ECO-RUBBER, a European project, has resulted in the development of the first eco-innovative recycled rubber bollard. Two Spanish institutions, the Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (IBV) and the Instituto Tecnológico del Plástico (AIMPLAS), Spain-based Berlá and Portugal-based Recipneu-Tyre Recycling National Enterprise have been involved in the initiative.
The project included customization of the existing rubber recycling process to deliver recycled rubber urban furniture products that are safer than steel products.
The new highly-flexible bollard generates less friction on vehicles and decreases scratching. Impact tests have been carried out to determine the Head Injury Criteria (HCI) index of the bollard. Results show that the bollard made from 89% of recycled rubber material has HCI index of 305, which is 1211 in case of steel. Hence, the recycled rubber bollard is four times safer when compared to steel products. Thus, the recycled rubber bollard minimizes risk of head injury in case of accident and enhances road safety.
Currently, crumb recycled rubber is used in various applications, including fillers for sports equipment, animal pens and horse arenas for dressage. In addition, the material is used along with adhesives or binders to construct protective flooring in playgrounds. In the manufacture of agglomerated rubber products, nearly 20% of adhesives such as polyurethane prepolymers are used. Surfactants, softeners and carbon black are few other ingredients used in the crumb recycled rubber manufacturing process. These ingredients will help to improve properties like fire and UV resistance, to enhance workability of the material and to harden the rubber.
Source: http://www.ruvid.org