| The
largest market in 1996 was energy, with 164 million scrap tires used at
an annual rate.
While the physical properties of the
tire discourage "recycling" in the pure sense, its chemical properties
lead us to energy recovery.
An analysis of the composition of an
average radial passenger tire reveals its energy value...
1. Natural
rubber - a renewable energy resource that comes from the rubber
tree. Material is withdrawn without destroying the tree.
2. Synthetic
rubber - produced from crude oil, a high energy fuel much cleaner
than coal.
3. Carbon
black - also produced from crude oil, and a product with a high
energy value.
4. Petrochemicals,
extender oils and organic fabric - produced from crude oil,
they contribute to the energy value.
5. Steel in
the tire - at high temperatures, oxidizes to produce 3,500 Btu
per pound.
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Ground rubber from discarded tires
is currently bing reused in sports & playground surfaces, automotive
floor mats, dock bumbers and railroad crossings.
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Other Uses
Agriculture:
Use scrap tires on low speed, non-highway farm equipment, as well as stock
feeders, cover weights, etc.
Civil Engineering:
Whole tires in artificial reefs, breakwaters and walls; shredded material
as road-fill, sub-grade, backfill, landfill leachate collection systems
and cell daily cover, and septic systems leach fields.
Fabricated
Products: Cut or stamped products from tire carcasses such as
mat components, dock bumpers, muffler hangers, snowblower blades, etc.
Size Reduced:
Crumb rubber compound functioning as a filler-extender in molded rubber
or plastic products, in athletic and recreation applications, in friction
materials and in rubber modified asphalt pavement.
Miscellaneous:
From the backyard swing to flower pots, race track crash barriers, boat
dock bumpers, etc.
Export:
Tires with adequate tread and/or retreadable tires for further use are
regularly exported from the U.S. for agricultural use. |