Preparation of Thermoplastic Vulcanizates from Devulcanized Rubber crumb

In a broad sense, this research project intends to expand the use of the recycled rubber (also referred to as reclaimed rubber or devulcanized rubber) prepared from waste tires. A new technology has been developed in our lab that leads to preparation of high quality reclaimed rubber (also called devulcanized rubber) in a very simple and economic way. To reduce the threat caused by the increasing number of scrap tires it is essential that the consumption of those reclaimed rubbers be inflated. Due to relatively inferior properties as compared to virgin rubber, the devulcanized rubber cannot be used extensively by itself. Hence, the research intends to explore the use of materials made by blending the devulcanized rubber with cheaply available plastics such as Polyproylene. Resultant materials are referred as Thermoplastics vulcanizates. Blending would also minimize the deteriorating effect caused by the replacement of virgin rubber by the devulcanized rubber. It is evident that the success of this project would help the environment by reducing the land pollution caused by the increasing piles of the tires.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Alex Penlidis

Student:

Prashant Mutyala

Partner:

Tyromer Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

University of Waterloo