CHAPTER 3: Thermoplastic Elastomers Filled With GTR

In recent years, searching for new and cost-effective methods of recycling waste tires has been a subject of research in many laboratories worldwide. This is due to regulations in the law and environmental factors, which have both stimulated industry to re-use high quality rubber found in ground tire rubber (GTR). One of the most promising solutions in this area seems to be thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) filled with GTR, which are economical and a pro-ecological alternative for commercially available TPEs. This chapter describes the recent advances in processing and characterization of thermoplastic elastomers filled with GTR. Special attention has been focused on the structure–properties relationships and compatibilization strategies of the studied TPEs. Moreover, the future trends in the development of TPEs filled with GTR are proposed and discussed.