Compression moulding of rubber powder from exhausted tyres

Compression moulding of rubber powders can be used to produce large products without using any linking agent or virgin material. In this study, medium-size rubber particles (1.2 mm on average) were obtained by mechanical grinding of spent rubbers and used to mould square plates with a length of 150 mm and a weight of 400 g. By changing the moulding pressure, different plate thicknesses were obtained (about 20 mm) as well as different densities and mechanical performances. Moreover, the moulding pressure could be changed to tailor final properties and aesthetics of products. However, a maximum pressure was observed over which it was not possible to increase significantly plate density or strength.