Using of tire and EPDM rubber wastes in composite materials

In this study, waste rubber powder (LA) and EPDM rubber powder (EPDM) obtained from 4 different waste tires (car, tractor, bus, truck) were selected as filling material in epoxy resin. In this study, 3 types of epoxy resins: NPER 450 (modified with rubber), NPEK 114 (bisphenol-A), NPER 133L (modified with polyurethane) 1: 1 mixtures were used as matrix. LA and EPDM were added to the epoxy resin at a rate of 10-50% by mass, and the effect of the amount of filler and the type of epoxy resin on the composite properties was investigated. The morphology and structure of the composites were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties (tensile strength, tensile elongation, modulus of elasticity and hardness) of composites were determined. Mechanical and thermal properties of LA composites were higher than EPDM composites. In resin mixes, the best results were obtained with NPER 133L-NPEK 114. The most suitable filler ratio for EPDM was 20% and for LA 30%.