New Route of Tire Rubber Devulcanization Using Silanes

Rounak Ghosh*, Christian Mani, Roland Krafczyk, Rupert Schnell, Alexander Paasche, Auke Talma, Anke Blume, Wilma K. Dierkes*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
93 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The disposal of tires at the end of their lifespan results in societal and environmental issues. To tackle this, recycling and reuse are effective solutions. Among various recycling methods, devulcanization is considered to be a very sustainable option, as it involves the controlled breakdown of crosslinks while maintaining the polymer backbones. The objective of this study is to develop a sustainable devulcanization process for passenger car tire rubber using silanes. In this study, a thermo-mechanical–chemical devulcanization process was conducted to screen six potential devulcanization aids (DAs). Silanes were chosen as they are widely used in tire rubber as coupling agents for silica. The efficiency of the devulcanization was studied by the degree of network breakdown, miscibility of the devulcanized material, and mechanical properties of the de- and revulcanized material. Compared to the parent compound, a 55–60% network breakdown was achieved for the devulcanizate along with 50–55% of tensile strength recovery. In addition to superior devulcanization efficiency, this DA offers a sustainable alternative to the conventional ones, such as di-phenyl-di-sulphide, due to its compliance with safety regulations. The devulcanizate can be utilized in high-performance applications, such as tires and seals, while 100% devulcanizate can be employed in low-strength technical rubber products.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2848
Number of pages17
JournalPolymers
Volume15
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jun 2023

Keywords

  • circular economy
  • devulcanization
  • end-of-life tire
  • rubber recycling
  • silane
  • sustainability

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