A Study Of Optimum Condition To Produce Rubber Induced (Polypropylene).
THE STUDY OF OPTIMUM CONDITION TO PRODUCE
RUBBER INDUCED POLYMER (POLYPROPYLENE)
MAHMUD KHALIL B. LIAS
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UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
The study of Optimum Condition to Produce
Rubber Induced Polymer (Polypropylene)
Thesis submitted in accordance with the partial requirements of the Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka for the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Manufacturing (Engineering Material)
By
Mahmud Khalil Bin Lias
Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering APRIL 2008
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UTeM Library (Pind.1/2005)
BORANG PENGESAHAN STATUS TESIS*
Disahkan oleh:
(TANDATANGAN PENULIS) Alamat Tetap:
Kampung Tanjung Batu, 28000 Temerloh,
Pahang Darul Makmur.
Tarikh: _______________________ 28 March 2008
(TANDATANGAN PENYELIA) Cop Rasmi:
Tarikh: _______________________
* Tesis dimaksudkan sebagai tesis bagi Ijazah Doktor Falsafah dan Sarjana secara penyelidikan, atau disertasi bagi pengajian secara kerja kursus dan penyelidikan, atau Laporan Projek Sarjana Muda (PSM).
** Jika tesis ini SULIT atau TERHAD, sila lampirkan surat daripada pihak berkuasa/organisasi berkenaan dengan menyatakan sekali sebab dan tempoh tesis ini perlu dikelaskan sebagai SULIT atau TERHAD.
(Mengandungi maklumat TERHAD yang telah ditentukan oleh organisasi/badan di mana penyelidikan dijalankan)
(Mengandungi maklumat yang berdarjah keselamatan atau kepentingan Malaysia yang termaktub di dalam AKTA RAHSIA RASMI 1972)
TIDAK TERHAD √
TERHAD SULIT
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
JUDUL: THE STUDY OF OPTIMUM CONDITION TO PRODUCE RUBBER INDUCED POLYMER (POLYPROPYLENE)
SESI PENGAJIAN: 2/2007-2008
Saya _____________________________________________________________________ mengaku membenarkan tesis (PSM/Sarjana/Doktor Falsafah) ini disimpan di Perpustakaan Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) dengan syarat-syarat kegunaan seperti berikut: 1. Tesis adalah hak milik Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka.
2. Perpustakaan Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka dibenarkan membuat salinan untuk tujuan pengajian sahaja.
3. Perpustakaan dibenarkan membuat salinan tesis ini sebagai bahan pertukaran antara institusi pengajian tinggi.
4. **Sila tandakan (√)
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DECLARATION
I hereby, declared this thesis entitled “The Study of Optimum Condition to Produce Rubber Induced Polymer (Polypropylene).” is the results of my own research except as
cited in references
Signature : ………
Author’s Name : ……… MAHMUD KHALIL BIN LIAS
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APPROVAL
This thesis submitted to the senate of UTeM and has been accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering (Engineering Material). The members of the supervisory committee are as follow:
……… Supervisor
(Official Stamp and Date)
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ABSTRACT
This project is entitled the optimum condition to produced rubber induced polymer (polypropylene). Since blending of two different materials together enhanced the mechanical properties of a material, flexural strength of recycle rubber induced polypropylene is determined. Emphasize is took on effect of different weight percentage which is varied from 10% to 30% rubber. Recycle rubber from motorcycle tube is crushed into small particles using crusher machine. Rubber and polypropylene were then blended in internal mixer and extruder. Next, the blend is crushed and hot pressed before the flexural specimen is fabricated. Flexural test is conducted and the blend with 10 wt% of rubber has the highest value of flexural strength. The flexural result showed decreasing of flexural strength as increasing of rubber wt%. Blend with 10 wt% and 20 wt% rubbers enhanced the flexural strength but not for blend with 30 wt% of rubber. Formation of void inside the blend is the main factor that influenced the result. Poor interfacial compatibility of the blend restricted flexural strength of PP to increase by mixing with recycle rubber. At the end of this study, the optimum condition of this blend determined and it is PP/10 wt% recycle rubber.
