Low Carbon Footprint Composite Based on Chloroprene Rubber and Elastomer Waste

The aim of the paper consists in the treatment of post-consumer and technological waste of elastomers and plastomers, according to the 4R principle (reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery) by transforming them into raw materials with added value and integrating them into different industries. This will lead to the developing of new processing concepts regarding obtaining new biodegradable composite materials, with various waste contents (10-50 wt%). The composite is based on chloroprene rubber, and added post-consumer recycled rubber particles, with size of 45 mesh, eco-reinforcing material, and active fillers, plasticizers, vulcanizing agents, antioxidants. In order to enhance the compatibility and their level of interaction, the elastomer waste was finely ground (cryogenic mill) and functionalized with potassium oleate. Rubber waste acts as a filling material which leads to lower carbon footprint of the composite and lower mass. Tensile, tear strength, elasticity, hardness, abrasion resistance, melt flow index and morphological study (FT-IR) of those composites were examined in order to determine their viability in various application areas. The transformation of waste (cryogenically ground, and functionalized) into new products with added value will lead to remarkable improvements in the life cycle of raw materials and the sustainable use of this waste, contributing to increasing sustainability, improving eco-efficiency and economic efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint on the environment.