Deep eutectic solvent-assisted bacterial devulcanization, detoxification, and degradation of waste tyre rubber
Abstract
RPK1 bacterial strain in mineral salts medium for 28 days. The DES pretreatment significantly enhances biodegradation efficiency, resulting in a significant improvement over biological treatment alone. Structural, elemental, and thermal analyses confirm partial devulcanization, cleavage of sulfur crosslinks, removal of zinc additives, and reduced thermal stability. Crosslink density decreased by 43.6%, and Horikx analysis indicates a mixed degradation mechanism. The results demonstrate that DES pretreatment effectively reduces limiting factors, thereby improving rubber bioavailability. This hybrid strategy provides a viable framework for enhancing the biodegradation of WTR and supports a sustainable rubber recycling pathway.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Polymer Nanocomposites and Properties
biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
Publication details
- Journal / source
- RSC Advances
- Publisher
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 28
- Pages
- 26205–26221
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN