Dynamic devulcanization and dynamic vulcanization for recycling of crosslinked rubber

A new recycling technology for crosslinked rubber was developed using continuous reactive processing methods. In the process of producing reclaimed rubber, a breakage of crosslinking points in the rubber matrix occurs selectively under optimized controls of shear stress, reaction temperature and internal pressure in a twin screw extruder corresponding to the dynamic devulcanization process. The reclaimed rubbers show excellent mechanical properties applicable to new rubber compounds. Furthermore, an enhanced rubber recycling process including both the dynamic devulcanization and dynamic vulcanization for producing thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based on rubber waste has been established. The obtained TPE exhibits a highly recoverable rubber elasticity and mechanical properties comparable to commercial TPE.