Micronized rubber powder

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Micronized Rubber Powder (MRP) is classified as fine, dry, powdered elastomeric crumb rubber in which a significant proportion of particles are less than 100 µm and free of foreign particulates (metal, fiber, etc.). MRP is typically made from vulcanized elastomeric material, most often from end-of-life tire material, but can also be produced from post-industrial nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), butyl, and natural rubber compounds. MRP particle size distributions typically range from 180 µm to 10 µm. Narrower distributions can be achieved depending on the classification technology.

Characteristics

MRP is a free flowing, black rubber powder that disperses into a multitude of systems and applications.[1] Due to its micron size, MRP can be incorporated into multiple polymers, and provides a smooth surface appearance on finished products. In some cases, in order to improve compatibility with host materials, the MRP is given a chemical treatment to activate, or “make functional” the surface of the powder particles. This is referred to as functionalized MRP or FMRP.

Applications

MRP is used as a compound extender to offset the use of natural rubber and synthetic polymers as well as act as a process aid in material production.[2] It also can improve the sustainability and in some cases the performance of the compounds in which it is used. For example, the smaller particle sizes of MRP are known to increase the impact strength of certain plastic compositions. However, in all applications the particle size and loading levels depend on the target application.

Industries incorporating MRP into their products include tire, automotive, construction, industrial components and consumer products. It is also used as an additive in tires, plastics, asphalt,[3] coatings, and sealants. MRP can also be incorporated into prime or recycled grade polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and nylons. Additionally, the incorporation of MRPs in thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) makes it a feasible ingredient for automotive and building & construction applications.

There is an applicable American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification [ASTM D5603-01 (2008)][4] for the classification of rubber powder, including MRP.

References

  1. ↑ Ayyer, Ravi. "Evaluation of micronized rubber powders with cost/performance benefits". Rubber World. Retrieved 20 July 2012. 
  2. ↑ Kim, Jin Kuk; Burford, R. P. (Nov/Dec 1998). "Study on powder utilization of waste tires as a filler in rubber compounding". Rubber Chemistry and Technology 71 (5): 1028. doi:10.5254/1.3538508. 
  3. ↑ Zheng, Guangyu; Song, Yingdeng Xiolin, Li Zhang, Liqun (2011). "Noise-reducing performance of rubber powder modified asphalt pavement materials". China Synthetic Rubber Industry 34 (4): 314–317. 
  4. ↑ "ASTM D5603-01". American Society for Testing and Material. 


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