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

本研究调查了将磨碎的轮胎橡胶 (GTR) 添加到原始聚酰胺 6 (PA6) 中以生产热塑性弹性体 (TPE) 共混物。特别是，通过使用粉末形式的材料的简单干混技术，然后压缩成型，可以实现大范围的 GTR 浓度（0-100% wt.）。模塑样品在形态（扫描电子显微镜）、物理（密度和硬度）和机械（拉伸、弯曲和冲击）性能方面进行表征。结果表明，由于其弹性性质，GTR 的拉伸和弯曲模量和强度有所降低。然而，与纯 PA6 基质相比，断裂拉伸伸长率（高达 167%）和冲击强度（高达 131%）显着增加。根据获得的结果，最佳 GTR 含量约为 75% wt。观察到这代表了高回收橡胶含量和足够量的基质以回收所有颗粒之间的平衡。这些结果代表了第一步，表明可以使用简单的加工方法生产具有广泛物理和机械性能的低成本 PA6/GTR 化合物。