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Recycling NR/SBR waste using probe sonication as a new devulcanizing method; study on influencing parameters.
Marzieh Shabani1, Masoud Jamshidi1
1Constructional Polymers and Composites Research Laboratory, School of Chemical, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) Tehran Iran mjamshidi@iust.ac.ir +98-21-77240495 +98-21-77240255.
RSC Advances
|October 6, 2022
Summary
This study optimized probe sonication for devulcanizing rubber, achieving 40% devulcanization. Chemical agent VitaX further enhanced devulcanization to 52% and improved re-vulcanization properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- Devulcanization of rubber is crucial for recycling tire materials.
- Natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) blends are widely used in tires.
- Efficient devulcanization methods are needed to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate probe sonication as a method for devulcanizing NR/SBR blends.
- To optimize processing parameters for maximizing devulcanization efficiency.
- To evaluate the performance of chemical agents in enhancing devulcanization and re-vulcanization.
Main Methods:
- Devulcanization of NR/SBR (50:50) blend using probe sonication.
- Systematic variation of sonication media, power, temperature, and time.
- Assessment of pre-immersion in water, oil, and toluene.
- Evaluation of chemical devulcanizing agents: diphenyl disulfide and VitaX.
Main Results:
- Pre-immersion in oil significantly increased devulcanization percentage.
- Optimal sonication conditions yielded approximately 40% devulcanization.
- VitaX achieved the highest devulcanization (approx. 52%) and improved re-vulcanization speed.
- VitaX content influenced curing and mechanical properties.
Conclusions:
- Probe sonication, particularly with oil pre-immersion, is effective for NR/SBR devulcanization.
- VitaX offers superior devulcanization and re-vulcanization benefits compared to diphenyl disulfide.
- Balancing VitaX content is necessary to optimize mechanical and curing properties.
