Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for devulcanization of sulfur-cured rubber and a method of devulcanization of sulfur-cured rubber, and can be used to recycle used rubber articles. The composition for devulcanization of sulfur-cured rubber, which contains a devulcanizing agent for the selective destruction of sulfide bonds according to this invention, has a mixture of triphenylphosphine and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene at a weight ratio from 5:1 to 1:5 as the devulcanizing agent. Further, it contains a compatibilizer compatible with both the devulcanizing agent and the sulfur-cured rubber, at a weight ratio of the devulcanizing agent to the compatibilizer from 1:15 to 1:70. The devulcanizing agent breaks sulfide bonds in sulfur-cured rubber very effectively and selectively, while the experimentally selected compatibilizer ensures an effective penetration of the devulcanizing agent into the rubber crumbs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for devulcanization of sulfur-cured rubber and a method of devulcanization of sulfur-cured rubber, and can be used to recycle used rubber articles. The composition for devulcanization of sulfur-cured rubber, which contains a devulcanizing agent for the selective destruction of sulfide bonds according to this invention, has a mixture of triphenylphosphine and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene at a weight ratio from 5:1 to 1:5 as the devulcanizing agent. Further, it contains a compatibilizer compatible with both the devulcanizing agent and the sulfur-cured rubber, at a weight ratio of the devulcanizing agent to the compatibilizer from 1:15 to 1:70. The devulcanizing agent breaks sulfide bonds in sulfur-cured rubber very effectively and selectively, while the experimentally selected compatibilizer ensures an effective penetration of the devulcanizing agent into the rubber crumbs.