Work

From waste rubber to value polybutadiene modification for circular materials

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Synthetic rubber waste poses a growing environmental challenge due to its cross-linked, non-recyclable nature. This Perspective examines emerging post-polymerization modification strategies for linear polybutadiene and vulcanized rubber, spanning catalytic, metal-free, and catalyst-free approaches, and evaluates their alignment with Green and Circular Chemistry principles. By coupling sustainability metrics with assessments of technological readiness, we highlight current limitations and opportunities for the real-world implementation of these approaches. Looking ahead, we outline how integrating mechanochemistry, machine learning, and life-cycle assessment can enable scalable, low-impact transformations that recast vulcanized polybutadiene from waste to resource, paving the way toward a circular elastomer framework.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-69032-9

Authors: Janna Jeschke, Hatice Mutlu

Institutions: Université de Haute-Alsace, Institut de Sciences des Matériaux de Mulhouse, Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe GmbH, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

Language: English

Topic: Polymer crystallization and properties

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,990