Recycled tyre product to be blast tested at UOW

Recycled tyres are being used to produce a spray-on concrete that is blast, ballistic and fire-resistant.

The material, Protectiflex, will be tested 11 February at the University of Wollongong.

During the tests, the sprayed ProtectiFlex walls will be hit with shock loadings similar to a car bomb explosion from a distance of 20 metres.

Flexiroc Managing Director Gary Bullock said the spray-on application can be applied to both new and existing walls and buildings to develop or enhance their blast, ballistic and fire-resistance ratings.

“We are confident these tests will prove the spray-on composite creates blast resistant walls,” he said.

Protectiflex combines recycled crumbed rubber from old tyres with composite fibres in a cementitious mix design.

According to Mr Bullock, the ProtectiFlex blast tests will demonstrate how spray-on retrofit can add strength and stiffness to concrete masonry walls, protecting occupants behind it from the blast loads.

“ProtectiFlex has applications across a range of sectors including defence, government, critical infrastructure, petrochemical and retail,” Mr Bullock said.

“ProtectiFlex is not only a great way to protect human life and critical assets, it’s also lightweight, eco-friendly, cost-effective and incredibly versatile in its form and application.”

Tyre Stewardship Australia CEO Lina Goodman said the product is a fantastic use for old tyres.

“This innovative product made from recycled tyres could potentially save lives,” she said.

Tyre Stewardship Australia has committed $5 million to a wide range of Australian projects using waste tyres including ProtectiFlex, roads, horse racing tracks, car parks, sports grounds and playgrounds.

“Although more than half of Australia’s old tyres are recycled, upcycled or processed to make other products, like ProtectiFlex, the equivalent of 27 million car tyres are wasted every year. These often end up in landfill, stockpiles or are exported overseas,” Ms Goodman said.