Evaluating the Physical and Mechanical Properties of PET and Crumb Rubber Compounds for Tire Tread Applications

Emad Kadum Njim, Mytham Abed Zaid, Firas Thair Al-Maliky, Ahmed Ali Farhan Ogaili, Royal Madan, Muhammad Safa Al-Din Tahir, Pallavi Khobragade, Mohsin Abdullah Al-Shammari

Abstract

In the present study, two types of polymer materials are utilized: PET and crumb rubber. The PET material is used in the production of water bottles and crumb rubber (produced from recycled tires) for manufacturing the Tread part for passenger cars. The study utilizes a master batch compound prepared by the Babylon Tires Factory in Iraq to prepare laboratory final compounds using various experimental techniques. Extensive tests were conducted on rubber samples, including vulcanization process time (T90 and Ts2), specific gravity, hardness test, viscosity test, tensile strength test, torque test, abrasion test, and fatigue test. According to the test results, two compounds that confirmed to the company's standards were selected. Twelve samples of compounds are prepared and divided into two groups (A and B), each containing six compounds. In group (A), the amount of PET is stabilized with the rest of the additives added and the amount of crumb rubber. The group (B) amount of crumb rubber is stabilized with the rest of the other additions and the amount of PET. The test results of the compounds are compared with the standard specifications of Dunlop technology used in the rubber and tire industry. The results show that sample no. (2) From group (B) is the best sample for the abrasion value while maintaining the result of properties within the limits specified. The PET and crumb rubber amount should not exceed (1.3/2.5) pphr, in which the maximum tensile strength and hardness can be obtained with minimum cure characterization time. By tailoring PET-rubber ratios, the research enhances mechanical strength, thermal stability, and durability while promoting the recycling of plastic and rubber waste.

Keywords

References

[1] L. N. Ji, “Study on preparation process and properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET),” Applied Mechanics and Materials, vol. 312, pp. 406–410, Jun. 2013, doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/ AMM.312.406.

[2] T. I. Ahmed and D. E. Tobbala, “Rubbered light concrete containing recycled PET fiber compared to macro-polypropylene fiber in terms of SEM, mechanical, thermal conductivity and electrochemical resistance,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 415, p. 135010, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135010.

[3] Y. Shao, Z. Han, and K. Niu, “Enhancing the interfacial adhesion of PET and silicone rubber by plasma-assisted coupling agent treatment,” Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, vol. 673, p. 131789, Sep. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2023.131789.

[4] R. Ghamarpoor, M. Jamshidi, M. Sayyadian, and M. Razavizadeh, “Chemical/photochemical functionalization of polyethylene terephthalate fabric: effects on mechanical properties and bonding to nitrile rubber,” Scientific Reports, vol. 13, no. 1, p. 14533, Sep. 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-41432-7.

[5] C. Cazan, M. Cosnita, and L. Isac, “The influence of temperature on the performance of rubber - PET-HDPE waste -based composites with different inorganic fillers,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 208, pp. 1030–1040, Jan. 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.10.045.

[6] M. Sayyadian, M. Jamshidi, R. Ghamarpoor, and M. Razavizadeh, “Silanization of functionalized PET fabric to improve PET-nitrile rubber (NBR) adhesion; effects of functionalization type and silane concentration,” Arabian Journal of Chemistry, vol. 16, no. 9, p. 105098, Sep. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.105098.

[7] H. Nabil, H. Ismail, and A. R. Azura, “Recycled polyethylene terephthalate filled natural rubber compounds: Effects of filler loading and types of matrix,” Journal of Elastomers & Plastics, vol. 43, no. 5, pp. 429–449, Sep. 2011, doi: 10.1177/0095244311405503.

[8] C. Cazan, M. Cosnita, and A. Duta, “Effect of PET functionalization in composites of rubber–PET–HDPE type,” Arabian Journal of Chemistry, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 300–312, Mar. 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2015.10.005.

[9] M. Razavizadeh and M. Jamshidi, “Adhesion of nitrile rubber (NBR) to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric. Part 1: PET surface modification by methylenediphenyl di-isocyanate (MDI),” Applied Surface Science, vol. 360, pp. 429–435, Jan. 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2015.10.137.

