RECYCLED RUBBER BASED THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS -AN UNUSUAL OPPORTUNITY TO CUT COST

摘要

The environmental and health problems associated with scrap tires are well known. Whole tires in landfills "float" to the surface. Tire piles catch fire and are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rats. For these reasons, methods have long been sought to utilize these waste tires in such a way that an optimum is obtained between as low as possible cost to produce on the one hand and technical applications of the highest possible quality on the other hand. This paper describes several applications where a recycled rubber based thermoplastic elastomer has replaced virgin thermoset rubber with a balance of performance, process-ability and value. It will include a discussion of performance properties required vs performance achieved and cost benefits.