Fraunhofer event to explore elastomer recycling

Darmstadt, Germany – Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (Fraunhofer LBF) is holding an event on the recent advances made in elastomer recycling processes.

The online Fraunhofer CCPE compact event, to be held 22 Feb, will study new approaches and initial solutions for circular elastomers, the institute announced.

Among papers to be presented, is a project led by Dr Annika Schlander, head of the elastomer technology team at Fraunhofer LBF.

Schlander and her team have tested a process for recycling cross-linked elastomers based on EPDM in several projects at the Fraunhofer ICT.

The process involved devulcanising EPDM waste, making it suitable to use as a filler in the production of new seals in the automotive sector or in washing machines.

"The plastics of the future will be made from circular carbon. This characteristic feature also applies to elastomers," said Dr Daniel Zehm, head of research department circular additives and compounds.

In addition to that, the event will include a presentation about a research on developing new polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) incorporating biogenic raw materials.

The synthesis process can be implemented on an industrial scale and provides the first sample quantities, said the Fraunhofer statement.

A panel discussion, participated by industrial companies, will also review exciting research results on elastomer recycling.

The event, dubbed "elastomers - advanced technologies for recycling", will be chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tobias Melz, institute director of Fraunhofer LBF and member of the board of management of Fraunhofer CCPE.