Time effectiveness of the low-temperature plasma surface modification of ground tire rubber powder

Abstract

Recycling of waste tire has great practical significance. This paper reports results from studies carried out to determine the time effectiveness of the low-temperature plasma surface modification of ground tire rubber (GTR). Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that plasma treatment activated the powder surface. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed an increase in oxygen and carbon element ratio. Meanwhile, the scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated a slight increase in the surface roughness of the treated powder. Testing its hydrophilic property in water indicated that the GTR powder showed decreased dispersive capacity as the time lengthened. Mechanical tests showed that the strength and toughness of the cement stone reduced slightly as a result of increased storage time.

Keywords:

• low-temperature plasma
• GTR powder
• time effectiveness
• adhesion
• cement paste
• recycling

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the support given by the National Science and Technology Major Special Projects of China (2011ZX05021-004), the doctoral program of the Colleges and Universities Specialized Research Fund (20115121120006), and the Education Department projects of Sichuan Province, China, 2013 (13ZA0182).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Science and Technology Major Special Projects of China [grant number 2011ZX05021-004]; the doctoral program of the Colleges and Universities Specialized Research Fund [grant number 20115121120006]; and the Education Department projects of Sichuan Province, China, 2013 [grant number 13ZA0182].