[10] R. S. Rahimi, I. M. Nikbin, H. Allahyari, and T. S. Habibi, “Sustainable approach for recycling waste tire rubber and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to produce green concrete with resistance against sulfuric acid attack,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 126, pp. 166–177, Jul. 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.03.074.

[11] Z. Leng, R. K. Padhan, and A. Sreeram, “Production of a sustainable paving material through chemical recycling of waste PET into crumb rubber modified asphalt,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 180, pp. 682–688, Apr. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.01.171.

[12] E. K. Njim, F. A. Hadi, M. N. Hamzah, N. A. Alhilo, and M. H. Al-Maamori, “Numerical and experimental investigation of nano zinc oxide’s effect on the mechanical properties of chloroprene and natural rubber (cr/nr) composites,” Physics and Chemistry of Solid State, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 14–25, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.15330/pcss.25.1.14-25.

[13] M. Al-Shablle, M. Al-Waily, and E. K. Njim, “Analytical evaluation of the influence of adding rubber layers on free vibration of sandwich structure with presence of nano-reinforced composite skins,” Archives of Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 116, no. 2, pp. 57–70, Aug. 2022, doi: 10.5604/01.3001.0016.1190.

[14] Q. H. Jebur, M. N. Hamzah, M. J. Jweeg, E. K. Njim, M. Al-Waily, and K. K. Resan, “Modeling hyperplastic elastomer materials used in tire compounds: numerical and experimental study,” Jurnal Teknologi (Sciences & Engineering), vol. 86, no. 5, pp. 77–87, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.11113/jurnalteknologi.v86.21003.

[15] F. N. Archibong, O. M. Sanusi, P. Médéric, and N. Aït Hocine, “An overview on the recycling of waste ground tyre rubbers in thermoplastic matrices: Effect of added fillers,” Resources, Conservation and Recycling, vol. 175, p. 105894, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec. 2021.105894.

[16] A. A. Al-Attar, H. M. Hamada, B. A. Tayeh, and P. O. Awoyera, “Exploring engineering properties of waste tire rubber for construction applications - A review of recent advances,” Materials Today: Proceedings, vol. 53, pp. A1–A17, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.matpr.2022.03.228.

[17] I. A. Sharaky, M. H. Seleem, and A. S. Elamary, “Minimizing the crumb rubber effects on the flexural behaviour of the layered RC beams cast using rubberized concrete with or without recycled tire steel fibers,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 400, p. 132503, Oct. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132503.

[18] R. A. Neamah, S. K. Al-Raheem, E. K. Njim, Z. Abboud, and L. S. Al-Ansari, “Experimental and numerical investigation of the natural frequency for the intact and cracked laminated composite beam,” Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management, vol. 16, p. e1724, 2024, doi: 10.1590/jatm.v16.1337.

[19] R. Madan et al., “A novel two-step finite element approach to estimate the thermo-mechanical properties of two-phase and three-phase hybrid composites,” Composites Communications, vol. 53, p. 102213, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.coco. 2024.102213.

[20] S. Q. A. Alqader, B. O. Bedaiwi, E. K. Njim, A. M. Takhakh, and L. Hadji, “Free vibration analysis for polyester/graphene nanocomposites multilayer functionally graded plates,” Physics and Chemistry of Solid State, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 704–717, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.15330/pcss.25.4. 704-717.

[21] S. Gao, C. An, D. Wei, J. Zhang, Y. Li, and S. F. Estefen, “Investigation on the load-bearing properties of offshore composite rubber hoses under bending moment,” Ocean Engineering, vol. 319, p. 120238, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.1016/ j.oceaneng.2024.120238.

[22] C. Luo, Y. Xu, and H. Jin, “Preparation of biomass-oxidized natural rubber/cellulose nanofibers composites with enhanced mechanical properties and self-healing properties based on hydrogen bonding network,” Industrial Crops and Products, vol. 226, p. 120628, Apr. 2025, doi: 10.1016/ j.indcrop.2025.120628.

[23] S. Yasin, M. Hussain, A. Uddin, Q. Zheng, J. Shi, and Y. Song, “Recycling of binary polymer (PET/SBR) carpet into microfibrillar composites: A life cycle perspective with microplastics quantification,” Sustainable Materials and Technologies, vol. 40, p. e00988, Jul. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.susmat.2024.e00988.

