How does the inclusion of recycled tire rubber affect the impact strength of WPC trash cans?

The incorporation of recycled tire rubber into Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) materials significantly improves the impact strength of trash cans. WPCs, which combine wood flour or fibers with thermoplastics, are valued for their durability and sustainability. However, their inherent brittleness can be a limitation for applications requiring high impact resistance, such as outdoor trash receptacles. The addition of crumb rubber from recycled tires addresses this weakness. The elastic and energy-absorbing properties of the rubber particles act as a toughening agent within the composite matrix. When the material is subjected to a sudden force or impact, the rubber domains absorb and dissipate the energy, preventing the propagation of cracks that would typically cause brittle failure in standard WPCs. This results in a product that is more resistant to cracking, chipping, and damage from rough handling or environmental stresses, thereby extending the service life of the trash can. Furthermore, this modification contributes to a circular economy by repurposing waste tires, enhancing the product's overall sustainability profile without a significant compromise on other mechanical properties when properly formulated.