Citation: Peng Liu. Chemical recovery of waste sulfur-vulcanized carbon-chain rubbers by selective chain scission: Current status, challenges and perspectives[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(6): 112086. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.112086 shu

Chemical recovery of waste sulfur-vulcanized carbon-chain rubbers by selective chain scission: Current status, challenges and perspectives

Peng Liu

State Key Laboratory of Natural Product Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China

pliu@lzu.edu.cn

Received Date: 1 August 2025
Revised Date: 5 November 2025
Accepted Date: 6 November 2025
Available Online: 7 November 2025

Figures(13)

Carbon-chain rubbers have been widely used in many fields including transportation, medicine, construction, and everyday life, owing to their excellent flexibility. Now, waste rubbers have caused serious environmental pollution and resource waste. Chemical recovery is expected to provide a solution to solve these problems fundamentally. Here, the recent progress in selective chain scissions of the waste sulfur-vulcanized carbon-chain rubbers for reuse was reviewed. Based on the different devulcanization approaches, the polysulfide crosslinking chains or carbon chains were broken and the linear or branched degraded products could be obtained as structural prepolymers for new rubber products. After a comprehensive literature review on the effect of the molecular composition and topology of the devulcanized and degraded products on the new rubbers, the future perspectives were proposed.
- Waste sulfur-vulcanized carbon-chain rubbers,
- Chemical recovery,
- Selective chain scission,
- Molecular composition and topology,
- Structural prepolymers
1. [1]
  V. Torretta, E.C. Rada, M. Ragazzi, et al., Waste Manag. 45 (2015) 152–160. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.04.018
2. [2]
  A. Mohajerani, H. Kurmus, D. Conti, et al., Sci. Total Environ. 835 (2022) 155269. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155269
3. [3]
  F.N. Archibong, O.M. Sanusi, P. Mederic, N.A. Hocine, Resour. Conserv. Recy. 175 (2021) 105894. doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105894
4. [4]
  A.A. Basik, J.J. Sanglier, C.T. Yeo, K. Sudesh, Polymers 13 (2021) 1989. doi: 10.3390/polym13121989
5. [5]
  L. Bockstal, T. Berchem, Q. Schmetz, A. Richek, J. Clean Prod. 236 (2019) 117574. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.07.049
6. [6]
  H. Chittella, L.W. Yoon, S. Ramarad, Z.W. Lai, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 194 (2021) 109761. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2021.109761
7. [7]
  R. Saputra, R. Walvekar, M. Khalid, N.M. Mubarak, M. Sillanpaa, Chemosphere 265 (2021) 129033. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129033
8. [8]
  P. Wisniewska, S.F. Wang, K. Formela, Waste Manag. 150 (2022) 174–184. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.07.002
9. [9]
  S.Y. Leong, S.Y. Lee, T.Y. Koh, D.T.C. Ang, Waste Manag. 25 (2023) 37–51. doi: 10.1007/s10163-022-01554-y
10. [10]
  A. Kumar, R.J. Dhanorkar, S. Mohanty, V.K. Gupta, Mater. Adv. 5 (2024) 7584–7600. doi: 10.1039/d4ma00379a
11. [11]
  J.D. Martinez, N. Puy, R. Murillo, et al., Renew. Sust. Energy Rev. 23 (2013) 179–213. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2013.02.038
12. [12]
  T. Zhang, L. Asaro, M. Gratton, N.A. Hocine, J. Environ. Manag. 353 (2024) 120122. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120122
13. [13]
  S. Maroufi, M. Mayyas, V. Sahajwalla, Waste Manag. 69 (2017) 110–116. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.08.020
14. [14]
  W. Yang, W.J. Sun, W. Chu, C.F. Jiang, J. Wen, Chin. Chem. Lett. 23 (2012) 363–366. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2012.01.006
15. [15]
