Analysis and Formulation of Combustible Components in Rubber Solid Wastes

This chapter is the result of a study of the inherent properties of solid wastes with special emphasis on rubber solid waste. Ultimate analysis values can be used to find representative empirical chemical formulas for typical municipal solid waste (MSW) or any non-hazardous industrial solid wastes. These formulas can be used by environmental planners and managers in evaluating the feasibility of alternative uses for a target solid waste such as its heat generation and material recycling possibilities. Unfortunately, some technical data concerning rubber and plastic solid wastes are missing. An attempt was made to improve the ultimate analysis model values by completing the table entries for rubber. A survey was undertaken to determine empirical chemical values for rubber products. Characteristics of the rubber industry’s waste are discussed as well as some alternatives that have been tested or implemented. The ultimate analysis values of solid rubber wastes are concluded to be: carbon 82.570%, hydrogen 3.689%, oxygen 0.496%, nitrogen 0.166%, sulfur 1.587%, and ash 11.492%. The authors recommend that further similar research be conducted on plastic solid waste.