Utilização de PET pós-consumo como carga para borracha natural

Abstract

This work describes an optimized attempt of reusing PET poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles. PET bottles have been used as a filler for natural rubber (NR). Both polymers used in this research are of great applicability and importance in modern industry. Because residues may bring serious environmental problems, reusing of PET, mainly as an additive in other materials, may be seen as an economically feasible way ofdeveloping new polymeric systems. Based on these premises, this work aims at finding an alternative for reusing PET bottle residues. Residues of crushed PET bottles were added to natural rubber and the mixture was then vulcanized. The vulcanization process was monitored using torque rheometry, while structural characteristics were evaluated through the degree of swelling and mass loss, scanning electron microscopy anddifferential scanning calorimetry. The materials obtained as a result of this process had their mechanical properties measured using tensile tests. Information about the structure of the new materials produced as well as their properties were compared to those of the vulcanized NR and vulcanized NR with addition of carbon black. The incorporation ofPET has not reduced the mechanical properties of vulcanized rubber. The surface modification of PET performed by using ultra-violet radiation has slightly increased mechanical properties of the material. The DCS results also indicate that PET particles suffer recrystallization during rubber vulcanization.