  J.B. Sui, D. Xiang, P. Mou, et al., Adv. Mater. Res. 239-242 (2011) 2503–2510. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.239-242.2503
16. [16]
  P. Soprych, G. Czerski, P. Grzywacz, Energies 17 (2024) 14.
17. [17]
  B. Wang, H.W. Ma, K.H. Shen, D. Jun, Y. Li, Chin. Chem. Lett. 23 (2012) 1419–1422. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2012.10.018
18. [18]
  M.M. Horiks, J. Polym. Sci. 19 (1956) 445–454. doi: 10.1002/pol.1956.120199305
19. [19]
  G.K. Jana, R.N. Mahaling, T. Rath, et al., Polimery 52 (2007) 131–136. doi: 10.14314/polimery.2007.131
20. [20]
  J.A. Mary, G. Benny, K.N. Madhusoodanan, A. Rosamma, Rubber Sci. 29 (2016) 62–100.
21. [21]
  M. Kojima, K. Ogawa, H. Mizoshima, et al., Rubber Chem. Technol. 76 (2003) 957–968. doi: 10.5254/1.3547784
22. [22]
  M. Kojima, M. Tosaka, Y. Ikeda, Green Chem. 6 (2004) 84–89. doi: 10.1039/b314137c
23. [23]
  M. Kojima, S. Kohjiya, Y. Ikeda, Polymer 46 (2005) 2016–2019. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2004.12.053
24. [24]
  M. Kojima, M. Tosaka, E. Funami, et al., J. Supercrit. Fluids 35 (2005) 175–181. doi: 10.1016/j.supflu.2005.02.004
25. [25]
  Z.J. Liu, X. Li, X.F. Xu, et al., Polym. Degrad. Stab. 119 (2015) 198–207. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2015.05.017
26. [26]
  M. Kojima, M. Tosaka, Y. Ikeda, S. Kohjiya, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 95 (2005) 137–143. doi: 10.1002/app.20806
27. [27]
  M. Kojima, Y. Ikeda, Kobunshi Ronbunshu 62 (2005) 242–250. doi: 10.1295/koron.62.242
28. [28]
  S.O. Mohaved, A. Ansarifar, S.K. Nezhad, S. Atharyfar, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 111 (2015) 114–123. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2014.11.003
29. [29]
  S. Ghorai, S. Bhunia, M. Roy, D. De, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 129 (2016) 34–46. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.03.024
30. [30]
  S. Rooj, G.C. Basak, P.K. Maji, A.K. Bhowmick, J. Polym. Environ. 19 (2011) 382–390. doi: 10.1007/s10924-011-0293-5
31. [31]
  M. Sabzekar, M.P. Chenar, S.M. Mortazavi, et al., Polym. Degrad. Stab. 118 (2015) 88–95. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2015.04.013
32. [32]
  J.N. Noel, A.C. Gaumont, J.F. Pilard, I. Dez, ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 10 (2022) 159–165. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c05228
33. [33]
  X. Colom, J. Canavate, K. Formela, A. Shadman, M.R. Saeb, Polym. Degard. Stab. 183 (2021) 109450. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2020.109450
34. [34]
  X. Colom, M.R. Saeb, J. Canavate, Express Polym. Lett. 9 (2024) 950–961. doi: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2024.72
35. [35]
  K.A.J. Dukhuis, I. Babu, J.S. Lopulissa, J.W.M. Noordermeer, W.K. Dierkes, Rubber Chem. Technol. 81 (2008) 190–208. doi: 10.5254/1.3548204
36. [36]
  P. Sutanto, F.L. Laksmana, F. Picchioni, L.P.B.M. Janssen, Chem. Eng. Sci. 61 (2006) 6442–6453. doi: 10.1016/j.ces.2006.05.024
37. [37]
  S. Movahed, A. Ansarifar, G. Zohuri, N. Ghaneie, Y. Kermany, J. Elastom. Plast. 48 (2016) 122–144. doi: 10.1177/0095244314557975
38. [38]
  M. Khavarnia, S.O. Movahed, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 133 (2016) 43363. doi: 10.1002/app.43363
39. [39]
  V.V. Rajan, W.K. Dierkes, J.W.A. Noordermeer, R. Joseph, Rubber Chem. Technol. 78 (2005) 855–867. doi: 10.5254/1.3547918
40. [40]
  W.C. Wang, K.F. Hao, X.R. Guo, et al., J. Clean Prod. 384 (2023) 135421. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135421
41. [41]
  L. Guo, L.C. Bai, J.Y. Zhao, et al., Polymers 16 (2024) 395. doi: 10.3390/polym16030395
42. [42]
  M. Karaivanova, A. Kodunova, St. Pavlova, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 95 (2005) 1002–1013. doi: 10.1002/app.20987
43. [43]
