Recycled tyres 'produce usable liquids' for petrochemical laboratories
Petrochemical laboratories could use recycled tyres as sources of limonene and styrene

Fuel for thought

Recycled tyres 'produce usable liquids' for petrochemical laboratories

10 Nov, 2010

Published over 15 years ago. See the latest and most current information on Fuel for thought.

Recycling tyres using pyrolosis can break them down into solids, liquids and gases which may be used in petrochemical laboratories in place of some fossil fuel derivatives.

Maria Felisa Laresgoiti, a PhD student at the University of the Basque Country, a bilingual Spanish-Basque academic institution, has published findings of her research into using pyrolosis to retrieve materials from unwanted tyres.

The university explains that this can prove difficult due to the way tyres are designed to resist extreme conditions - but after 30 minutes at 500 degrees or more, the component solids, liquids and gases can be extracted.

Liquids produced by recycled tyres in particular could be of interest to petrochemical laboratories, as Ms Laresgoiti says they include sources for styrene and limonene.

The liquids themselves could also be used as sources of fuel; however, due to legal specifications, the scientist says they would not be able to be directly substituted for fuel oil, diesel or petrol.

Latest News

PIN 27.3 June/July 2026

Explore our Digital Edition

Discover the latest news and research

Digital edition

Explore Our Other Sites

Labmate Online
SERS bismuth nanoparticles sensor can spot lead ions in water at high sensitivity
Explore more Arrow
Envirotech Online
FM approval strengthens intelligent fixed gas detection for refineries and petrochemical plants
Explore more Arrow
Pollution Solutions Online
Slurry grant a fossil fuel failure?
Explore more Arrow
Chromatography Today
Unlock high-resolution analysis of therapeutic oligonucleotides
Explore more Arrow