Recycled Rubber Elastomer Reworking Via Pulsed Magnetic Sulfidic Metathesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to efficiently transform vulcanized rubber from end-of-life tires into a form suitable for use as a raw material in the fabrication of articles that require properties similar to virgin rubber, due to the challenging nature of breaking down the highly cross-linked structure and sulfur bonds.

Innovation Solution

A method involving phase reticulation induced sulfidic metathesis assisted by a pulsed magnetic field is applied to vulcanized rubber particles, using an organometallic compound to realign crosslinks and re-establish sulfur bridges, resulting in a re-aligned, re-crosslinked rubber structure with properties comparable to virgin rubber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to break down vulcanized rubber, then the cross-linked structure can be degraded, but the resulting material does not achieve properties comparable to virgin rubber

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance propertiesVSAvoidprocess effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing a pulsed magnetic field (changing magnetic parameters) to enhance the breakdown of cross-linked sulfur bonds in vulcanized rubber. This magnetic field intervention enables more effective degradation of the cross-linked structure while maintaining the integrity of the elastomer chains, thereby producing recycled rubber with properties comparable to virgin rubber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical breakdown methods with a magnetic field-based approach. The pulsed magnetic field substitutes for traditional mechanical grinding or chemical degradation methods, enabling a more effective and controlled breakdown of the cross-linked structure that preserves material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the cross-linked structure of vulcanized rubber is broken down, then the rubber can be reused, but the sulfur bonds are difficult to interfere with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecycling efficiencyVSAvoidsulfur bond stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes conventional chemical or mechanical methods for interfering with sulfur bonds with a magnetic field-based approach. The pulsed magnetic field provides a non-invasive means to disrupt the cross-linked sulfur bond structure, enabling efficient breakdown without the limitations of traditional chemical interference methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by introducing a pulsed magnetic field, which fundamentally alters how sulfur bonds are approached for breakdown. This magnetic parameter intervention enables more efficient and controlled degradation of sulfur cross-links while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If recycled rubber is processed to achieve virgin rubber-like properties, then it can be used in new tire production, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial propertiesVSAvoidprocessing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-step chemical processing systems with a magnetic field-based approach. The pulsed magnetic field serves as a simpler, more direct mechanism for achieving the desired breakdown of cross-linked structures, thereby reducing overall process complexity while maintaining material quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pulsed magnetic field as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the processing system. Rather than requiring complex chemical reagents or multiple processing stages, the magnetic field acts as a mediating force that directly addresses the cross-linked structure, reducing device and process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a recycled rubber-based elastomer that can be reintroduced into new tire production at levels up to 100% by weight, maintaining equivalent performance to virgin materials, while addressing the environmental challenges of tire disposal.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase reticulation induced sulfidic metathesis:

Implementation Method 2

The process utilizes a reactive component that interferes with sulfur bonds, assisted by exposure to a pulsed magnetic field.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulsed magnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12391816B2Method for preparing a recycled rubber-based elastomer

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 COE WILLIAM B

AI summary

Crumb rubber obtained from recycled tires is subjected to a process involving phase reticulation induced sulfidic metathesis. The process utilizes a reactive component that interferes with sulfur bonds, assisted by exposure to a pulsed magnetic field. The resulting rubber, subjected to interlinked substitution, exhibits properties similar to those of the virgin composite rubber structure prior to being granulated, or other polymeric materials, and is suitable for use in fabricating new tires, engineered rubber articles, and asphalt rubber for use in waterproofing and paving applications.