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ABSTRAK
Projek ini bertajuk keadaan yang optimum untuk menghasilkan campuran polimer (polipropelina) dan getah. Oleh kerana mencampur dua polimer dapat meningkatkan sifat-sifat mekanikal sesuatu bahan, kekuatan bengkokan campuran getah terpakai dan polipropelina telah ditentukan. Kesan perbezaan peratus berat yang telah dibezakan dari 10% ke 30% diberi penekanan. Getah terpakai yang diambil dari tiub motosikal telah dihancurkan menjadi cebisan-cebisan kecil dengan menggunakan mesin penghancur. Getah tersebut dicampurkan kepada polipropelina dengan menggunakan mesin pencampuran dalaman dan mesin penyemperitan. Selepas itu, campuran tersebut dihancurkan dan di ‘hot pressed’ sebelum spesimen ujian bengkokan dihasilkan. Ujian bengkokan telah dijalankan dan didapati campuran yang mengandungi 10 wt% getah mempunyai kekuatan bengkokan yang paling tinggi. Keputusan ujian bengkokan tersebut menunjukkan kekuatan bengkokan berkurang jika peratus berat getah meningkat. Campuran mengandungi 10 wt% dan 20 wt% getah dapat meningkatkan kekuatan bengkokan tetapi tidak pada campuran mengandungi 30 wt% getah. Keputusan ujian tersebut dipengaruhi oleh pembentukan ruang kosong di dalam campuran tersebut. Kelemahan ikatan antara fasa menghadkan peningkatan kekuatan bengkokan campuran tersebut berbanding kekuatan bengkokan asal polipropelina. Setelah kajian ini lengkap, didapati keadaan yang paling optimum untuk menghasilkan campuran getah terpakai dengan propelina telah ditentukan dan ia adalah campuran PP/10 wt% getah terpakai.
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DEDICATION
For all your advices, supports and encouragements, this thesis is gratefully dedicated to my beloved family and all my friends. Thank you very much for your continuous support and efforts towards the publication of this thesis.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks to God, the most gracious and the most merciful, for His guidance. Without His help and merciful my final year project cannot be completed. Firstly, I like to express my appreciation to my supervisor Mr Muhammad Zaimi bin Zainal Abidin and my examiner Pn Zurina binti Shamsuddin for spending their time providing a lot of guidance and knowledge for my research. Their valuable contribution inspired and spurred myself. Next, I want to express my gratitude to my family as their support and encouragement towards completing this project. Beside that, I want to thanks all my friends that put in themselves in any activities that give significant contribute to this project. Their assistance during the hard time to finish this project is priceless and very valuable. Finally, I would like to thanks the entire technician involved in the laboratory work especially Mr Azhar and Mr Hisyam.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Declaration……… ii
Approval……… iii
Abstract………. iv
Abstrak……….. v
Dedication………. vi
Acknowledgements………... vii
Table of Contents……….. viii
List of Figures………... xii
List of Tables……… xiv
List of Abbreviations, Symbols, specialized Nomenclature………. xv
1. INTRODUCTION………... 1
1.1 Background of the Study……… 1
1.2 Hypothesis……….. 2
1.3 Problem Statement……….. 2
1.4 Objectives………... 2
1.5 Scope of Study……… 3
2. LITERATURE REVIEW……….. 4
2.1 Polymer……… 4
2.1.1 General Overview of Polymer………. 4
2.1.2 Thermoplastic……….. 5
2.1.3 Thermoset……… 6
2.1.4 Elastomer………. 7
2.2 Polypropylene (PP)……….. 7
2.2.1 Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene………. 7
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2.2.3 Application of Polypropylene……….. 9
2.3 Rubber……….. 10
2.3.1 Natural Rubber……… 10
2.3.2 Vulcanizations………. 12
2.3.3 Mechanical Properties of Rubber……… 13
2.3.3.1 Fillers and Additives………... 13
2.3.3.2 Tire Technology……….. 14
2.3.4 Recycled Rubber……….. 14
2.3.4.1 Fire Performance of Recycled Rubber Filled High Strength Concrete……….. 15
2.3.4.2 Recycled Rubber Aggregates in Cement Based Mortar……….. 15
2.4 Polymer Blend………. 16
2.4.1 Immiscible Polymer Blend……….. 16
