Study of recycled reinforcing fillers influence on physical and mechanical characteristics of ethylene propylene terpolymer based heat-protective rubber

At present there is significant growth of consumption and production of polymer composite materials in the course of formation of which the so-called “process waste” is generated in the form of fabrics and fibers used to reinforce composite materials. Consequently, when polymer composite materials production volume increases so does the amount of waste used to fill them. Taking into consideration the relatively high cost and turnover of reinforcing materials, it is quite feasible to re-use them for manufacturing low-loaded parts from polymer composite materials, or as raw materials for manufacturing heat insulating and sound-proofing products, or in other industries, for example, in industrial and civil construction. Recycling of fiber materials useful waste obtained in the process of polymer composite materials production is an important area of the disposal problem solving. Within the framework of the present research assessment of the possibility of carbon and aramide fibers use for industrial rubber products reinforcing in order to improve their mechanical and chemical properties has been carried out. As a result of the research on filling rubber with fiber waste satisfactory characteristics have been obtained in comparison with the control specimens. In general, this approach to solving the problems of process waste recycling is aimed at creation of the concept of non-waste composite materials manufacturing technology.