Polypropylene-based blends containing waste tire dust: Effects of trans-polyoctylene rubber (TOR) and dynamic vulcanization

Blends of polypropylene/waste tire dust (PP/WTD) with and without trans-polyoctylene rubber (TOR) and dynamic vulcanization were prepared, and the effects of TOR and dynamic vulcanization were investigated. By using WTD of 500-710 μm, five different compositions of PP/WTD blend (i.e. 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50 and 40/60 wt%) were prepared in an internal mixer at 180 °C and 50 rpm rotor speed. The results indicate that the incorporation of TOR and dynamic vulcanization improved the tensile properties of PP/WTD blends. Chemical and oil resistance of the PP/WTD blends with TOR and dynamic vulcanization was enhanced. Scanning electron microscopy of the fractured surfaces proved that TOR and dynamic vulcanization promoted good adhesion between the PP matrix and WTD. Thermograms support the finding that TOR and dynamic vulcanization improved the interaction of PP and WTD and, hence, their compatibility.