Physical properties of irradiated thermoplastic elastomeric olefins based on (devulcanized rubber)/(high crystalline polypropylene) formulations

This work aims to produce thermoplastic elastomeric olefins based on devulcanized waste rubber (DR) and polypropylene (PP) compatibilized with poly(ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) (EPDM). The coupling of DR/PP in varying proportions with EPDM was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. A comparative study was established to evaluate the influence of EPDM content and radiation dose on the physical, mechanical, and thermal performance of DR/PP/EPDM composites. It was found that the synergism of EPDM incorporation and irradiation conditions up to 100 kGy remarkably decreased the PP Tm value, indicating a promotion in the PP and radiation sensitivity. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:33–41, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers