Estudo de um material compósito de poliuretano e resíduo de pneu direcionado à fabricação de absorvedores de para-choque automotivo

Abstract

The disposal of tires in the environment in the form of waste is causing major problems and environmental impacts. Thus, this work presents the study and the characterization of a composite material, aimed at the manufacture of an automotive bumper absorber. This material was manufactured with petroleum based polyurethane (PU) matrix resin and tire residue loading, from the retread process. Five formulations with different percentages of tire residue (0%, 30%, 45%, 70% and 100%) were obtained and characterized with respect to their mechanical and thermal properties, moisture absorption, density and degradation by exposure to the elements. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Dispersive Energy Spectroscopy (EDS) tests were also performed on the material so that its microstructure could be observed (distribution of residues in the matrix, voids, imperfections and impurities) and to identify the chemical elements present , respectively. As a general result, the composites presented an increase in their density as the percentage of tire residue increased, as well as the thermal conductivity. As for the mechanical properties, the formulation with the highest tensile, flexural and compression strength was 45% and the one with the highest impact strength was 100%. Regarding the resistance to aging the formulation of 100% was the one that obtained better performance. A bumper absorber was manufactured with the 45% formulation, which presented a mass increase of 28.03%, demonstrating the feasibility of manufacturing this automotive component.