I was just reading your article on scrap-tire use and the potential of the shredder to reduce the physical size of the scrap.
I have been working on a similar project for the Jamaicans and want to share my own research results as applied to the Virgin Islands. The three principal uses for tire shreds are TDF tire-derived fuel, aggregate in roadways and third, blended right into asphalt blacktop.
Mr. Rodriguez is quoted saying the shredded tire would be blended with the asphalt on local roads. Actually with a cheap shredder of the kind described in the article, the most likely use is the second of these: as a distinct layer beneath the blacktop. Blending into asphalt requires a finer grind and often utilizes liquid nitrogen in the process.
One foreseeable problem is that the radial belts and sidewall bead would need to be separated and disposed of in some other way, artificial reef being one. Still, having the rubber-tire shreds as a construction material for DPW and private contractors is an improvement over the status quo.
Richard Bond
Boston and St. Croix
Editor's note Richard Bond, a frequent Source contributor, describes himself as a former IDC advisory board member who does research for business development when not working on marketing product from the family tree farm, e.g., Mahogany Smoked Seasoning Salt.
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