Development and Characterization of Rubber Composites using E-Waste Residue as functional filler

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 03 | Page :
    By

    Rajesh Kumar,

  • Basant Lal,

  • Arti Maan,

  • Mukul Das,

  1. Assistant Scientist, Environment Protection Division, Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, Delhi, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, GLA University, Mathura, Delhi, India
  3. Scientist, Material Science Division, Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, Delhi, India
  4. Director, Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, Delhi, India

Abstract

In the present study, residue generated during the recycling of end-of-life printed circuit boards (PCBs) was utilized as a functional filler in natural rubber to fabricate eco-friendly composites using mixing and molding techniques. Chemical analysis of the residue revealed the presence of several metals, including copper, iron, lead, tin, and zinc. The presence of these metals highlights the need for proper recycling and safe management of PCB residues, as their release into the environment can cause serious ecological contamination and potential health risks to living organisms. At the same time, the metal-rich nature of the residue indicates its potential for several functional material applications. Incorporating the residue into a rubber matrix for radiation shielding provides a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach for converting hazardous waste into useful value-added materials. The developed rubber composites were evaluated for mechanical, thermal, and radiation shielding properties. The e-waste residue content was varied from 0 to 600 phr to investigate its influence on composite performance. With increasing filler content up to 600 phr, hardness increased from 45 to 87 Shore A, and density increased from 0.89 to 2.42 g/cm³, indicating improved compactness. X-ray radiographs showed significant improvement in radiation shielding due to the high metal content present in the residue. SEM analysis confirmed uniform filler dispersion and dense microstructures, indicating potential applications in advanced radiation shielding products and protective materials.

Keywords: E-waste, Residue, Functional Filler, Rubber composites, value-added materials.

How to cite this article:
Rajesh Kumar, Basant Lal, Arti Maan, Mukul Das. Development and Characterization of Rubber Composites using E-Waste Residue as functional filler. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Rajesh Kumar, Basant Lal, Arti Maan, Mukul Das. Development and Characterization of Rubber Composites using E-Waste Residue as functional filler. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=243247


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
03
Received 12/03/2026
Accepted 31/03/2026
Published 08/05/2026
Publication Time 57 Days
60

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