FCS3

Table 7 Initial Assessment of Feedstock Suitability for Case Study 1

Test Product Data within Range of Competitive Data

Test

Comments

Flexural Strength

NA

Competitive data unavailable

Impact Strength

NA

Competitive data unavailable

Coefficient of Friction

No

Values need to be addressed

Compression Set

Not tested

Testing needed

Various ASTM standards used for testing

Abrasion Resistance

Additional Testing optional

Initial testing complete – further testing optional

Tensile

Yes

Hardness

Yes

Acceptable

Flammability

Yes, limited

Additional Testing optional

Tear Strength

Not tested

Additional testing optional

Flexibility

Optional

Additional Testing optional

The suitability assessment presented in Table 7 does not reflect all of the testing that is required. “Cause and effect testing” is also needed, but was beyond the scope of this project. Such testing would determine, for instance, how much the particle size or particle size distribution can vary before there is a noticeable impact in product performance. Aging tests are also needed to determine how the product will perform over its life cycle. Table 8 provides a summary of cause and effect relationships among various crumb rubber attributes. Each row lists an attribute with a “direction of change” (the cause) and the resulting effect on material properties. For example, when examining particle size, as the particle size is reduced, flexural strength and impact strength will increase significantly. At the same time the coefficient of friction will be substantially reduced. Compression set and abrasion resistance are not affected by particle size. These assessments are relative and are based on material experience and the literature, not on actual test results from this initiative.

Contractor’s Report

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