Mechanical characterization of a composite material of latex elastomeric matrix reinforced with recycled rubber granules to obtain floors

The present investigation deals with the analysis of the mechanical characteristics of different configurations of the composite material based on latex elastomer matrix (LA) reinforced with recycled rubber granules (RR), with the purpose of obtaining an alternative material with optimal mechanical characteristics for develop floors for high traffic. Different configurations were generated for said material, varying the size of the granulated reinforcement in three different dimensions (Type A, B, C); as well as, four different volumetric matrix and reinforcement compositions (1: 55% RR - 45% LA, 2: 50% RR - 50% LA, 3: 40% RR - 60% LA, 4: 30% RR - 70% LA). A DOE 3x4 experiment with 5 replicas was designed to subsequently prepare standardized test specimens for the experiment previously vulcanized in aluminum molds. The tests required for the mechanical characterization were based on the NTE INEN 1165 standards for traction, NTE INEN 889 for compression and NTE INEN 887 for impact tests. The results obtain...