The status of recycling of waste rubber

The significance of recycling of waste rubber in protecting the environment and conserving energy is discussed. Various kinds of recycling approaches to waste rubber are summed up, such as reclaiming energy as fuel, reuse of the products of thermal decomposition, cleaning of leaking oil, reuse after simple modification, regenerative rubber and powdered rubber (PR). Recycling as PR is covered in more detail. Classification and modification of PR are also mentioned. According to the particle size of PR, it may be classified as rough PR, fine rubber powder (FRP), tiny PR and ultra-tiny PR and so on. Each has a different production approach and can meet different applications. Activated PR and FRP have a wider application field than common PR. Many products of recycled powdered rubber are listed. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.