Recycling Ground Tire Rubber Powder- A Review

Recycling ground tire rubber (GTR) into usable products has attracted researchers and industry professionals, as it supports the sustainable use of end-of-life tires (ELTs). The environmental implications of tire disposal have driven the need for recycling methods, yet the global production of GTR-derived products remains relatively low. This is primarily due to the high processing costs of grinding tires to fine sizes and the challenges in achieving mechanical properties comparable to virgin rubber. While tire shreds and granules can be repurposed, molded products often struggle to meet the demand and performance standards required for many applications. Improving the material properties of GTR-based products requires better processing techniques and a comprehensive understanding of associated challenges. This review outlines the current status of the GTR molding methods, discusses the properties of products derived from 100% GTR, and GTR blends. It also highlights areas for further work to enhance the properties of GTR products and support the upward valorization of GTR.