Carbon black from waste tires: A system dynamics perspective

This study advances the understanding of pyrolytic carbon black (CBp) production from waste tires by addressing a critical research gap: the absence of integrated, system-level modeling for industrial-scale pyrolysis operations. While pilot-scale studies have demonstrated the technical promise of thermal pyrolysis, existing literature rarely considers the complex, multidimensional interactions that shape large-scale feasibility. The novelty of this work lies in its application of a participatory systems thinking approach - operationalized through group model building with interdisciplinary stakeholders - to develop a holistic model of waste tire pyrolysis. The approach systematically integrates five interdependent dimensions: market, environmental, economic, technical, and political. This process enables the collaborative identification of causal structures, feedback loops, and systemic constraints, producing a robust framework for simulating future scenarios and policy interventions. The models serve as dynamic decision-support tools for strategic planning, capturing the interplay between key variables and enabling the assessment of multidimensional impacts. By linking system-level understanding with practical strategy formulation, this research provides a pathway for the design and deployment of efficient, sustainable pyrolysis facilities - positioning CBp recovery as a viable component of a circular economy for waste tire management.