Damping and toughening effect of the reinforcements on the epoxy modified recycled + devulcanized rubber based composites

This paper discusses damping effect of the reinforcements on the epoxy modified (10, 20 and 30 wt. %) devulcanized recycled rubber based composites. Within this study, the influence of Boron, γ-alumina and hollow glass microspheres (HGM) added in the matrix as the reinforcement elements were examined. As well known, devulcanization process is an efficient method of micronized rubber that can be used as useful products in a highly valued form. In this study, a combined process (chemical treatment + microwave) was used in order to modify the structure of the scrap recycled rubber. To characterize toughening and impact behaviour, quasi static 3P bending tests and choc tests were used for obtaining the principal values K_Ic and G_Ic and also damping capacity due to the reinforcement particles. Additionally, Shore-D hardness tests were measured. Scanning Electronic microscopy (SEM) was used to check dispersion quality and fracture surfaces, in scanning mode.