Influence of the addition of clays in dynamically revulcanized blends composed of high-density polyethylene/ground tire rubber devulcanized by microwaves
de Sousa Fabiula Danielli Bastos (1)*, Scuracchio Carlos Henrique (2)
(1) Technology Development Center, Universidade Federal de Pelotas - RS - Brazil, (2) Materials Engineering Department, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - SP - Brazil
The properties of polymeric blends containing recycled materials depend on the concentration of the recycled phase, as well as the adhesion between the phases. Aiming to improve properties, one of the possibilities is the introduction of nanofillers, such as clays. Thus, the final materials combine the advantages of polymeric blends with those of polymeric nanocomposites, in addition to using small concentrations of filler (usually 2 to 5% in mass). In many cases, these fillers act as a compatibilizing agent between the phases, decreasing the interfacial tension, promoting the greater breakage of the particles during processing and decreasing the coalescence of the particles, assisting in the stabilization of the morphology.
In this way, the objective of this work is to present a study on the influence of the addition of the clay Cloisite 20A and Halloysite in the morphology and in the mechanical properties of dynamically revulcanized blends composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/ground tire rubber (GTR) previously devulcanized by the action of microwaves.
In general, the results showed that the presence of the clays influenced the morphology and the mechanical properties of analyzed blends.