We,at Sai Rubbers Company, produce ultra-fine hi structure crumb of 30-40 mesh from scrap rubber. In the process, the metal parts are removed using a number of magnets, any foreign partices are removed. Scrape is then cut in several machines to a smaller size,  crumb rubber giving it roughness and perforation creating a very high surface area. During the compounding, the rubber penetrates into these hi structure particles and a strong mechanical bond is created.

When mixed in a rubber compound, this crumb becomes one with it and imparts high properties. IRMRA has concluded in its study that as the particle size of crumb reduces, it gives higher physical properties. It was also found that by using 10 phr of 30 / 40 mesh crumbs, no loss of properties was observed, even though the carbon phr had to be reduced to maintain the hardness, thus affecting cost reduction without impairing properties.

Generally 2/3 phr of fine crumb were used to improve mould flow of complicated designs like tyre tread. A detailed study was done by IRMRA using  crumb, result of which shows that up to 15 phr of crumb rubber used in a standard tyre tread compound having tensile strength of 26 mpa and E.B -580%, Abrasion index of 107, does not affect these properties significantly.

A detailed study was done in USA in association with the largest tyre companies confirming the use of 30-40 mesh crumb in new tyres.To get the best results, crumb has to be mixed with the rubber in the initial stage before adding other fillers so that the crumb penetrates into the high structure of the crumb.

The problem with 10-20 mesh conventional crumb in a rubber compound is that it is just a foreign matter and a filler which does not bond with the new vulcanizate. When a rubber product is put to use this crumb detaches itself if used in large quantities.