Plastic Ink Formulation From The Elastomer of Recycled Tires
Authors: Benítez Adriana Lagunas , Santos Georgina Contreras , Cuellar María del Rocío Santamaría , Contrera Ixchel Parola 
Published: August 2024

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the reuse of the elastomer with the addition of some solvents and additives from discarded tires, with the aim of manufacturing an ink for common and diverse use applied to the ink industry.

Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Environmental pollution originating from the inappropriate disposal of damaged and/or worn automobile tires has led to the search for alternative byproducts for recycling. These products are made with elastomers, among other chemicals and plastics, that take hundreds of years to disintegrate and are harmful to the ecosystem, since their reuse is poor, stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation.

Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises that the elastomer was ground from damaged and/or worn tires, melted, allowed cooling to 21°C and turpentine was applied as a diluent. Three concentrations of elastomer with additive were formulated in the laboratory. The tires were collected from streets.

Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the three formulations resulted in different applications; since the characteristics of the inks were odorless, washable, do not run, and were waterproof. In addition to being an ecological, economical product, that promotes the culture of recycling. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. This section also considers possible discrepancies and limitations of the study like the spectrophotometry analysis. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section.

Research Implications: The development of the process of obtaining an ink from recycled tyre elastomer has several significant implications both environmentally, economically and socially. Firstly, from an environmental point of view, the use of recycled tyres as raw material for the production of inks contributes to the reduction of solid waste and the reduction of environmental pollution, as it prevents these tyres from being disposed of in landfills or incinerated, which releases toxic substances into the environment. In addition, reusing this material reduces the demand for natural resources and reduces the carbon footprint associated with the manufacture of conventional inks based on petroleum products. Secondly, in economic terms, the production of inks from recycled tyre elastomers can represent a business opportunity for companies dedicated to tyre recycling and for those dedicated to the manufacture of inks, generating employment and promoting the circular economy. Additionally, the use of recycled raw materials can lead to savings in production costs and an improvement in the competitiveness of companies in a market that is increasingly aware of sustainability. Finally, on a social level, the development of this type of innovative processes promotes awareness of the importance of the circular economy and the reuse of resources, encouraging the adoption of more environmentally responsible practices. Furthermore, the creation of new products from recycled materials can contribute to changing consumer perceptions of these materials and encourage more sustainable consumption habits. In summary, the development of the process of obtaining an ink from recycled tyre elastomer has positive implications in environmental, economic and social terms, promoting sustainability and innovation in the industrial sector.

Originality/Value: The present study contributes to highlighting the socio-economic and environmental impact by providing an alternative use of discarded rubber tyres, adding value by uncertainty in the life cycle, thus contributing to the common good. Obtaining an ink from recycled tyre elastomer would be a highly innovative process with great value for both industry and the environment. On the one hand, the originality of using a recycled tyre material to create an ink opens up a wide range of possibilities in the printing and ink manufacturing industry. This would allow companies to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the environment by reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded. In addition, producing an ink from recycled tyre elastomer would also offer economic benefits, as it would save on production costs by reusing an existing material instead of purchasing new inputs.