Rotomolding of Foamed and Unfoamed GTR-LLDPE Blends: Mechanical, Morphological and Physical Properties

In this work, a simple method is presented to produce ground tire rubber (GTR) -linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) compounds and foams via rotational molding. In particular, different GTR concentrations (0 to 50% wt.) were dry-blended with different chemical blowing agent (CBA) content (0 to 1% wt.). From the samples produced, a complete set of characterization was performed in terms of mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact), density and morphological properties. The results show that increasing GTR content or CBA content not only decreased both tensile and flexural moduli, but decreased ultimate strength and strain at break. As expected, increasing blowing agent content decreased density. Besides, with respect to impact strength, the value of all samples decreased with the addition of GTR or CBA except for 0.2% wt. CBA of GTR-LLDPE composite foams, which nearly remain at the same level.