Effect of gamma irradiation and oxidized bitumen on the performance of the modified crumb rubber for various applications

The objective of this study is to enhance the properties of crumb rubber (CR) derived from the tread and sidewalls of passenger and truck waste tires by adding bitumen (B) and oxidized bitumen (OB). On this context, CR was activated and modified by adding different chemical ingredients to convert it into modified crumb rubber (MCR). OB was irradiated at 25 kGy to get irradiated oxidized bitumen (IOB) with the aim of study the effect of irradiation on the samples in the presence and absence of sulfur element. The crosslinking density, mechanical parameters and thermal stability of the developed blend were examined. Furthermore, chemical resistance behavior, vibration tests which reflecting the velocity level and sound proofing performance were discussed. Remarked improvement in the mechanical, thermal and various applications of MCR were achieved by the incorporation of OB especially at 10 phr and gamma irradiation.