Styrene Butadiene Rubber<\/em>, is a synthetic elastomer widely used in the rubber industry and in tire manufacturing. It is valued for characteristics such as flexibility, resilience, and abrasion resistance. <\/p>In the context of ELT recovery, the term \u201crecycled SBR rubber\u201d is often used to refer to granules and powders intended for use in flooring and manufactured products. However, the actual composition of the material depends on the tires being processed and the production process. Therefore, the technical data sheet, declared composition, and applicable documentation must be verified for each product. <\/p>
Steel<\/h3>
The steel in the tire structure is separated using magnetic systems. After cleaning and preparation, it can be sent to metal recovery facilities and reused as a raw material in steelmaking processes. <\/p>
Textile fibers<\/h3>
The textile component is separated from the rubber and steel during processing. Its subsequent use depends on the degree of cleanliness, the characteristics of the material, and the available outlets. Not all recovered fibers are automatically suitable for the same applications: their quality and intended use must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. <\/p>
Applications of Recycled Rubber from ELTs<\/h2>
Recycled rubber is used in numerous industries. Particle size, density, binder, product geometry, and technical requirements vary depending on the intended use. <\/p>
Playground Safety Surfacing and Play Areas<\/h3>
In playgrounds, recycled rubber is used to manufacture safety tiles and impact-absorbing surfaces. The thickness and configuration must be selected based on the required critical fall height and the tests specified by applicable regulations. <\/p>
Rubber gym flooring for Gyms and Sports Facilities<\/h3>
In gyms and sports facilities, recycled rubber granules and products can help with impact absorption, subfloor protection, and noise reduction. The solution should be selected based on the type of activity, loads, frequency of impacts, and installation conditions. <\/p>
Construction and Insulation<\/h3>
In the construction industry, recycled rubber can be used in impact sound insulation materials, vibration-damping systems, panels, and components designed for acoustic insulation. Performance depends on the product\u2019s formulation and the construction system in which it is incorporated. <\/p>
Road Safety and Infrastructure<\/h3>
Recycled rubber is also used in certain road safety components, resilient products, and asphalt modified with ELT rubber powder. Each application requires specific characteristics and testing. <\/p>
Other Application Areas<\/h3>
Other possible applications include industrial wheels, flooring for livestock facilities, street furniture, technical components, and solutions for absorbing shocks or vibrations. The range of possible uses depends not only on the source material but also on the design and documented performance of the finished product. <\/p>
Environmental Benefits and Material Recovery<\/h2>
Recycling end-of-life tires allows for the recovery of materials and reduces the reliance on virgin resources in applications where recycled material can replace them. It also helps keep rubber, steel, and fibers within production chains rather than sending them to landfills. <\/p>
The actual environmental benefits must be assessed by considering the entire life cycle: collection, transportation, processing, manufacturing, service life, maintenance, and end-of-life recovery potential. The mere presence of recycled material is not enough to automatically classify a product as sustainable. <\/p>
Challenges and Innovation in Rubber Recycling<\/h2>
Rubber recycling presents challenges related to the variability of the tires being processed, the separation of different fractions, the quality of the granules, and consistent performance. Compliance with technical, chemical, and environmental requirements also varies depending on the application. <\/p>
The research focuses on improving selection and processing methods, the quality of recovered materials, and the development of new products. Traceability, quality controls, and relevant certifications help designers and customers make informed assessments of the available solutions. <\/p>
From ELTs to New Casei Eco-System Products<\/h2>
Casei Eco-System uses recycled rubber to develop flooring and products for gyms, playgrounds, construction, street furniture, road safety, animal husbandry, and industrial applications. The material is transformed into products that vary in shape, thickness, and performance. <\/p>
The selection process must begin with the intended use and the product\u2019s technical documentation. In this way, tire recycling can lead to verifiable solutions that are tailored to the project\u2019s needs. <\/p>