The Influence of Filler Loading on the Mechanical Characteristics of Synthetic Rubber Composites Filled with Waste Fiber

The depletion of natural resources and the discharge of pollutants into the atmosphere pose significant threats to the environment and all its components. Among these pollutants, the disposal of car tires poses a great challenge since tires are difficult to decompose owing to their primary constituents. Therefore, recycling this product is important to reduce its negative environmental impact and potentially yield economic benefits. With the growing emphasis on sustainability, researchers are exploring the use of recycled items. This study aimed to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of recycled tires by incorporating waste fiber into styrene-butadiene rubber. Six distinct compounds were made in sequence from styrene-butadiene rubber at waste rubber loading levels of 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5%. Several mechanistic characteristics, including compression set, abrasion resistance, and oil swelling, were evaluated. The results indicated a slight improvement in abrasion resistance, particularly at lower fiber addition percentages. However, higher addition percentages, specifically at 10 and 12.5%, resulted in a deterioration of this property. Additionally, an increase in the percentage of fiber loading heightened the swelling, whereas a decrease in the compression set increased the percentage of fiber loading. Most of the study’s results suggest that the use of waste fibers with synthetic rubber yields slight improvements in physical and mechanical qualities, promoting the reuse and recycling of rubber products.