2.4.1.1 Properties of Immiscible Blend………... 18
2.4.1.2 Effect of Compatibilizer………. 19
2.4.2 Miscible Polymer Blend ………. 20
2.4.3 Effect of Temperature and Composition………. 21
2.4.4 Important of Blending………. 21
2.4.5 Blending Techniques………... 22
2.4.5.1 Melt Blending……….. 22
2.4.5.2 Latex Blending………. 22
2.4.5.3 Solution Blending……… 23
2.4.5.4 Interpenetrating Networks………... 23
2.4.6 Mixing Equipments……….. 24
2.4.6.1 Batch Mixer………. 24
2.4.6.2 Extruder……… 24
3. METHODOLOGY………. 26
3.1 Introduction………. 26
3.2 Raw Materials………. 27
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3.2.1 Preparation of Recycled Rubber……….. 27
3.2.2 Polypropylene Resin……….... 27
3.3 Mixing Process……… 28
3.3.1 Internal Mixer……….. 28
3.3.1.1 Material Preparation ……… 28
3.3.1.2 Procedure of Internal Mixer………. 29
3.3.2 Extrusion……….. 31
3.3.2.1 Procedure of Extrusion……… 32
3.3.2.2 Mixing Composition……… 35
3.3.2.3 Temperature Setting………. 35
3.4 Forming Process………. 36
3.4.1 Crushing………... 36
3.4.2 Hot Pressing………. 36
3.5 Flexural Test………... 38
3.5.1 Introduction……….. 38
3.5.2 Specimen Preparation……….. 39
3.5.3 Procedure of Flexural Test………... 40
4. RESULT………... 41
4.1 Specimen Fabrication……….. 41
4.1.1 Hot Pressing………. 41
4.1.2 Flexural Specimen………... 42
4.2 Flexural Test……….. 43
4.1.1 Data Collection……… 43
4.1.2 Flexural Properties………... 44
4.2.3 Graph and Data Gain………... 44
4.2.4 Result Calculations……….. 45
5. DISCUSSION……….. 46
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5.1.1 Maximum Force………... 46
5.1.2 Maximum Stress……….. 47
5.1.3 Flexural Strength……….. 48
5.1.4 Flexural Modulus ……… 49
5.2 Poor Interfacial Compatibility……… 50
5.2.1 Effect of HVA-2 and DCP to PP/Rubber Blend……….. 50
6. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION………. 52
6.1 Conclusion……….. 52
6.2 Recommendation for Future Work………. 53
REFERENCES……… 54
APPENDICES
A Flexural Curve (Force, kN, versus Stroke, mm) for PP/10 wt% waste rubber. B Flexural Curve (Force, kN, versus Stroke, mm) for PP/20 wt% waste rubber. C Flexural Curve (Force, kN, versus Stroke, mm) for PP/30 wt% waste rubber. D Flexural Curve (Force, kN, versus Stroke, mm) for PP.
E Flexural Data from Trapezium 2 Software (PP/10 wt% rubber) F Flexural Data from Trapezium 2 Software (PP/20 wt% rubber) G Flexural Data from Trapezium 2 Software (PP/30 wt% rubber) H Flexural Data from Trapezium 2 Software (PP)
I Gantt Chart
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LIST OF FIGURE
2.1 Linear chain 5
2.2 Branched chain 5
2.3 Crosslinked chain 6
2.4 Network chain (3 dimensional) 6
2.5 Repeating unit of PP 7
2.6 Stereoisomerism of Polypropylene 9
2.7 Polymerization of polyisoprene 10
2.8 ‘cis’ configuration 11
2.9 ‘trans’ configuration 11
2.10 Vulcanization process 12
2.11 Separation of Polystyrene and Polybutadiene phase 17
2.12 The monomer of PET and PVA 17
2.13 Phase separation of PET and PVA 18
2.14 Rods formation by the minor component 18
2.15 Co-continuous phase 19
2.16 Increase of Tg in increasing of % polymer B 20
2.17 Classification of Batch Mixer 24
2.18 General Classification of Extruder 25
3.1 Flow chart of the methodology approach. 26
3.2 Recycle rubber bits 27
3.3 Polypropylene granule 28
3.4 Weighting process 29
3.5 Job sequence in internal mixer 31
3.6 Job sequence in Extruder 34
3.7 Schematic Diagram of Single Screw Extruder 36
3.8 Hot Press machine model GT-7014-A 37
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3.10 Flexural test 39
3.11 Flexural test specimen 39
4.1 Shows the result of hot press for different composition, (a) PP/10 wt%
rubber, (b) PP/20 wt% rubber, (c) PP/30 wt% rubber. 41
4.2 Flexural specimen for different composition, (a) PP/10 wt% rubber, (b)
PP/20 wt% rubber, (b) PP/30 wt% rubber 42
4.3 Graph of Force (kN) vs Stroke (mm) for specimen PP/10% rubber
(Sample 1). 44
4.4 Flexural data from the Trapezium 2 software. It shows the result of
flexural test for specimen PP/10% rubber (Sample 1) 45
5.1 Bar graph of maximum force versus composition 46
5.2 Graph of maximum stress versus composition 47
