Large quantities of used tires wouldn't be a problem, chipping or
shredding them would be possible, but melting them would be the
problem. Vulcanized rubber won't melt and then reset. They are,
unfortunately not a thermoplastic.
I believe some running tracks use shredded tire rubber as a component,
as do some asphalt for roads but tires are a real problem to reuse in
any useful way. If you could find a way to do something (maybe using
the rubber as part of the floor but binding with something else) you
might have a very useful product with at least partially low cost raw
materials.
Just don't experiment in your kitchen. Pheww!
Michael
On Oct 6, 2004, at 10:21 AM, Eric@megageek.com wrote:
>
> What if some was to get their hands on a large quanities of used tires,
> removed the steel bead and the somehow chipped them up.
>
> Then, takes the chips the melts them into a pourable consisantecy and
> poured them on a concrete floor.
>
> First, is this viable?
> Second, how could I chip them up? (I was thinking a large wood
> chipper.)
> Third, how can I heat and pour the substance?
>
> I was thinking about experimenting with this. Any ideas?
>
> If this worked, I would be interested in starting a business doing
> this as
> a lowcost way to cover shop floors. (Since I can get paid to take used
> tires.)
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