Manuel Burelo, Itzel Gaytán, Selena Gutiérrez, Jorge A. Cruz-Morales, Cecilia D. Treviño-Quintanilla, Thomas Stringer, Monserrat Ramírez-Melgarejo
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Abstract
This review focuses on the degradation processes of elastomers, primarily concerning natural and synthetic rubber. The thermal, mechanical, and physical degradation processes are explained in general terms. The chemical (depolymerization by metathesis) and biological (biodegradation) processes are discussed in more detail, and degradation mechanisms are proposed. The future of biotechnology offers promising opportunities to revalorize both natural rubber and synthetic elastomers through the recovery of biodegradation products. Metathesis depolymerization is attractive not only from the perspective of green chemistry but also from the viewpoint of circularity, as it leads to more efficient, user-friendly, and environmentally friendly reactions. This review addresses rubber waste management, the life cycle of elastomers, and recycling. The circular economy and sustainability in elastomers are discussed, and we propose a scoring of the environmental impacts of elastomer degradation processes. Biological treatments yield the best results regarding the impacts generated, with the second-best and third-best options being chemical depolymerization by metathesis and mechanical processes. Pyrolysis is the least recommended option as it requires high process temperatures, long reaction times, and high energy consumption, with increased greenhouse gas emission generation, and involves high economic and environmental costs. These processes can be used individually or in combination to reuse, recycle, or recover elastomer waste for energy and support the 4R framework's goals of reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovery, presenting significant opportunities for sustainable waste management.
期刊介绍：
Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology is a publication that offers easily comprehensible, reliable, and well-rounded perspectives and evaluations in the realm of environmental science and (bio)technology. It disseminates the most recent progressions and timely compilations of groundbreaking scientific discoveries, technological advancements, practical applications, policy developments, and societal concerns encompassing all facets of environmental science and (bio)technology. Furthermore, it tackles broader aspects beyond the natural sciences, incorporating subjects such as education, funding, policy-making, intellectual property, and societal influence.
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