Composições elastoméricas de alto desempenho mecânico para aplicação em colheitadeiras visando baixo índice de quebra de grãos

Abstract

This paper aims to elaborate and develop an elastomeric compound able to be used in an industrial complex system as a grain harvester machine in order to reduce the grain breakage (seed) and/or mechanical damage in self-propelled harvesters through its energy absorption capabilities, energy produced by the material loading and transportation within the machine system. The compound was developed with Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM) and natural rubber (NR), loaded with silica (S), carbon black (CB) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in predefined proportions. From the evaluated compounds, three samples were chosen based on tear resistance, abrasion resistance and rubber hardness tests results, and then shaped in its original format (metallic geometry) for performance field tests and a more detailed material analysis. Field tests were done in two steps, one material assessment, and another one to assess the material performance in normal harvest conditions in two different crops (edible beans and soybeans), these tests also were used to evaluate the harvested grain quality in relation to the rubber compound used for harvesting and, therefore, the conclusions attained from the material usage. At the end of the tests, a significant improvement in grain quality was evidenced, and the differences in the compositions were noticed in the laboratory tests, and the application was the most critical to the materials in terms of resistance.