Development of a flexible porous pipe using rubber crumb and recycled polyethylene

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to develop a porous flexible rubber pipe utilizing the rubber crumband recycled polyethylene for micro irrigation system to maintain under ground moisture content.

The research work was mainly based on the formula development and the process development.Initially number of formulations based on the plastic binder and vulcanized rubber powder (rubbercrumb) and their blends were used. After selecting some useful formulas, process development wascarried out based on the temperature settings of the extruder barrels and the mixing characteristics ofthe blends.

Flexible porous pipe products based on the developed formulas were tested on range of applicationrequirements such as strength properties (tensile & tear strengths), resistance properties (UV, ESCR,chemical resistances), water discharge rate through its wall, pressure existence, durability and densityof the product. Results obtained were evaluated to select the most suitable compound compositionfor porous pipes that yields the best compromise of processability parameters and performancecharacteristics.

After careful examination of performance applications and quality aspects of the selected product, aprocess was developed for commercial implementation with a competitive price. As the final productcontains fairly high percentage of recycled rubber (rubber crumb) it is going to be one of the majorsolution for growth of the amount of wasted tire in the environment. The product based on thedeveloped compound composition is fully implemented in commercial scale and expected to introduceto local market and also in foreign market.