I was initially sceptical, but these ideas seem like genuinely sensible uses for old turbine blades. The bus shelter in particular seems rather appealing.
I'm reminded of the use of crumb rubber from recycled tyres as a paving material. Rubberised asphalt is an excellent material for many applications, but would be largely uneconomic without the supply of very inexpensive rubber from discarded tyres. These structures made from repurposed turbine blades may not be ideal, but they may make a great deal of sense if the raw material is basically free.
Isn't there some concern over the chemicals which can leach out into the environ from recycled tires (crumb rubber) Concerns over impact on human health. Or is that concern misplaced?
You're not eating the rubber and by the time the tires have made their way to recycling I would expect basically all the volatiles would have offgased. The MSDS [1] would suggest the biggest risk is breathing the fumes caused by burning or rubbing the crumbs in your eyes and scratching your cornea. While there are trace amounts of naphthalene, I imagine its more an issue for those involved in the manufacture than those people playing on a playground padded with it.
I thinks it's too early to tell if there is or isn't a danger. Preliminary studies in controlled environs have not found cause for much concern, but others are calling for more rigorous examination. Personally I dont think there has been enough research taking into account people playing multiple hours a day on these surfaces, so id rather see more studies into exposure.
I'm reminded of the use of crumb rubber from recycled tyres as a paving material. Rubberised asphalt is an excellent material for many applications, but would be largely uneconomic without the supply of very inexpensive rubber from discarded tyres. These structures made from repurposed turbine blades may not be ideal, but they may make a great deal of sense if the raw material is basically free.