Production and Characterization of Recovered Carbon Black (rCB) by Waste Tire Pyrolysis as a Potential Carbon Black (CB) Substitute

Recovered Carbon Black (rCB) from scrap tire pyrolysis offers a potential alternative to fossil-based virgin Carbon Black (CB) in the context of a circular economy. In this study, the influence of pyrolysis process parameters on rCB yield and quality was investigated at laboratory and semi-industrial scales. The resulting rCBs were characterized and found to have surface and structural properties comparable to N500 and N600 series CBs, but with higher mineral and volatile contents. However, further testing is required to evaluate the actual in-rubber properties of rCBs. Therefore, further tests are planned, incorporating them into butyl and nitrile rubber-based elastomer compounds, which will be done in a follow-up study. In addition, data from the current experiments will support a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that will evaluate the environmental impacts of tire pyrolysis compared to other recycling methods, with details to follow in a future publication.