Interpenetrating Elastomer Network for Virgin-Like Recycled Rubber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods have not effectively transformed vulcanized rubber from end-of-life tires into a form suitable for use as a raw material in the fabrication of new tires or other vulcanized rubber products, lacking properties comparable to virgin composite rubber.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an aqueous chemical solution and an electromagnetic-mechanical system is used to dissociate sulfur bridges in vulcanized rubber particles, followed by re-establishing crosslinked, re-aligned laminates, creating an interpenetrating elastomer network with properties similar to virgin rubber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If ground rubber from recycled tires is used directly, then resource recovery is improved, but the rubber lacks properties comparable to virgin composite rubber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of ground rubber through controlled oxidation and sulfonation reactions. The rubber particles are treated with oxidizing agents (peroxides, ozone) and sulfonating agents to alter their physical and chemical properties, enabling them to achieve characteristics comparable to virgin composite rubber while maintaining resource recovery benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite materials by combining ground rubber particles with virgin rubber or rubber compounds in specific ratios. This composite approach allows the recycled ground rubber to contribute to resource recovery while the virgin rubber components provide the necessary mechanical properties and reliability for tire fabrication
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ground rubber is used in new tire fabrication, then environmental impact is reduced, but the rubber does not exhibit properties similar to virgin composite rubber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating ground rubber particles with oxidizing and sulfonating agents before tire fabrication. This pre-modification ensures that the ground rubber achieves the necessary property consistency and compatibility with virgin rubber components, enabling its effective use in new tire fabrication while reducing environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical and chemical parameters of ground rubber including particle size distribution, surface chemistry, and crosslinking density through controlled chemical reactions. These parameter changes enable the ground rubber to exhibit property consistency comparable to virgin composite rubber
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 process enables the production of rubber with properties comparable to virgin rubber, allowing its use in new tires and other rubber products at up to 100% by weight, enhancing resource recovery and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a method involving an aqueous chemical solution and an electromagnetic-mechanical system is used to dissociate sulfur bridges in vulcanized rubber particles
Implementation Method 2
a method involving an aqueous chemical solution and an electromagnetic-mechanical system is used to dissociate sulfur bridges in vulcanized rubber particles
Data Source
AI summary
Crumb rubber obtained from recycled tires is subjected to an interlinked substitution process. The process utilizes a reactive component that interferes with sulfur bonds. The resulting treated rubber exhibits properties similar to those of the virgin composite rubber structure prior to being granulated, and is suitable for use in fabricating new tires, engineered rubber articles, and asphalt rubber for use in waterproofing and paving applications.