Ground tire rubber/polyamide 6 thermoplastic elastomers produced by dry blending and compression molding

This study investigates the addition of ground tire rubber (GTR) into virgin polyamide 6 (PA6) to produce thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) blends. In particular, a wide range GTR concentration (0–100% wt.) was possible by using simple dry blending technique materials in powder form followed compression molding. The molded samples were characterized terms morphological (scanning electron microscopy), physical (density and hardness) mechanical (tension, flexion impact) properties. results showed decrease tensile flexural moduli strengths with due its elastomeric nature. However, significant increases observed on elongation at break (up 167%) impact strength 131%) compared neat PA6 matrix. Based obtained, an optimum content around 75% wt. which represents balance between high recycled sufficient amount matrix recover all particles. These represent first step showing that processing method can be used low cost PA6/GTR compounds