 and 1000 μm) to be treated separately under controlled temperature and rotor speed to determine the relation between specific surface area and bulk regeneration. In each case, EPDM crosslink density was measured using the polymer-solvent interaction described by Flory-Rehner's equation. The results showed that not only regeneration can be achieved (crosslink density reduction), but specific conditions also led to increased reticulation degree. Images of the particles before and after treatment were also analyzed and showed that aggregates presence may distort the sieving and treatment processes of the rubber particles.
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