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Abstract:
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A comprehensive overview of reclamation of cured rubber with special emphasis on latex reclamation is depicted in this
paper. The latex industry has expanded over the years to meet the world demands for gloves, condoms, latex thread, etc.
Due to the strict specifications for the products and the unstable nature of the latex as high as 15% of the final latex
products are rejected. As waste latex rubber (WLR) represents a source of high-quality rubber hydrocarbon, it is a
potential candidate for generating reclaimed rubber of superior quality. The role of the different components in the
reclamation recipe is explained and the reaction mechanism and chemistry during reclamation are discussed in detail.
Different types of reclaiming processes are described with special reference to processes, which selectively cleave the cross
links in the vulcanized rubber. The state-of-the-art techniques of reclamation with special attention on latex treatment are
reviewed. An overview of the latest development concerning the fundamental studies in the field of rubber recycling by
means of low-molecular weight compounds is described. A mathematical model description of main-chain and crosslink
scission during devulcanization of a rubber vulcanizate is also given. |