Reclaim Rubber: Manufacturing Process, Types and Industrial Uses

Reclaim Rubber is a recycled rubber material produced from used tyres and rubber products through a controlled devulcanization process. It is widely used in rubber compounding as a cost-effective substitute for natural rubber and synthetic rubber.

With rising raw material costs and increasing environmental regulations, reclaim rubber has become an important solution for rubber manufacturers, traders, and exporters worldwide.

1. What is Reclaim Rubber?

Reclaim rubber is obtained by breaking down the cross-linked structure of vulcanized rubber scrap. Through chemical, mechanical, and thermal treatment, the rubber regains plasticity and becomes suitable for reuse in new rubber compounds.

Unlike crumb rubber powder, reclaim rubber undergoes a chemical devulcanization process, making it softer and easier to blend with virgin rubber.

2. Manufacturing Process of Reclaim Rubber

The typical manufacturing steps include:

Step 1: Raw Material Selection
Scrap tyres or used inner tubes are selected based on quality and composition.

Step 2: Shredding & Cleaning
The rubber scrap is shredded and cleaned to remove steel wires, textile fibers, and contaminants.

Step 3: Devulcanization
The material is treated with heat, pressure, and chemicals to break sulfur cross-links in the rubber structure.

Step 4: Refining & Straining
The processed rubber is refined to achieve uniform plasticity and remove impurities.

Step 5: Sheet Formation & Packing
The reclaimed rubber is converted into sheets or bales and packed for industrial supply.

3. Types of Reclaim Rubber

A. Whole Tyre Reclaim Rubber

Produced from complete scrap tyres.

• Good tensile strength

• Balanced elasticity

• Suitable for general rubber goods

• Cost-effective for bulk applications

Commonly used in rubber sheets, mats, footwear soles, conveyor belts, and molded products.

B. Butyl Tube Reclaim Rubber

Manufactured from discarded butyl inner tubes.

• Excellent air retention properties

• High flexibility

• Smooth finish

• Suitable for airtight rubber components

Used in inner tubes, flaps, sealants, liners, and butyl-based rubber goods.

4. Industrial Applications of Reclaim Rubber

Reclaim rubber is widely used in:

• Automotive rubber components

• Rubber sheets and floor mats

• Footwear manufacturing

• Molded rubber products

• Conveyor belts

• Adhesives and sealants

• Industrial extruded rubber goods

It helps manufacturers reduce raw material cost while maintaining required mechanical properties.

5. Advantages of Using Reclaim Rubber

• Reduces dependency on virgin rubber

• Lowers production cost

• Improves processability and mixing

• Saves energy during compounding

• Environment-friendly and supports recycling

• Consistent Mooney viscosity for stable production

Conclusion

Reclaim Rubber is an essential raw material for the modern rubber industry. Whether it is Whole Tyre Reclaim Rubber for general applications or Butyl Tube Reclaim Rubber for airtight components, reclaim rubber offers both economic and environmental benefits.

For traders and exporters, understanding reclaim rubber types and properties helps in supplying the right grade to global markets.