KAIST has developed a waste rubber recycling method utilizing dual catalytic reactions. (Image courtesy of KAIST)
DAEJEON, June 27 (Korea Bizwire) — KAIST researchers have developed a new catalytic method to convert waste tires into high-purity cyclic alkenes—valuable chemical precursors for rubber and nylon—offering a promising solution to one of the most persistent recycling challenges.
Announced on Thursday, the breakthrough comes from a team led by Professor Hong Soon-hyuk, which successfully utilized a dual-catalyst system to depolymerize tire rubber—typically a composite of synthetic and natural rubber reinforced with additives—into high-value chemical components.
Unlike conventional methods such as pyrolysis or mechanical grinding, which are energy-intensive and yield low-quality hydrocarbon mixtures, the KAIST process employs a low-temperature, precision catalytic reaction.
One catalyst alters the molecular bonds within the rubber to facilitate breakdown, while the second catalyst transforms the fragments into cyclic alkenes.
The process achieved up to 92% selectivity and 82% yield, a significant improvement over existing technologies. The resulting compounds can serve as raw materials for high-performance industrial products such as synthetic rubber and nylon fibers.
“This is a key step toward commercializing a more efficient and sustainable approach to tire recycling,” said Professor Hong, adding that the team plans to further enhance economic feasibility through next-generation catalyst development.
The study was published in the June 18 online edition of the international journal Chem.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
