Comparative analysis of 14C and tga techniques for the quantification of the biomass content of end-of-life tires
Rubber Chemistry and Technology
Saiz-Rodríguez, L.a, Bermejo-Muñoz, J.M.a, Rodríguez-Díaz, A.b, Fernández-Torres, A.b, Rubinos-Pérez, A.c
a Signus Ecovalor S.L., C/Caleruega 102 50, Madrid, Spain
b Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Juan De La Cierva 3, Madrid, Spain
c Instituto de Química Física Rocasolano, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Serrano 119, Madrid, Spain
DOI: 10.5254/rct.14.85993
Links: [Rubber Division, ACS] [Scopus]
Abstract:
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and 14C techniques were compared for the determination of the biomass content of end-of-life tires (ELTs). Samples of different types (of ELTs) were prepared, and the biomass fraction of each sample was measured using the two methods (TGA and 14C). Six reference samples were also prepared with known quantities of natural rubber and stearic acid in order to establish the calibration curve necessary for the thermogravimetric analysis and to verify the accuracy of the results of the 14C analysis. The conclusions were that the 14C technique is the more valid, reliable, and precise method for determining the biomass content of end-of-life tires, since the results of the 14C tests of the reference samples coincided perfectly with the actual natural rubber and stearic acid content. On the other hand, the results of the thermogravimetric method differed considerably from the known natural rubber content of the reference samples as well as from the results of the 14C technique. This method is therefore not appropriate for use in determining the biomass content of end-of-life tires.
