Ground Tire Rubber Regeneration via Sulfur Bridge Re-Alignment
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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 the properties of 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, allowing for the re-alignment of crosslinks and creation of a monolithic, interpenetrating elastomer network with properties similar to virgin rubber, suitable for new tire production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If vulcanized rubber from end-of-life tires is directly used as ground rubber, then it can be processed into rubber products, but it lacks the mechanical properties equivalent to virgin rubber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of vulcanized rubber through controlled devulcanization and re-vulcanization processes. The crosslink density and sulfur bridge configuration are adjusted to restore mechanical properties equivalent to virgin rubber, transforming the material from unusable ground rubber intoprocessable feedstock for new tire production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by extracting and removing degraded sulfur bridges and crosslinks from end-of-life tire rubber through devulcanization. The recovered rubber chains are then re-vulcanized to form new crosslink structures, effectively recovering the rubber material for reuse in new tire production rather than discarding it as waste
2Loss of substance
If ground rubber is produced from scrap tires, then rubber waste is recycled, but the resulting product cannot be used for new tire fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by systematically removing degraded crosslink structures from ground rubber and recovering the underlying rubber chains. These recovered chains undergo re-vulcanization to restore the material's suitability for high-value applications including new tire fabrication, expanding the application range from limited uses to full tire production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by transforming the chemical and physical parameters of ground rubber through controlled chemical reactions. The crosslink density, molecular weight distribution, and sulfur content are adjusted to match virgin rubber specifications, enabling the recycled material to meet the stringent requirements for new tire fabrication
3Strength
If sulfur bridges in vulcanized rubber are dissociated to restore virgin rubber properties, then mechanical properties improve, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating ground rubber with devulcanization processes that selectively break degraded sulfur bridges before re-vulcanization. This preliminary step prepares the rubber chains in advance for efficient re-crosslinking, simplifying the overall process by separating the degradation removal and reconstruction steps into distinct, optimized operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the intermediary principle by using chemical agents and controlled reaction conditions as intermediaries between the devulcanization and re-vulcanization steps. These intermediaries facilitate the transformation of ground rubber into a state suitable for re-vulcanization, managing the complexity of sulfur bridge dissociation and reformation through controlled chemical mediation
4Strength
If crosslinks in ground rubber are re-aligned to form interpenetrating elastomer network, then virgin rubber properties are achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the temperature, pressure, and time parameters of the re-vulcanization process. By carefully controlling these parameters, the energy required to re-align crosslinks and form the interpenetrating elastomer network is minimized while still achieving mechanical properties equivalent to virgin rubber
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements phase transitions by utilizing controlled heating and cooling cycles during the re-vulcanization process. The rubber material undergoes phase transitions that facilitate crosslink re-alignment and network formation, leveraging the material's inherent phase behavior to reduce the energy input required for structural reorganization
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 reuse of vulcanized rubber in new tires and industrial rubber products, achieving mechanical properties equivalent to virgin rubber, with potential for up to 100% reuse and reducing environmental impact by recycling a significant portion of rubber waste.
Implementation Method 1
introducing an aqueous slurry comprising vulcanized rubber particles and an organometallic compound into an electromechanical reactor configured to generate a phase space environment with cavitation, so as to induce delamination of a rubber matrix within the vulcanized rubber particles as coordinated with disrupting sulfidic linkages
Implementation Method 2
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.
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.