How can improved methods for recycling tires help the environment? This is what a recent study published in Chem hopes to address as a team of researchers investigated novel chemical recycling techniques for recycling tires into components used in making nylon and rubber fibers. This study comes as more than 1.5 billion tires discarded annually and has the potential to help scientists better understand novel recycling methods that can provide environmental benefits.
For the study, the researchers incorporated a unique chemical strategy called a dual-catalyst-based reaction that overcomes longstanding mechanical recycling methods that could not break down the heat- and pressure-resistant rubber aspects of tires. However, this dual-stage strategy breaks down rubber molecules and converts them to usable chemicals while reducing energy consumption like intense heat and pressure. In the end, the researchers discovered their method could be used to recycle rubber tires into useful materials for nylon and rubber fibers.
"This research offers an innovative solution for the chemical recycling of waste tires,” said Dr. Soon Hyeok Hong from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and a co-author on the study. “We aim to develop next-generation high-efficiency catalysts and lay the groundwork for commercialization to enhance economic feasibility. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to solving the broader waste plastic problem through fundamental chemistry."
At present, recycling tires carries benefits, including reduced landfills, energy savings, and resource conservation. However, it also carries environmental consequences, including microplastic pollution, chemical leaching, and illegal dumping. Therefore, studies like this can help contribute to the conversation regarding improvements that can be made for recycling tires without harming the environment.
How will recycling tires help the environment in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!
As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!
Sources: Chem, EurekAlert!
Featured Image: (From left) Kyungmin Choi (MS-Ph.D. integrated course, Department of Chemistry), Dr. Beomsoon Park, Professor Soon Hyeok Hong, Dr. Kyoungil Cho (Credit: KAIST Molecular Catalysis Lab)