  R.R.V.A. Rios, M. Gontijo, V.P. Ferraz, R.M. Lago, M.H. Araujo, J. Braz. Chem. Soc. 17 (2006) 603–608. doi: 10.1590/S0103-50532006000300027
44. [44]
  K.A. Dubkov, S.V. Semikolenov, D.P. Ivanov, D.E. Babushkin, V.D. Voronchikhin, Iran Polym. J. 23 (2014) 881–890. doi: 10.1007/s13726-014-0284-1
45. [45]
  Y.X. Zhang, Z. Zhang, A.M. Wemyss, et al., ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 8 (2020) 9079–9087. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c02292
46. [46]
  C. Valdes, V. Guzman, C. Ponce, et al., Express Polym. Lett. 19 (2025) 594–609. doi: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2025.45
47. [47]
  O. Buitrago-Sueecun, R. Britto, Iran Polym. J. 29 (2020) 553–567. doi: 10.1007/s13726-020-00818-4
48. [48]
  Z. Zhang, J.Y. Li, C.Y. Wan, Y.X. Zhang, S.F. Wang, ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng. 9 (2021) 2378–2387. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c08867
49. [49]
  Y.L. Xie, A.A. Hassan, P. Song, Z. Zhang, S.F. Wang, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 167 (2019) 292–301. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2019.07.015
50. [50]
  D.A. Dubkov, S.V. Semikolenov, D.P. Ivanov, et al., Polym. Degrad. Stab. 97 (2012) 1123–1130. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2012.04.006
51. [51]
  S. Gillier-Ritoit, D. Reyx, I. Campistron, A. Laguerre, R.P. Singh, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 87 (2003) 42–46. doi: 10.1002/app.11661
52. [52]
  F. Sadaka, I. Campistron, A. Laguerre, J. -F. Pilard, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 97 (2012) 816–828. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2012.01.019
53. [53]
  Z. Luo, X.B. Jiang, W. Yao, Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 34 (2016) 359–366. doi: 10.1007/s10118-016-1746-z
54. [54]
  P. Rooshenass, R. Yahya, S.N. Gan, J. Polym. Environ. 26 (2018) 1378–1392. doi: 10.1007/s10924-017-1038-x
55. [55]
  T.K.N. Tran, J.F. Pilard, P. Pasetto, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 132 (2015) 41326. doi: 10.1002/app.41326
56. [56]
  P. Liu, C.J. Ai, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 57 (2018) 3807–3820. doi: 10.1021/acs.iecr.7b03830
57. [57]
  S. Wolf, H. Plenio, Green Chem. 15 (2013) 315–319. doi: 10.1039/C2GC36417D
58. [58]
  P.W. Xie, H.X. Zhao, Z.R. Shi, C.O. Pan, P. Liu, J. Clean Prod. 465 (2024) 142826. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142826
59. [59]
  F. Sadaka, I. Campistron, A. Laguerre, J.F. Pilard, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 98 (2013) 736–742. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2012.12.018
60. [60]
  V. Schallert, C. Slugovc, Macromol. Chem. Phys. 222 (2021) 2100110.
61. [61]
  C. Jambou, J.F. Pilard, A.C. Gaumont, I. Dez, Eur. Polym. J. 185 (2023) 111805.
62. [62]
  A. Mouawia, A. Nourry, A.C. Gaumont, J.F. Pilard, I. Dez, ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 5 (2016) 696–700.
63. [63]
  M. Abbas, M. Neubauer, C. Slugovc, Polym. Chem. 9 (2018) 1763–1766. doi: 10.1039/c8py00233a
64. [64]
  C. Yang, R.C. Zhang, H.X. Zhao, et al., Polymer 300 (2024) 127022. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2024.127022
65. [65]
  C.O. Pan, Z.R. Shi, R.C. Zhang, P. Liu, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 225 (2024) 110780.
66. [66]
  B. Yougourthen, C. Isabelle, D. Isabelle, Eur. Polym. J. 227 (2025) 113770.
67. [67]
  G. Zanchin, G. Leone, Prog. Polym. Sci. 113 (2021) 101342.
68. [68]
  P.F. Wu, Q.X. Hu, L.A. Ogunfowora, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 147 (2025) 2960–2977. doi: 10.1021/jacs.4c12730
69. [69]
  M. Das, A.R. Parathodika, P. Maji, K. Naskar, Eur. Polym. J. 186 (2023) 111844.
70. [70]
