Time dependent ultrasonic treatment of waste gypsum toward improved mechanical performance of its EPDM composite

Abstract

Herein, we have attempted to recycle the waste gypsum to be used as filler material in polymer composite. In this regard, aqueous dispersion of gypsum was ultrasonicated for varying time duration (10, 30, and 60 min), dried and used as fillers to develop corresponding EPDM composites. As per the mechanical performance (i.e., tensile strength and elongation at break), the gypsum obtained after ultrasonication for 60 min (i.e., U-60 gypsum) was found best performing filler material compared to the other ultrasonicated gypsum samples, commercial carbon black, and another surface treated gypsum sample. The decreased particle size and enhanced surface area of U-60 gypsum are supposed to be responsible for improving the mechanical property of the composite. Corresponding particle size, surface area, and morphology of all the gypsum samples were thoroughly examined to conclude the reason behind such observation.

Reutilization of polyurethane-based shoe sole scrap as a reinforcing filler in natural rubber for the development of high-performance composites

“…Numerous reports on the reutilization of various industrial wastes as reinforcing fillers are available in literature. [18][19][20] Even though a few reports on the reutilization of PUW are available, such findings on the use of ground PUW produced during shoe sole production in footwear industry as a filler in NR formulations is scanty to the best of our knowledge and prompted us to carry out the work. 21,22 The mechanical recycling of the PUW generated as a production waste in the footwear industry promises to be an emerging, effective, and economic route for solid waste management.…”