[24] B. Zhang, S. Chen, W. Wang, M. Tian, N. Ning, and L. Zhang, “Polyester (PET) fabrics coated with environmentally friendly adhesive and its interface structure and adhesive properties with rubber,” Composites Science and Technology, vol. 195, p. 108171, Jul. 2020, doi: 10.1016/ j.compscitech.2020.108171.

[25] A. Ameli, J. Maher, A. Mosavi, N. Nabipour, R. Babagoli, and N. Norouzi, “Performance evaluation of binders and Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) mixtures modified by Ground Tire Rubber (GTR), waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Anti Stripping Agents (ASAs),” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 251, p. 118932, Aug. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat. 2020.118932

[26] M. K. Singh, A. K. Mohanty, and M. Misra, “Upcycling of waste polyolefins in natural fiber and sustainable filler-based biocomposites: A study on recent developments and future perspectives,” Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 263, p. 110852, Aug. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2023.110852.

[27] G. P. Muthukutti, M. K. Singh, S. K. Palaniappan, K. Vijayananth, S. M. Rangappa, and S. Siengchin, “Value-added polymer composites using non-metallic industrial waste: A concise review,” Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 512, p. 162344, May 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.162344.

[28] J. E. Mark, B. Erman, and F. R. Eirich, “Science and technology of rubber,” in Referex Engineering. Massachusetts: Elsevier Academic Press, 2005.

[29] Q.-H. Lương, H. H. Nguyễn, J.-I. Choi, H.-K. Kim, and B. Y. Lee, “Effects of crumb rubber particles on mechanical properties and sustainability of ultra-high-ductile slag-based composites,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 272, p. 121959, Feb. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121959.

[30] A. Dasgupta and P. Dutta, “Reinforcing effects of ground tyre rubber on physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of polyethylene terephthalate,” Journal of Elastomers & Plastics, vol. 56, no. 5, pp. 516–538, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.1177/00952443241254934.

[31] I. O. Oladele, T. F. Omotosho, G. S. Ogunwande, and F. A. Owa, “A review on the philosophies for the advancement of polymer-based composites: Past, present and future perspective,” Applied Science and Engineering Progress, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 553–579, 2021, doi: 10.14416/j.asep.2021. 08.003.

[32] N. Prasoetsopha et al., “Strengthening natural rubber with activated carbon from cassava rhizome waste: Cure characteristics, physical, thermal, and mechanical properties,” Applied Science and Engineering Progress, vol. 18, no. 3, 2025, Art. no. 7710, doi: 10.14416/j.asep.2025. 03.002.

[33] R. Yeetsorn et al., “Fiber surface treatments for lightweight PA6 composites,” Applied Science and Engineering Progress, vol 18, no. 2, 2025, Art. no. 7543, doi: 10.14416/j.asep.2024.09.004

[34] M. Puttegowda, H. Pulikkalparambil, and S. M. Rangappa, “Trends and developments in natural fiber composites,” Applied Science and Engineering Progress, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 543–552, 2021, doi: 10.14416/j.asep.2021.06.006.

[35] S. Sunaryo, S. Suyitno, Z. Arifin, and M. Setiyo, “High yield oil from catalytic pyrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate using natural zeolite: A review,” Applied Science and Engineering Progress, vol 18, no. 3, 2025, Art. no. 7673, doi: 10.14416/j.asep.2025.01.001.

[36] A. M. Khalil, K. F. El-Nemr, and A. I. Khalaf, “Effect of short polyethylene terephthalate fibers on properties of ethylene-propylene diene rubber composites,” Journal of Polymer Research, vol. 19, no. 6, p. 9883, May 2012, doi: 10.1007/ s10965-012-9883-8.

[37] T. Chowdhury and Q. Wang, “Study on thermal degradation processes of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics using the kinetics and artificial neural networks models,” Processes, vol. 11, no. 2, 2023, doi: 10.3390/pr11020496.

[38] A. K. Singh, R. Bedi, and B. S. Kaith, “Composite materials based on recycled polyethylene terephthalate and their properties – A comprehensive review,” Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 219, p. 108928, Aug. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.108928.

[39] D. Araujo et al., “Polymeric composite reinforced with PET fiber waste for application in civil construction as a cladding element,” Polymers, vol. 14, no. 7, 2022, doi: 10.3390/ polym14071293.

Full Text: PDF

DOI: 10.14416/j.asep.2025.11.010

Refbacks

There are currently no refbacks.

Username
Password
Remember me