Study of Utilization of Ground EVA Waste as Filler in NBR Vulcanizates

Rubber blends containing nitrile rubber (NBR) and ground ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer waste (EVAW) from the footwear industry have been prepared over a wide range of composition (up to 90 phr of waste component). The ground EVAW had particle size in the range of 100-350 mm and a gel content of 60±5%. The effect of different amounts of EVA waste on the tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness, tear strength and dynamic mechanical properties was studied. EVAW had a good reinforcing effect on the NBR matrix. A combination of optimum tensile properties, resistance to solvent penetration and dynamic mechanical properties, such as storage modulus and loss tangent was achieved by introducing 50 phr of EVAW in the NBR matrix. This composition also presents a more uniform morphology, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy.