Vulcanized Rubber Tires

Basics

• Can also be written as "Tyre" but more google results for Tire
• The most common type of tire
• Often a form of Municipal Solid Waste, and can't be recycled easily as they are a Thermoset Plastic...that has also been Vulcanized
  • Given how Sulfur Vulcanization is common, if Incinerated or Pyrolysed the gas stream would REQUIRE a Gas Scrubber , abd sulfur may contaminate the fuel/chemicals produced
• Very durable
• Waterproof if cut into sections and/or made into a sheet
• From the wikipedia page:
  • "Tires can trap methane gases, causing them to become buoyant, or bubble to the surface. This 'bubbling' effect can damage landfill liners"
• Can they be used as a Molecular Seive ?!?

Processing Methods

Cutting

• Any good jigs?
• Using a CNC Router or CNC Mill may work well
  • Also recovered chippings (in accordance with the Cleaner Machining ) could be used as a source for Shredded Vulcanized Rubber Tires without the need for a Shredder

Lasercutting

• Can they be cut with a Lasercutter
• Main concern is vapors if it CAN be done
• This Group does it with bike tires it seems?
  • May not be vulcanized though
• This Page on Lasercutting Neoprene Rubber  ?

Sewing

• Can be sewn into products or textiles

Welding

• Thermally probably can't work
• Any chemical methods?

Derivitive Products

• Blasting Mats
• Seals / O-Rings ? (Use one with no tread (left), or remove it, then cut to shape? )
• Shredded Vulcanized Rubber Tires
• Vulcanized Rubber Tire Shingles
• Vulcanized Rubber Tire Textile
• Vulcanized Rubber Tire Based Shoes

Enviromental/Health Concerns

• Need data on potential Leaching hazards
• Also hard info on fumes from Incineration , Pyrolysis , or Laser Cutting / Torch Cutting

Internal Links

• Rubber
• Vulcanization
• Rubberized Asphalt Concrete
• Tire-Derived Fuel (Not reccomended (outside of at the end of a Life Cycle containing other uses) due to complexity of the Pollution Control Systems that would be needed, and better alternative use cases)
• For More Information More Relevant For Conceptual Design/BOM's:
  • Bicycle Tires
  • Motorcycle Tires
  • Car Tires
  • Aircraft Tires

External Links

• The Wikipedia Page on Vulcanized Rubber Tires
• The Wikipedia Page on Tire Recycling
• "Which cutting machine is suitable to cut vehicle tires of any thickness precisely and neat"