5.3 Graph of flexural strength versus composition 48
5.4 Graph of flexural modulus versus composition 49
5.5 The mechanisms of the copolymer formations between PP and waste rubber in the presence of the DCP and HVA-2. (i) Peroxide
decomposition forms radicals, (ii) Hydrogen abstraction of a primary radical from polypropylene (PP) chain, (iii) DCP react with waste rubber,
(iv) Copolymer formation in the presence of HVA-2. 51
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LIST OF
TABLE
Table 3.1 Mixing condition using Internal Mixer 29
Table 3.2 Waste rubber to polypropylene ratio used in the extrusion process 35
Table 3.3 Temperature setting in extrusion process 35
Table 4.1 Data collected from the flexural test. 43
Table 4.2 Flexural Modulus and Flexural Strength result for different
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xv
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS, SPECIALIZED
NOMENCLATURE
PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
PE - Polyethylene
PP - Polypropylene
PS - Polystyrene
Tg - Glass Transition Temperature
LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene HDPE - High Density Polyethylene
US - United State
σ - Stress
E - Modulus Elasticity
ε - Strain
EB - Flexural Modulus
UV - Ultra Violet
HIP - High Impact Polystyrene
PET - Polyethylene terephthalate
PVA - Polyvinyl Alcohol
Wt% - Weight Percentage
ASTM - American Standard of Testing Material
kN - Kilonewton
MPa - Megapascal
GPa - Gigapascal
HVA - N,N′-m-phenylenebismaleimide
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background of the StudyPolymer blend or mixing is a mixture of two or more polymers with improvement in the properties. The important of mixing two or more polymers are to achieve enhanced properties such as toughness, processability, chemical resistance, weatherability, heats stability, and flow behavior. In describing a mixing, the elements that want to be mixed need to be determined whether they are fully miscible, partially miscible, or totally immiscible. Two immiscible polymer need of adding compatibilizer in order to let them well mixed. Elements in a polymer blend do not have covalent bond between them like copolymers but there is multiphase system. The optimum condition to produce polymer blend can be determined by studying the mechanical properties of the blend. It is depends on the composition of blend elements and method of producing it such as internal mixer and extruder. In this study, the optimum condition of recycle rubber induce polymer (Polypropylene) mixing is carried out. The recycle rubber used in this study is taken from old motorcycle tube. Consequently, the old motorcycle tube needs to be crushed into tiny bits before mixing it with polymer resin. Main components that are required to be consider in this study are ratio of the materials involved, process parameter such as temperature and time, and the method of producing it. After the polymer blend has been produce, flexural test is conducted to determine the best processing method, composition and process parameter in producing recycle rubber induce polypropylene polymer blend.
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2 1.2 Hypothesis
After completing this study the expected results that will be achieved are:
i). Recycle rubber will enhance the flexural properties of the
polypropylene due to flexibility of rubber.
ii). Adding of compatibilizer will be needed in varying the rubber
percentages from 10% to 30% by weight fraction in the blend.
1.3 Problem Statements
Rather than synthesizing a new polymer, combining two or more existing polymer is less expensive. The properties of existing polymers are modified to exhibit the desired properties according to customer needs. Rubber and polypropylene have different characteristics for example elasticity, heat resistance and also durability. By mixing these materials, hope to get a new polymeric materials that exhibit a better properties and performance. The method of producing it needs to be determined in order to get the most suitable one.
