Study of Recycle and Thermal Aging Properties of Styrene Type Thermoplastic Elastomer(I)

Abstract

As the needs for eco-materials increase, it is essential to study and improve the thermoplastic elastomer because it is a representative recycle material. In order to make clear the practical recycle properties of the styrene type thermoplastic elastomer (TPS) substantially, we studied the changes in the material properties of TPS after it is aged thermally and repeatedly recycled without mixing any virgin component and additive. As a result, the following properties have been revealed. After the first and second thermal aging processes, the strength of TPS increases a little because molecular chains are distributed to fill sparse and weak parts. After the first recycle process, molecular chains restore. After the second recycle process, however, the binding strength of styrene molecular is clearly weakened. Moreover, oxidation-degradation progresses gradually in each thermal aging and recycle process, and the strength of TPS begins to decrease after the third aging process. Keywords Thermdplastic elastomer, Recycle, Styrene block, Etyhlene/butyhlene block