High-density thermoplastic vulcanizates based on LLDPE/NR for truck floor mats application

Abstract

The use of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) that was obtained from a blend of thermoplastics and natural rubbers are considered suitable for the automotive application. To modify the performance of TPVs to high-density TPVs, a high-density filler such as bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) was added. The focus of this study was on the development of high-density TPVs based on linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/natural rubber (NR) blend with different proportions of Bi2O3 filler that meets with requirements for truck floor mats material. The high-density TPVs were prepared by melt blending in a kneader. Bismuth oxide filler loading was varied by 50, 150, 200, 250 phr, and 300 phr. An increase in the weight load of bismuth oxide in TPVs increases density, hardness, and volume loss but reduces the tensile properties, tear strength, and burning rate of high-density TPVs. The test results showed that the TPVs containing 250 phr Bi2O3 was a promising candidate for use as a truck floor base.