A Decisive Breakthrough in the Field of Recovering Rubber Waste

Abstract

An analysis of methods used in the recycling of rubber waste is given. The advantages and disadvantages of using finely ground rubber crumbs (crumbs of ultrasmall size) are discussed, and its main disadvantages are indicated. The mechanism of interaction of these crumbs and the rubber mix into which they are introduced is examined. A brief review is given of existing methods for modifying crumbs using amines and sulphides at not too high temperatures, leading to their surface devulcanisation. A process developed by the company Greengum Recycling is a continuation of these developments. It includes the following: a study of the physical and mathematical dependences of the properties of the crumbs and of the rubber mixes into which they are introduced on temperature and on other process parameters; the development of monitoring of the degree of devulcanisation on the basis of obtained mathematical models; the development of 23 modifier formulations; the creation of modified equipment for the process of fine grinding with simultaneous surface devulcanisation within a single pass; the development of formulations for different rubber mixes containing crumbs; the equipping of measuring apparatus.