According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s 2003 U.S. Scrap Tire Markets report, there is significant opportunity for market growth in the area of co-polymers to be used in the production of molded and extruded goods. Co-polymers are formed by adding crumb rubber to other polymers (rubber or plastics) to extend or modify properties of thermoplastic polymeric materials. These co-polymers have the possibility of being used in a wide range of molded and extruded products in all shapes and sizes. However, additional research in this area is needed before the co-polymer market can reach its full potential.

This project will include research to determine the feasibility of the creation of co-polymers made with crumb rubber from scrap tires. This study will examine the effect of different variables of crumb rubber used in co-polymers, such as percentage, type of production (cryogenic vs. ambient), and particle size. The results of this study will provide information regarding various physical properties of co-polymers made with crumb rubber, such as tensile strength, compressive strength, elongation, percent absorption, specific gravity, and fire resistance. The scope of the project will include:

1. Literature review
2. Testing of various physical properties of co-polymer samples
3. Examining the effects of the following crumb rubber variables on co-polymer properties:
• Rubber particle size
• Rubber processing method (ambient vs. cryogenic grinding)
• Amount of rubber