China is not only one of the largest consumers of rubber but also a major producer of tires. With the rapid growth of the automotive industry, the country generates approximately 100 million waste tires annually. In addition, the increasing import of used tires has intensified the challenges of recycling and environmental protection. As domestic fuel prices have risen, the high profit margins associated with burning waste tires for fuel have led to repeated bans on this practice, which in turn has caused serious environmental pollution.
To address the growing issue of waste tire recycling, the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Research, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed an innovative technology that combines decompression pyrolysis with catalytic processes. This method allows for the production of high-concentration limonene from waste tires at lower temperatures and in shorter timeframes. The resulting fuel products offer improved efficiency and sustainability.
The process also significantly enhances the quality of pyrolytic carbon black. The ultrafine powder obtained through crushing and air-suction can be directly used as reinforcing agents in the tire or ink industries, while the coarse powder can be activated to produce high-surface-area activated carbon, which is widely applicable in wastewater and gas treatment. Additionally, the extracted limonene-rich oil serves as an excellent solvent, finding use in detergents, coatings, solvents, and pharmaceuticals.
This technology represents three major innovations: producing 45–50 kg of 90% pure limonene per ton of waste tires, achieving commercial-grade reinforcing and ink carbon black from ultrafine pyrolytic carbon, and creating activated carbon with a specific surface area of up to 600 m²/g from coarse carbon black. Currently, the technology is being applied to produce fuel products in short supply, and the carbon black is already used in the footwear industry, where its performance exceeds standard requirements.
With favorable conditions for promotion and application, the Guangzhou Institute is now planning to build a demonstration unit capable of processing 10,000 tons of waste tires annually, marking a significant step toward sustainable waste tire management.
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