CONTACT:
Charles Nygard
Global Recycling Technology Group
http://www.grtginc.com
July 10, 2005
King of Prussia, PA
PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY COMPLETES RECYCLING PROJECT FOCUSED ON MARKETS FOR DISCARDED SCRAP TIRES.
In an effort to provide sustainable markets for discarded scrap rubber tires, Dr. Chris Pastore of Philadelphia University has recently completed a project analyzing the application of using composite materials in the manufacture and production of railroad crossties. Specifically, the crossties are comprised of recycled scrap rubber; commonly known as crumb rubber, ground discarded plastic, polymers and a structural reinforcement. Analysis was performed using a finite element methodology in an effort to predict the performance of the composite railroad crosstie under specifications as developed by The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association.
The project was completed in conjunction with a grant received by a metro-Philadelphia area design firm, Effektive Design, which uses proprietary and patented technology in the manufacture of structural composite products. Analysis results indicate that there is merit to the application and that the tie should perform to specification.
The railroad industry has shown interest in increasing the use of composite materials as a replacement for chemically treated wooden products. Given the nature of rubber and plastics, which are resilient to natural elements and require little to maintenance, they are expected to last much longer that wood.
Plans to develop the crosstie is under the direction of Global Rubber, USA, a leading rubber processing and manufacturing firm located in King of Prussia, PA. Global Rubber, with over 17 years experience in the rubber recycling industry, expects the first prototype crossties to be completed by the Fall, 2005.
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