Microwave Devulcanisation of Elastomers

摘要

Sulfur-vulcanized elastomer containing polar groups is devulcanized by grinding the elastomer to give particles which pass a 3/8'' screen and then passing the particles containing a coating of siliceous partition agent such as fine silica or talc through a microwave field having a microwave frequency of 915 to 2450 mHz at a dose rate of 50 to 150 watt hours per pound and a temperature of between 450 and 800 DEG F.