Thermal and physical characteristics of polyester–scrap tire composites. (15th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abu-Jdayil, Basim; Mourad, Abdel-Hamid; Hussain, Atif
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 105(2016)
• Page Start: 472
• Page End: 479
• Publication Date: 2016-02-15
• Subjects: Scrap tires -- Polyester -- Thermal insulation -- Water retention -- Thermal conductivity; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.12.180
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Abstract : Graphical abstract: Highlights: Homogenous rubber–polyester composite is produced with rubber content up to 40 vol.%. Produced composite has low density, k of 0.11 W/m K and water retention <2.0%. Thermal insulation properties of composites are affected by rubber content and size. A non-linear relationship between k and composite density is predicted. Incorporating the rubber composite in construction wall reduces the overall k by70%. Abstract: In this study, the focus was placed on the formulation and development of polyester–filler composite as an insulating material using waste rubber particles as filler. The composites were prepared using different rubber concentrations (0–40 vol.%). The composites were characterized by testing the thermal conductivity, water retention, density, thermal stability and microstructure (SEM). The results revealed that the rubber particles proved to be a good filler that can be used with unsaturated polyester to produce insulating composite. The experimental investigation showed that the addition of rubber particles to the polymer matrix reduces both the thermal conductivity and the density of composites. The low value of thermal conductivity (0.144–0.113 W/m K) and very low water retention (<2.0%) of rubber–polyester composite show promise for constructive applications as a thermal insulator. The SEM micrographs indicated that the rubber particles are well embedded in the polymer matrix with the formation of small voids or gaps within the composite matrix. Increasing the rubber content and size leads to decrease the thermal conductivity and density and at the same time to increase the water retention. On the other hand, the composites showed a slight decrease in thermal stability when compared with neat polymer.