A low energy method of pyrolysis of rubber or other hydrocarbon material
is provided. The hydrocarbon material is heated while maintaining a
vacuum, using a clay catalyst. In an additional embodiment, also under a
vacuum and optionally with or without the catalyst, the temperature of
the reaction chamber and corresponding fuel input is varied either over
time or spatially within the reaction chamber, to take advantage of the
exothermic properties of the reaction. With the method of the present
invention, an improved solid reaction product can be achieved.