Abstract
In this work, EPDM rubber crumbs from used tyres have been treated in batch and continuous processes in order to produce a regenerated material. For this purpose, the effect of EPDM particle size, oil type, and concentration as well as processing time, temperature, and mixing intensity were controlled for treatment in an internal batch mixer and a twin-screw extruder. The degree of regeneration was quantified via a modification of the ASTM D6814 method based on crosslink density determination from swelling experiments. The results showed that crosslink density reduction can occur even without any addition of a chemical agent. It is also shown that some conditions can lead to an increase in crosslink density. Physical models are proposed to account for both increase and decrease in crosslink density with processing conditions.
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