Tyre recycler claims ultra-fine powder is good for use in new tyres

Cleveland, Ohio - Tyre recycling company Lehigh Technologies, Inc. claims its ultra-fine powder can be added to rubber compounds used to make new tyres, and acts as more than just a filler.

The research was done by the Department of Chemistry at Clemson University. Clemson University's Professor Dennis Smith and graduate student Madan Banda presented results of the study at the American Chemical Society's Rubber Division's 172nd Technical Meeting in Cleveland this week.

"There has been some question in terms of the extended use of ultra-fine rubber powder and its realistic functionality in new products," said Dennis Smith, Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at Clemson University. "Our study illustrates that used tyre rubber powder prepared by the Lehigh process offers a value-added reactivity and functionalisation. Results from electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) measurements indicate that the Lehigh process provides a significant increase in free radicals, which can bond to matrix resins or other application-specific substrates, extending the powder's usefulness beyond that of an added filler. "

Smith added, "With this study, tyre manufacturers worldwide have a viable alternative ingredient that can be used to make 'green' tyres, while at the same time enhancing the performance of the tyre. We're confident that tyre manufacturers will see the environmental and economical benefits that PolyDyne powder brings to the table."

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Press release from LeHigh