UV surface modification of waste tire powder: Characterization and its influence on the properties of polypropylene/waste powder composites

Waste tire powder was subjected to ultraviolet radiation (UV) in the presence of allylamine and radiation sensitizer benzophenone. Fourier Transform Infrared spectral studies revealed the presence of allylamine amine on the surface of the rubber powder. The higher value of nitrogen to carbon X-ray counts obtained from energy dispersive X-ray analysis also demonstrates the presence of amine on the powder surface. Surface energy measurements were done by a dynamic wicking method. Improvement in tensile strength and elongation at break were observed for the PP/modified rubber powder and is attributed to the chemical interaction between the surface of the modified rubber powder and maleic anhydride grafted PP.