Crosslinked Rubber Decomposition via Mild Pressure Solvolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for decomposing crosslinked rubber require high-pressure environments, which are energy-intensive and counter to current energy-saving goals, necessitating a method to produce a rubber composition that yields a liquid hydrocarbon under milder conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving heating crosslinked rubber in a reaction solvent containing a primary alcohol with 2 or more carbon atoms at pressures between 0.1 to 2.0 MPa and temperatures of 300°C or lower, preferably using 1-heptanol or 1-octanol as the primary alcohol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure environment is used to decompose crosslinked rubber, then decomposition efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and equipment maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from high-pressure (20 kg/cm² or more) to mild pressure (0.1 to 2.0 MPa), and changes the temperature parameter to 300°C or lower, achieving decomposition under milder conditions that reduce energy consumption while maintaining decomposition efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a specific solvent system (containing a ketone and an alcohol) as an intermediary medium that facilitates the decomposition of crosslinked rubber at mild pressures and temperatures, acting as a mediator between the rubber and the decomposition process
2Productivity
If high-pressure environment is used to decompose crosslinked rubber, then decomposition efficiency is improved, but equipment maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reduces the operating pressure from high-pressure (20 kg/cm² or more) to mild pressure (0.1 to 2.0 MPa), which significantly reduces the mechanical stress on equipment, thereby lowering maintenance costs and improving equipment reliability while maintaining decomposition efficiency
3Productivity
If conventional solvents are used for decomposition, then decomposition can be achieved, but liquid hydrocarbon yield is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent system by specifying a ketone with 5-12 carbon atoms and an alcohol with 1-4 carbon atoms, which optimizes the decomposition reaction and significantly improves liquid hydrocarbon yield compared to conventional solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite solvent system combining a ketone and an alcohol in specific proportions, where the ketone provides the bulk solvent capability and the alcohol acts as a hydrogen donor, creating a synergistic effect that maximizes liquid hydrocarbon production
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
This method enables the production of a rubber composition with a high yield of liquid hydrocarbon under milder conditions, reducing energy consumption and equipment maintenance costs while achieving efficient decomposition of crosslinked rubber.
Implementation Method 1
heating a crosslinked rubber in a reaction solvent containing a primary alcohol having 2 or more carbon atoms, at 0.1 to 2.0 MPa and at 300°C or lower
Implementation Method 2
heating a crosslinked rubber in a reaction solvent containing a primary alcohol having 2 or more carbon atoms
Data Source
AI summary
In the rubber composition production method of the present invention, a crosslinked rubber is heated in a reaction solvent containing a primary alcohol having 2 or more carbon atoms, at 0.1 to 2.0 MPa and at 300°C or lower to produce a rubber composition containing a liquid hydrocarbon. Provided is a rubber composition production method capable of producing a liquid hydrocarbon at a high yield even under milder conditions.