Abstract:
Pollution caused by used tires is a serious global problem at the present and in the future due to the increasing amount of used tires every year and a lack of efficient tire waste management programs. In this research, the feasibility study on utilization of reclaimed tire rubber made from used tires for a new product development. By blending and varying the composition of reclaimed tire rubber, polypropylene and sawdust from the original formulation of the composite materials from reclaimed tire rubber, 40 formulations were obtained and their mechanical properties were measured. The correlation of the material composition of each formulation and its mechanical properties could be used for the correct formulation selection to produce the innovative products with desired properties. According to a study on the status of tires in Thailand by observation survey and in-depth interview research from 24 stakeholders, used tires were taken for several utilizations, including reuse, grinding, pyrolysis and fuel, but less than 3 percent of all used tires were used to make reclaimed tire rubber while 63 percent of all used tires were left unused. With the Fuzzy Front End process for a new product development from reclaimed tire rubber for various applications by comparing to the mechanical properties of existing products in the market, using questionnaire and semi-structural interview from 363 members, it was found that many products could be made from these composite materials. They were construction products, automotive parts and accessories, plastic consumer products, and safety and logistic products. In addition, the study on consumer needs was explored in a target group using quantitative research by questionnaire and qualitative research by focus group method and found that a new product development in construction products was the huge market and high value. The interesting product was the wood composite products for outdoor use like flooring, fence, window, door and roof. After the technology and market evaluation by weighted scoring method together with technology, market and operation feasibility, it was found that the wood composite product for outdoor flooring made from reclaimed tire rubber, which had better mechanical and physical properties than the similar products existing in the market, was suitable for a new product development. With New Product Development process, engineering design analysis methods with Finite Element, pilot production on an industrial scale for prototyping, product testing according to industrial standards, analysis for business strategies and innovative products acceptance testing with 797 questionnaires, showed that the wood composite product for outdoor flooring from reclaimed tire rubber was the innovative product that attracted the purchasers. The formulation of composite materials from reclaimed tire rubber was patented and registered with value evaluation by income approach based on its current value in cash flow. It is suggested that the non - exclusive licensing should be applied in this case with the value at 3,301,780.46 Baht. The Royalty Fee is subject to 3% of its revenue.