Method for the devulcanization of sulfur-vulcanized elastomers

Abstract

A method for devulcanizing vulcanized elastomers comprising the following steps: A. preparing an aqueous mixture of vulcanized elastomers and a devulcanizing composition obtained by: i) mixing urea and at least one dicarboxylic acid in an aqueous solvent for a period of between 3 and 8 hours at a temperature above 40°C to obtain an aqueous mixture comprising a devulcanizing ionic compound; and ii) adding a peptizing agent to said aqueous mixture from step i) to obtain the devulcanizing composition. B. carrying out a devulcanization reaction by subjecting the aqueous mixture from step A to a state of tension to obtain a devulcanized product.