Full definition
Recycled rubber flooring is an innovative flooring solution made from granulated end-of-life tire rubber, commonly referred to as crumb rubber. This crumb rubber typically has a particle size ranging from 0.5 to 8 mm and is bonded together with polyurethane (PU) resin, which constitutes approximately 8-15% of the total material. The manufacturing process involves compressing and curing the mixture into various forms such as sheets, tiles, or rolls. This approach not only provides a sustainable means of diverting used tires from landfills but also results in a product that offers significant durability and resilience. The thickness of recycled rubber flooring can vary from 6 mm to 50 mm, with the thickness typically increasing to accommodate higher fall heights and provide better impact absorption in high-traffic areas or locations where safety is paramount.
The density of recycled rubber flooring ranges from 800 kg/m³ to 1,200 kg/m³, which plays a crucial role in its overall performance characteristics. Key properties of this flooring material include excellent impact absorption, making it suitable for a variety of applications such as playgrounds, where it meets critical fall height certification requirements as outlined in EN 1177 and ASTM F1292. Furthermore, it offers good noise reduction capabilities, with an IIC improvement typically ranging from 15 to 20 dB. The flooring also boasts a high coefficient of friction (COF >0.5), ensuring slip resistance, alongside inherent UV resistance, particularly in the case of black rubber, which maintains its stability when exposed to sunlight.
Common applications for recycled rubber flooring include commercial gyms and weight rooms, where thicknesses of 15-40 mm are predominant. Other applications encompass CrossFit boxes, playground safety surfacing that adheres to CPSC/ASTM F1292 fall height requirements, outdoor sports courts, running tracks, equestrian arenas, and acoustic underlayment for sound dampening. Aesthetically, the flooring is often available in a black base with colored EPDM granulate flecks, allowing for customization in blue, green, red, and gray variations. Installation methods can vary, with options for adhesive bonding or loose-laid interlocking tiles, providing flexibility depending on the specific use case and environment.