Researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) have developed an innovative chemical method that breaks down rubber waste into valuable precursors for epoxy resins.

Led by Dr. Aleksandr Zhukhovitskiy, the study presents an alternative to traditional recycling methods like pyrolysis, which can release harmful byproducts. Instead, the new process uses C–H amination and a backbone rearrangement technique to transform cross-linked rubber into amine-functionalized, soluble materials.

Tested on synthetic rubbers like polybutadiene and polyisoprene, the method operates at low temperatures and under mild conditions, making it environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. The resulting materials show promising potential for use in industrial applications such as adhesives and coatings. The research team also evaluated the environmental footprint of the process and is already working on further reducing its impact.

Learn more about this topic at UNC’s website.