Analytical modeling and experimental validation of a recycled rubber material

Environmental and energy-saving issues are increasing the interest toward the use of recycled rubber for different applications in several industrial sectors. In this paper a particular type of composite recycled rubber material, used to manufacture rubber mats and pads for innovative antivibration track systems, is considered. The material is composed by recycled rubber, an inert component derived from used tyres and rubber factory leftovers, and by polyurethane that constitutes the binder; considering the macromechanics, composite properties are obtained. Starting from the Reuss and Voigt models, the proper model for the considered material is discussed. Finally, a comparison between the expected theoretical behaviour and the experimental results is made.