Abstract: The invention relates to processes and apparatus for the production of a virgin polymer substitute from cured scrap rubber, such as automobile tires, which does not involve the use of solvents or other chemicals and which substantially maintains the physical properties of the virgin material in the substitute. The process and apparatus may perform an initial analysis of the scrap material to be treated and determination of the process parameters for that particular material. Actual treatment of the material comprises grinding of the scrap rubber and preconditioning the ground material by subjecting it to warm dry air prior to subsequent treatment in a high temperature and pressure environment. The high temperature and pressure environment is created by means of a pressure vessel into which the preconditioned material is introduced, thereafter exposing the material to a variable high pressure and temperature environment which is controlled to optimize devulcanization of the material.