As it is strongly demanded to apply eco-materials to railways in recent years, it is essential to study and improve the thermoplastic elastomer as a representative recyclable material. In order to make clear the practical recycle properties of the styrene type thermoplastic elastomer (TPS), we studied the changes in the material properties of TPS after it has been repeatedly aged thermally and recycled without mixing any virgin component or additive. As a result, it has been revealed that the recycle properties of TPS are mainly attributable to the molecular property of styrene.

Copyright (c) 2001 Railway Technical Research Institute