Study of Modification of PP/EPDM Compounds by Ultraviolet and Gamma Radiation Using Recycled Polypropylene Collected after EPDM Waste Processing as Raw Materials

Abstract:

As the polypropylene resin of high consumption, has as a consequence, the same feature among the resins most discarded after use. This generates high amount of waste in landfills, causing environmental problems, because the polypropylene presents difficulty in the short term, degradation by micro-organisms in the trash. Thus, this resin recycling proposals are always welcome, raising the possibility of reuse, and reducing the concentration of the landfills, thereby helping to minimize the negative effects of its disposal on the environment. Some manufacturers of rubber products, using as raw materials EPDM, report that are discarded after processing the waste, largely in landfills. Thus, the proposed reuse of byproduct, also will not contribute to the degradation of the environment. The aim of this work was to produce compositions (mixtures) with different concentrations of polypropylene and EPDM recycled materials, and evaluate the effect of ultraviolet and gamma radiation, rheological properties, thermal, mechanical and morphological, of the composites. The compounds obtained showed that waste rubber modified thermoplastic properties of polypropylene when irradiated by both UV radiation, such as gamma radiation.Comparing the hardness and impact tests, it was observed that the values ​​decreased with respect to the material not irradiated (UV or gamma). This effect is due mainly to the presence of the EPDM rubber, because the PP when subjected to gamma radiation or UV at low doses has an increase in mechanical properties.

• Periodical: Defect and Diffusion Forum (Volume 354)
• Pages: 49-66
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/DDF.354.49
• Online since: June 2014
• Authors: Nilson Casimiro Pereira*, Mauro Cesar Terence, D.F. Bruzadin, G.J.M. Fechine, Leila F. de Miranda, Renato Meneghetti Peres
• Keywords: EPDM, Gamma Radiation, Polypropylene (PP), Recycling of Polymers, UV Radiation

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