Evaluation of waste tyre granules as a filler material in polymer matrix composite materials

As the consumption of substances increases with the increasing population, waste materials also increase. The use of these waste materials in the produced composite materials has started to become widespread because it can reduce the amount of waste. In today's world, vehicle tires are one of these wastes. In this study, waste rubber rubber granules were used as filling material for the production of polymer matrix composite samples. One of the most preferred matrix materials, polyester resin, and recycled waste tire rubber granules were combined in different proportions by open molding method. The samples were experimentally characterized by tensile, impact and hardness tests. The morphological features of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscope images. The study revealed that the addition of untreated waste tire rubber granules to polyester resin reduces the tensile and yield strength values, while increasing the elongation and ductility of the material. Morphological investigations have shown that the interfacial adhesion of waste rubber granules and polyester resin is poor, and therefore, waste rubber granules must be properly processed to be used as filling material. The study showed that waste tire rubber granule/polyester composites can be used in non-structural applications with benefits such as using less fossil-sourced raw materials and contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution.