Crumb Rubber and Reclaim

What Crumb Rubber and Reclaim Are and Why They Matter

Crumb rubber and reclaim are two interrelated but fundamentally different products of processing worn tires and rubber articles. Crumb rubber is obtained by mechanical grinding of vulcanized rubber followed by separation of steel cord and textile. The polymer network in crumb remains crosslinked, so the material retains elasticity but cannot be re-molded without additional treatment.

Reclaim is the product of deeper processing: crumb rubber is subjected to devulcanization under the action of heat, mechanical shear and chemical agents, whereby part of the sulfur crosslinks is broken and the material acquires the ability to be re-vulcanized. Reclaim is used as a partial substitute for rubber in rubber compounds, while crumb is used as a filler, modifier and standalone material for surfaces and articles.

For procurement teams, these products are interesting as large-tonnage recycled materials with steady demand in road construction, mechanical rubber goods, sports and playground surfaces, and roofing materials. Unlike virgin rubbers, crumb and reclaim do not require complex storage temperatures but are sensitive to moisture and contamination, and their quality strongly depends on the feedstock and processing technology.

Chemical Identification and Procurement Data

• Chemical name: crumb - ground vulcanized rubber; reclaim - devulcanized rubber, partially restored rubber.
• Synonyms: crumb - rubber granulate, crumb rubber, rubber powder (for fine fractions); reclaim - reclaimed rubber, devulcanizate.
• CAS number: 9003-31-0 (polyisoprene) is commonly used for crumb and reclaim of general designation; for butyl reclaim, 139497-04-4 may be indicated.
• HS code: 4004000000 for rubber waste, parings and scrap, powders and granules obtained therefrom (crumb); 4003000000 for devulcanized rubber (reclaim).
• Commercial form: crumb - free-flowing black material, fractions from 0.0-0.5 mm to 7.0-25.0 mm; reclaim - sheets, strips or powder of dark brown or black color.

In the Russian regulatory system, GOST R 54095-2010 applies to crumb rubber, regulating requirements for environmentally safe tire recycling and the characteristics of the resulting crumb. For specific crumb grades, GOST 8407-89 and TU 38.305-02-10-89 are used. For reclaim, TU 2511-094-00149073-2008 establishes RShT grades and their physical and mechanical parameters. The supplier confirms batch conformity to the applicable normative document and provides a certificate of quality with actual values for each indicator.

Fractional Composition and Physical and Mechanical Parameters

The quality of crumb rubber is determined by fractional composition, degree of purification from metal and textile, and bulk density. The quality of reclaim is assessed by volatile content, ash content, softener content, density and tensile properties of vulcanizates.

Crumb rubber fractions per GOST R 54095-2010 and their applications:

• Coarse crumb 7.0-25.0 mm: fuel for combustion, sound-absorbing barriers, drainage systems.
• Medium crumb 2.0-7.0 mm: lightweight fillers in road bases, playgrounds, bases for tram and railway tracks.
• Medium crumb 0.5-2.0 mm: asphalt mixes, carpet backing elements, pressed and molded articles, shoe soles, brake pads.
• Fine crumb 0.0-0.5 mm: production of tires, belts, cables, friction materials, composite ingredients, road surfaces.

Reclaim quality parameters per TU 2511-094-00149073-2008 for typical grades:

• Mass loss on drying: not more than 0.8 percent for RShT-50 and RShT-45; not more than 1.0 percent for RShT-40, RShT-35 and RShT-30; not more than 1.2 percent for RShT-25.
• Ash content: not more than 6.0 percent for RShT-50; not more than 7.0 percent for RShT-45; not more than 9.0 percent for RShT-40 and RShT-35; not more than 12.0 percent for RShT-30; not more than 15.0 percent for RShT-25.
• Acetone extract (softeners): not more than 25 percent.
• Density: 1.15 plus or minus 0.05 g/cm3 for RShT-50 and RShT-45; 1.20 plus or minus 0.05 g/cm3 for other grades.
• Mooney viscosity ML 1+4 at 100 degrees Celsius: standardized for each grade.
• Tensile strength: standardized for each grade; higher grades (RShT-50, RShT-45) have maximum strength and elongation.

For crumb, metal and textile impurity content is also important: for fine fractions (KRTO), metal content should not exceed 0.05 percent and textile content 0.3 percent; for coarser fractions, tolerances are wider. Bulk density of crumb is 250-450 kg/m3 depending on fraction.

Technical Grades and Supply Forms

Crumb Rubber

Key grades include KRTO (ground cleaned crumb), KRSh (tire crumb), RD (crushed rubber) and RK (rubber crumb). KRTO is characterized by a finer fraction and higher purity, while KRSh may have a wider fractional composition and is used in less demanding surfaces. Crumb is supplied in 20-35 kg bags, 500-1000 kg big bags or in bulk.

Reclaim

Reclaim grades are determined by the type of rubber feedstock. RShT-50 and RShT-45 are used in tire production and have high strength and elongation. RShT-40 and RShT-35 are used in tires, mechanical rubber goods and rubber footwear. RShT-30 is demanded in mechanical rubber goods, roofing materials and for fabric and cord coating. RShT-25 is used in non-critical rubber goods (mats, mudguards), roofing materials, sports surfaces and road works. Reclaim is supplied as sheets, strips or powder packed in bags or on pallets.

Regulatory Framework for Incoming Inspection

• GOST R 54095-2010 - resource saving. Requirements for environmentally safe recycling of worn tires.
• GOST 8407-89 - rubber crumb. Specifications (for specific grades).
• TU 38.305-02-10-89 - rubber crumb. Specifications.
• TU 2511-094-00149073-2008 - reclaimed rubber. Specifications.
• ASTM D297 - standard test methods for rubber products (for reclaim).
• ISO 1124 - sampling of rubber compounding ingredients (applicable methods).

For imported batches, the specification is based on manufacturer standards and harmonized ASTM and ISO methods. The batch specification is confirmed by the manufacturer certificate of quality and the results of incoming laboratory control by the recipient.

Mechanism of Action and Functional Role

The functional role of crumb and reclaim in materials differs. Crumb acts as an inert elastic filler: its particles retain the ability to deform and absorb energy, which increases the elasticity, crack resistance and low-temperature flexibility of compositions. In asphalt concrete, crumb rubber modifies bitumen, increasing its viscosity, elasticity and heat resistance, which reduces rutting and improves pavement durability.

Reclaim, due to the partially broken vulcanization network, is able to integrate into the rubber compound and participate in re-vulcanization. Its introduction improves the processing properties of the compound: it reduces mixing energy, shrinkage and swelling during extrusion and calendering, and increases tack. At the same time, reclaim partially replaces rubber, reducing product cost, but may reduce the strength of vulcanizates at high substitution levels.

Applications by Industry

Road Construction

Crumb of 0.5-2.0 mm and finer fractions is used for bitumen and asphalt concrete modification. Crumb rubber improves the elasticity, crack resistance and heat resistance of the pavement and reduces noise. Reclaim is also used as an additive in asphalt and sealants for road works.

Mechanical Rubber Goods and Rubber Articles

Reclaim grades RShT-40, RShT-35 and RShT-30 are used as a partial rubber substitute in compounds for tires, hoses, belts, footwear, roofing materials and molded articles. Crumb is used as a filler for rubber tiles, mats, sealing elements and compression-molded articles.

Sports and Playground Surfaces

Crumb of 0.5-2.0 mm and 2.0-7.0 mm fractions is used for seamless sports and playground surfaces, running tracks and artificial turf infill. Reclaim is used in sports facility surfaces.

Construction and Landscaping

Crumb and reclaim are used for rubber tiles, curbs, roofing membranes and mastics, as well as for sound and vibration insulation.

Comparison with Alternative Materials

Compared with virgin rubbers, crumb and reclaim are significantly cheaper but inferior in property consistency and strength. Crumb cannot be re-vulcanized without devulcanization, so its use is limited to filling and modification. Reclaim, unlike crumb, can participate in vulcanization, but its strength is lower than that of virgin rubber, so it is typically introduced at 10-30 percent of the rubber mass.

Compared with mineral fillers (chalk, kaolin), crumb provides higher elasticity and low-temperature flexibility of compositions but is inferior in strength and cost per unit volume. In road construction, crumb rubber competes with polymer modifiers (SBS, EVA), but is significantly cheaper, although it is inferior in the consistency of the modifying effect.

Supplier Selection Criteria and Specification Development

The specification for crumb must include the fraction, metal and textile impurity content, bulk density and feedstock type (passenger tires, truck tires, mechanical rubber goods). For reclaim, the grade (RShT-50, RShT-45, RShT-40, RShT-35, RShT-30, RShT-25), volatile content, ash content, softener content, density and tensile properties are specified. The supplier confirms batch-to-batch consistency of fractional composition and purity, as well as the availability of a certificate of quality.

