Distribution of Scrap Rubber into Polymers

If the virgin rubber was considered as a potential matrix for the scrap rubber, the fine particles of this rubber waste has also been tested as an additive in polymers. Various examples following this way are examined. 

Ground rubber tire was used as a partial substitute for EPDM rubber in modified EPDM—high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blends. The blends with higher rubber content showed poor processability, whereas the compositions with higher plastic content behaved like toughened plastics. It was observed that for the 60/40 rubber/ plastic blend, 50% of EPDM could be replaced by the ground rubber without deterioration in properties [58], 

Reactive mixing of crumb rubber with polypropylene by melting represents an innovative way of recycling old and waste rubber. A machine technology can easily be applied through injection molding. Results are examined for quasi-static and dynamic tests applied to the final materials. Moreover, the properties of this elastomer alloy remains constant after several recycling processes [59]. 

According to Reference [60], a sheet extruder has found a way to lower costs by compounding crumb rubber from recycled scrap tires into PE or PP, using a patented technology. 

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