1.4 Objectives
The objectives of this study are:
i). To determine the flexural strength of recycle rubber induced
polypropylene.
ii). To determine the optimum condition of recycle rubber and
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1.5 Scope of Study
This study will focus in the method of producing rubber induced polypropylene by varying the composition of the blend. The composition will be varied by weight percentages. Techniques of polymer mixing such as internal mixer and extrusion will be discussed in this study in order to get the most suitable method in mixing these polymers into applicable polymeric material. Besides that, techniques in using equipment such as extruder, internal mixer, and hot press also will be presented in this study. After enable to produce the polymer blend from waste rubber and polypropylene, the flexural properties of the material will be studied by using ASTM test method. However, other properties such as tensile strength, impact strength, and thermal characteristics will not be covered in this research.
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4
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Polymer
2.1.1 General Overview of Polymer
Polymers play an extremely important role in today’s society. It is crucial to understand the structures and properties of polymeric materials. In fact, polymers are macromolecules consist of a large number of small molecules called ‘mers’ that have been joined together either naturally or synthetically to make up their structure. Polymeric materials synthesized by polymerization process from their monomers. For example, polyethylene is derived from ethylene monomers which are linked together to get a macromolecule. Polymers which are derived from one type of monomer are called homopolymer, but when they are derived from two or more types of monomer they are called copolymer. Commonly, polymers are called as plastics by the society which is refer to one class of polymers known as thermoplastics. Actually, there are three classes of polymeric materials which are thermoplastic, thermoset, and elastomer. Polymeric materials are divided into its class according to their structure and properties (Callister, 2003).
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2.1.2 Thermoplastic
In processing thermoplastic materials, heat is required to make them processable. Thermoplastics can be either linear or branched structure (refer figure 2.1 and 2.2). In thermoplastics, single linear or branched structures are held together by van der waals forces. These characteristic lead thermoplastics soften when heated. Besides that, these polymers can be reheated and reformed. During heating, weaker bond lose their hold and lead movement of monomers in the macromolecule. In other word, thermoplastics have an ability to be reprocessed by heating into molten state and reshaped by mold (Higgins, 1998). Most common thermoplastic materials are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS).
Figure 2.1: Linear chain Source: William D.C, Jr. (2003)
Figure 2.2: Branched chain Source: William D.C, Jr. (2003)
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2.1.3 Thermoset
Differ to the thermoplastics, thermoset can’t be reprocessed by heating to molten state due to their network and cross-linking polymer chain (refer figure 2.3 and 2.4). This type of structure is linked together by primary bonds which are form between chains. Covalent bonds are developed between chains and avoid movement of monomers. So, thermoset do not soften when heated to elevated temperature. The advantages of this class of polymer are excellent thermal stability and rigidity. Epoxy, polyurathanes, amino resins, and phenol-formaldrhyde are classified in this class of polymer.
Figure 2.3: Crosslinked chain Source: William D.C, Jr. (2003)
Figure 2.4: Network chain (3 dimensional) Source: William D.C, Jr. (2003)
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2.1.4 Elastomer
Polymers which are showing rubbery or elastic behavior comprised in this class of polymer. When a weak stress applied to elastomers, they will deform and quickly return to their initial shape and dimension after the stress is released. Normally, elastomers will stretch from 200% to over 900% of their initial length at room temperature and come back to their original length when the tensile stress is released (Jacob & Kilduff, 2001). Examples of elastomer are polyisoprene, silicone, and polychloroprene.
2.2 Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic material that has chemical formula of
(C3H6)n with presence of methyl group (refer figure 2.5). Melting temperature, Tm, of
PP is 165 °C and glass transition temperature, Tg, -10 °C. If polypropylene is processed in temperature up to 286 °C, it will be degraded.
n
Figure 2.5: Repeating unit of PP
2.2.1 Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene
Compare to low density polyethylene (LDPE), PP is less flexible due to presence of methyl group in the polymer chain. Methyl group restricts the rotation of its chain. In addition, the methyl group also produces a better strength to PP. But, PP is less tough than the high density polyethylene (HDPE) and exhibits a much less brittle performance. This allows PP use as replacement to engineering plastics.
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2 1.2 Hypothesis
After completing this study the expected results that will be achieved are:
i). Recycle rubber will enhance the flexural properties of the
polypropylene due to flexibility of rubber.
ii). Adding of compatibilizer will be needed in varying the rubber percentages from 10% to 30% by weight fraction in the blend.
1.3 Problem Statements
Rather than synthesizing a new polymer, combining two or more existing polymer is less expensive. The properties of existing polymers are modified to exhibit the desired properties according to customer needs. Rubber and polypropylene have different characteristics for example elasticity, heat resistance and also durability. By mixing these materials, hope to get a new polymeric materials that exhibit a better properties and performance. The method of producing it needs to be determined in order to get the most suitable one.
