Devulcanized Waste Tire Plasticizer for Sustainable Rubber Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current plasticizers for rubber tires and products are petroleum-based, carcinogenic, unsustainable, and pose environmental risks due to their liquid form and volatile prices, necessitating a shift to sustainable, non-petroleum alternatives that are REACH compliant and environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
Development of plasticizers using devulcanized and/or oxidized rubber combined with low viscosity bio-oils, which reduces molecular weight and improves handling and storage, incorporating reclaiming agents like Di-xylyl-di-sulphide and bio-oils such as vegetable oils, and a process involving heat, pressure, and mechanical shear to achieve desired Mooney viscosity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If petroleum-based plasticizers are used, then rubber products achieve desired flexibility and processing properties, but environmental harm increases and sustainability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the chemical composition parameters of plasticizers from petroleum-based to waste tire-derived devulcanized rubber, fundamentally changing the material source while maintaining functional properties. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by eliminating carcinogenic materials and environmental harm while preserving rubber product flexibility and processing characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers valuable plasticizer materials from waste tires through devulcanization processes, converting discarded rubber waste into functional plasticizers. This approach simultaneously addresses environmental harm by recycling waste and provides sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plasticizers while maintaining desired rubber processing properties
2Ease of operation
If liquid plasticizers are used, then rubber products achieve desired flexibility, but storage and transportation safety deteriorates due to spillage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition by converting liquid plasticizers into solid or semi-solid forms through devulcanization and oxidation processes. This phase change eliminates spillage risks during storage and transportation while maintaining the flexibility-enhancing functional properties when incorporated into rubber products
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite plasticizer materials combining devulcanized rubber particles with binding agents, forming solid composite structures that maintain flexibility functionality while eliminating the liquid state's spillage hazard. The composite structure provides both safety during handling and effective plasticizing action in the final product
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vegetable oils are used as plasticizers, then sustainability improves and carcinogenicity decreases, but cost increases and agricultural land pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using waste tires as the raw material source, which are already discarded materials requiring no additional agricultural land or harvesting. The devulcanization process transforms this waste into valuable plasticizers, eliminating the need for dedicated crop cultivation and reducing costs compared to virgin vegetable oils while maintaining sustainability and non-carcinogenic properties
4Object-affected harmful factors
If waste tires are recycled through devulcanization, then sustainability improves and circular economy is promoted, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex devulcanization process into distinct operational stages: mechanical grinding of waste tires, chemical devulcanization treatment, oxidation processing, and final formulation. This segmentation of the manufacturing process reduces overall complexity by making each stage manageable and optimizable independently while achieving the sustainability goals of waste tire recycling
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in sustainable, cost-effective plasticizers with improved physical properties for rubber products, reduced environmental impact, and stable pricing, offering easier storage and transportation with minimal spillage and consistent product quality.
Implementation Method 1
The present inventions employs recycled waste, used tires, and used waste rubber products for the manufacture of new tires and other rubber products
Implementation Method 2
The inventions described herein involve the devulcanization and/or oxidation of rubber products that reduces the molecular weight of rubber molecules
Implementation Method 3
The devulcanization process can also include the application of heat, high pressure and mechanical shear and/or a combination of these
Implementation Method 4
The application of heat during the process may include maintaining a sufficiently high temperature for a period of time so as to reduce the Mooney viscosity of the raw material
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed inventions include plasticizers having a low Mooney viscosity made from reclaimed and/or devulcanized used rubber materials, for use, as an example, in the manufacture of vehicular tires and other rubber products.