Typical Handling and Processing Errors

• Using crumb with high metal or textile content. Impurities reduce the quality of final articles and can damage equipment. Incoming purity control is mandatory.
• Violation of storage conditions. Crumb and reclaim are hygroscopic; storage in damp areas leads to caking and quality loss.
• Introducing reclaim without reformulation. Reclaim contains softeners and residual curing agents, so its introduction requires recalculation of sulfur, accelerator and filler dosages.
• Expecting full equivalence to virgin rubber. Reclaim does not fully replace rubber; exceeding recommended dosages leads to reduced strength and elasticity of vulcanizates.
• Use of contaminated or wet crumb. Moisture and contamination cause defects in surfaces and rubber compounds.

Quality Control and Laboratory Methods

Incoming inspection of crumb includes determination of fractional composition (sieve analysis), metal impurity content (magnetic separation), textile content, bulk density and moisture. For reclaim, mass loss on drying, ash content, acetone extract, density, Mooney viscosity and tensile properties of vulcanizates on a standard compound are determined. Sampling is performed by standardized methods, and the combined sample is analyzed in the plant laboratory.

Storage and Transportation Conditions

Crumb rubber and reclaim are not classified as hazardous goods. Storage is carried out in closed dry warehouses at temperatures from minus 30 to plus 30 degrees Celsius, protected from atmospheric precipitation and direct sunlight. Bags and big bags are placed on pallets and protected from mechanical damage. The shelf life is typically 12-24 months from the date of manufacture under proper transport and storage conditions. Transportation is by rail, road and sea in covered cars, containers or vans.

Finding Analogues and Interchangeability

When replacing crumb, a material of similar fraction and purity is selected. For reclaim, replacement is possible within the same grade or between close grades (for example, RShT-40 for RShT-35) with formulation adjustment and confirmation of vulcanizate properties. Direct replacement of reclaim with virgin rubber is possible but economically impractical; replacement of crumb with mineral filler is possible only in applications where elasticity and low-temperature flexibility are not required. The decision is based on laboratory testing.

Supply Routes: Russia, China and Other Regions

Domestic supply of crumb and reclaim is provided by tire and rubber waste processing facilities. Products are supplied to the domestic market and for export.

Chinese producers of crumb rubber and reclaim have large capacities and a wide fraction range. Supplies are delivered by sea with subsequent transfer to rail or road transport. Other global producers are located in Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Suppliers from these regions are engaged when required, taking into account logistical and regulatory factors.

Logistics and Customs Clearance

Transportation is carried out in bags on pallets, big bags and containers. Customs clearance includes classification under HS code 4004000000 for crumb and 4003000000 for reclaim, preparation of a safety data sheet (if required) and conformity declaration. The portal provides customs broker services and supports all clearance stages.

Risk Factors and Safety Measures

The main risks are associated with moisture, contamination and instability of fractional composition. Maintaining packaging integrity, dry storage conditions and incoming quality control minimize these risks. When handling powdered crumb fractions, respiratory protection is recommended.

FAQ: Common Questions from Procurement and Process Specialists

How does crumb rubber differ from reclaim

Crumb is ground vulcanized rubber that retains a crosslinked structure and cannot be re-vulcanized. Reclaim is a devulcanization product in which part of the crosslinks is broken, allowing it to be used as a partial rubber substitute in rubber compounds.

Which crumb fraction is suitable for bitumen modification

Crumb of 0.5-2.0 mm and finer (0.0-0.5 mm) is typically used for bitumen and asphalt concrete modification. Coarser fractions are used in surfaces and bases where fine dispersion is not required.

Which reclaim grade is suitable for mechanical rubber goods

RShT-40 and RShT-35 are used for critical mechanical rubber goods; RShT-25 for non-critical articles (mats, mudguards). For tires, RShT-50 and RShT-45 are used.

Can rubber be fully replaced with reclaim

No, reclaim is used as a partial rubber substitute. Full replacement leads to a significant decrease in strength and elasticity of vulcanizates. The recommended dosage depends on the grade and article requirements.

What documents are required for crumb and reclaim import

Import requires a contract, invoice, packing list, manufacturer certificate of quality, transport documents and a declaration of conformity (if required). The portal organizes the preparation of the document set and interaction with the customs broker.

Conclusion

Crumb rubber and reclaim remain demanded products of rubber waste processing for road construction, mechanical rubber goods, surfaces and building materials. Crumb provides elasticity and durability of compositions, while reclaim reduces the cost of rubber compounds and improves their processing properties. For procurement teams, the practical task reduces to confirming the fractional composition and purity of crumb, conformity of reclaim grade to TU requirements, and organizing supplies with observance of storage conditions.

Contact Us

For procurement inquiries and supply chain organization, contact the portal team at info@apptrade.ru.