1.4 Objectives
The objectives of this study are:
i). To determine the flexural strength of recycle rubber induced polypropylene.
ii). To determine the optimum condition of recycle rubber and
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3 1.5 Scope of Study
This study will focus in the method of producing rubber induced polypropylene by varying the composition of the blend. The composition will be varied by weight percentages. Techniques of polymer mixing such as internal mixer and extrusion will be discussed in this study in order to get the most suitable method in mixing these polymers into applicable polymeric material. Besides that, techniques in using equipment such as extruder, internal mixer, and hot press also will be presented in this study. After enable to produce the polymer blend from waste rubber and polypropylene, the flexural properties of the material will be studied by using ASTM test method. However, other properties such as tensile strength, impact strength, and thermal characteristics will not be covered in this research.
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4
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Polymer
2.1.1 General Overview of Polymer
Polymers play an extremely important role in today’s society. It is crucial to understand the structures and properties of polymeric materials. In fact, polymers are macromolecules consist of a large number of small molecules called ‘mers’ that have been joined together either naturally or synthetically to make up their structure. Polymeric materials synthesized by polymerization process from their monomers. For example, polyethylene is derived from ethylene monomers which are linked together to get a macromolecule. Polymers which are derived from one type of monomer are called homopolymer, but when they are derived from two or more types of monomer they are called copolymer. Commonly, polymers are called as plastics by the society which is refer to one class of polymers known as thermoplastics. Actually, there are three classes of polymeric materials which are thermoplastic, thermoset, and elastomer. Polymeric materials are divided into its class according to their structure and properties (Callister, 2003).
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2.1.2 Thermoplastic
In processing thermoplastic materials, heat is required to make them processable. Thermoplastics can be either linear or branched structure (refer figure 2.1 and 2.2). In thermoplastics, single linear or branched structures are held together by van der waals forces. These characteristic lead thermoplastics soften when heated. Besides that, these polymers can be reheated and reformed. During heating, weaker bond lose their hold and lead movement of monomers in the macromolecule. In other word, thermoplastics have an ability to be reprocessed by heating into molten state and reshaped by mold (Higgins, 1998). Most common thermoplastic materials are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS).
Figure 2.1: Linear chain Source: William D.C, Jr. (2003)
Figure 2.2: Branched chain Source: William D.C, Jr. (2003)
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2.1.3 Thermoset
Differ to the thermoplastics, thermoset can’t be reprocessed by heating to molten state due to their network and cross-linking polymer chain (refer figure 2.3 and 2.4). This type of structure is linked together by primary bonds which are form between chains. Covalent bonds are developed between chains and avoid movement of monomers. So, thermoset do not soften when heated to elevated temperature. The advantages of this class of polymer are excellent thermal stability and rigidity. Epoxy, polyurathanes, amino resins, and phenol-formaldrhyde are classified in this class of polymer.
Figure 2.3: Crosslinked chain Source: William D.C, Jr. (2003)
Figure 2.4: Network chain (3 dimensional) Source: William D.C, Jr. (2003)
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2.1.4 Elastomer
Polymers which are showing rubbery or elastic behavior comprised in this class of polymer. When a weak stress applied to elastomers, they will deform and quickly return to their initial shape and dimension after the stress is released. Normally, elastomers will stretch from 200% to over 900% of their initial length at room temperature and come back to their original length when the tensile stress is released (Jacob & Kilduff, 2001). Examples of elastomer are polyisoprene, silicone, and polychloroprene.
2.2 Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic material that has chemical formula of (C3H6)n with presence of methyl group (refer figure 2.5). Melting temperature, Tm, of
PP is 165 °C and glass transition temperature, Tg, -10 °C. If polypropylene is processed in temperature up to 286 °C, it will be degraded.
n
Figure 2.5: Repeating unit of PP
2.2.1 Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene
Compare to low density polyethylene (LDPE), PP is less flexible due to presence of methyl group in the polymer chain. Methyl group restricts the rotation of its chain. In addition, the methyl group also produces a better strength to PP. But, PP is less tough than the high density polyethylene (HDPE) and exhibits a much less brittle performance. This allows PP use as replacement to engineering plastics.