Abstract
The properties of recycled styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) blended with virgin polystyrene (PS) have been investigated over a wide range of concentrations (0–94% wt. SBR). The compounds were prepared by twin-screw extrusion followed by injection molding. A pre-treatment in solution (toluene) was also performed to improve the compatibility between the phases. Extraction tests and thermogravimetry were used to determine the amount of PS inserted in the SBR particles. Morphological analysis (SEM) coupled with physical (density and hardness) and mechanical (tension, flexion, torsion and impact) measurements were performed to assess the final behavior of the mixtures. The results show that the proposed treatment can improve the properties, especially at SBR concentrations greater than 50% wt.
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