Pyrolysis of Waste Tire Rubber for Carbon Black and Fuel Oil Recovery: Process Parameter Optimization

Abstract

The increasing accumulation of waste tire rubber has created significant environmental and disposal challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature and large-scale generation from transportation industries. The present study investigates the pyrolysis of waste tire rubber for simultaneous recovery of carbon black and fuel oil, with emphasis on process parameter optimization and product yield enhancement under controlled thermal conditions. Experimental analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, residence time, particle size, and reactor atmosphere on decomposition behavior, product distribution, and energy recovery efficiency. Results demonstrate that thermal degradation of tire rubber effectively converts complex hydrocarbon structures into valuable solid, liquid, and gaseous products through controlled pyrolytic reactions. Optimized operating conditions significantly improved fuel oil yield and carbon black recovery while minimizing secondary char formation and undesirable gaseous emissions. The study further reveals that elevated temperatures enhance volatile compound release and hydrocarbon cracking reactions, whereas controlled heating rates contribute to stable product quality and improved carbon black characteristics. Characterization of recovered carbon black indicated favorable physicochemical properties suitable for potential reuse in industrial applications, including rubber processing and pigment production. Comparative assessment with conventional waste tire disposal methods confirms that pyrolysis provides substantial environmental and economic advantages through waste reduction, energy recovery, and resource recycling.