Development of Floating Covered Objects from Recycled Materials and Natural Rubber for Covering Water

This research aims to study an effect of floating thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) balls that use to cover reservoir for reducing evaporation of water. The balls were made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) scrap and rubber masterbatch which composed of natural rubber, crumb rubber and reclaimed rubber. Reclaimed rubber was varied from 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 phr to determine a balance between mechanical properties and producing cost. The TPNR with 80 phr of reclaimed rubber was selected to make TPNR balls as it has the best balance between tensile strength and cost. The evaporation test was set up in three reservoirs, i.e. a reservoir full of balls, a reservoir with half full of balls, and a reservoir without balls. The results show that the balls could effectively reduce an evaporation of water when the reservoir is fully covered by the balls. In addition, this application can help to make a value from recycled materials that would be beneficial for an environment.