  B. Aziz, P. Maji, A.R. Parathodika, K. Naskar, ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 12 (2024) 11578–11589. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c02047
71. [71]
  P. Berto, S. Grelier, F. Peruch, Macromol. Rapid Commun. 38 (2017) 1700475.
72. [72]
  M. Das, A.B. Bhattacharya, A.R. Parathodika, K. Naskar, Eur. Polym. J. 174 (2022) 111341.
73. [73]
  M.H. Wang, J.H. Zhou, X.L. Jiang, et al., Eur. Polym. J. 146 (2021) 110257.
74. [74]
  N.B. Pramanik, G.B. Nando, N.K. Singha, Polymer 69 (2015) 349–356.
75. [75]
  H.P. Xiang, H.J. Qian, Z.Y. Lu, M.Z. Rong, M.Q. Zhang, Green Chem. 17 (2015) 4315–4325.
76. [76]
  H.P. Xiang, M.Z. Rong, M.Q. Zhang, ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 4 (2016) 2715–2724. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b00224
77. [77]
  A. Kuar, M.M. Fetar, T. Griggs, et al., Commun. Mater. 5 (2024) 212.
78. [78]
  J. Cao, S.Q. Li, C.C. Wang, et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 61 (2022) 13136–13144. doi: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c02089
79. [79]
  L. Imbernon, E.K. Oikonomou, S. Norvez, L. Leibler, Polym. Chem. 6 (2015) 4271–4278.
80. [80]
  B. Cheng, X. Lu, J.H. Zhou, R. Qin, Y.L. Yang, ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 7 (2019) 4443–4455. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b06437
81. [81]
  H.P. Xiang, J.F. Yin, G.H. Lin, et al., Chem. Eng. J. 358 (2019) 878–890.
82. [82]
  A. Kaur, J.E. Gautrot, G. Cavalli, et al., Polymers 13 (2021) 3347. doi: 10.3390/polym13193347
83. [83]
  S.Q. Li, P. Tan, J. Cao, et al., Polymer 332 (2025) 128570.
1. [1]
  Tinghui Hu , Junwen Long , Yi Long , Xuanhe Liu . Plastic Disillusionment. University Chemistry, 2025, 40(7): 249-254. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202409004
2. [2]
  Haoran Shi , Jiaxin Wang , Yuqin Zhu , Hongyang Li , Guodong Ju , Lanlan Zhang , Chao Wang . Highly selective α-C(sp³)-H arylation of alkenyl amides via nickel chain-walking catalysis. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(7): 109333-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.109333
3. [3]
  Huiju Cao , Lei Shi . sp¹-Hybridized linear and cyclic carbon chain. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(4): 110466-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110466
4. [4]
  Lian Sun , Honglei Wang , Ming Ma , Tingting Cao , Leilei Zhang , Xingui Zhou . Shape and composition evolution of Pt and Pt₃M nanocrystals under HCl chemical etching. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(9): 109188-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.109188
5. [5]
  Bo Li , Yuanzhe Cheng , Xuyang Ma , Dongxu Zhao , Yang Zhang , Yongxing Sun , Jia Chen , Li Wu , Liang Zhao , Hongdeng Qiu , Yujian He . Facile and scale-up synthesis of cyano-functionalized covalent organic frameworks for selective gold recovery. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2026, 37(1): 111134-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111134
6. [6]
  Bo-Ran Chang , Lin Deng , Qing-Lian Wu , Wan-Qian Guo , Hui-Ying Xue . A review: Carbon-based materials as effective additives in anaerobic fermentation, focusing on microbial chain elongation and medium chain fatty acids production. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(7): 110411-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110411
7. [7]
  Yongjian Li , Xinyu Zhu , Chenxi Wei , Youyou Fang , Xinyu Wang , Yizhi Zhai , Wenlong Kang , Lai Chen , Duanyun Cao , Meng Wang , Yun Lu , Qing Huang , Yuefeng Su , Hong Yuan , Ning Li , Feng Wu . Unraveling the chemical and structural evolution of novel Li-rich layered/rocksalt intergrown cathode for Li-ion batteries. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(12): 109536-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109536
8. [8]
  Renming Liu , Ze Gao , Linglong Hu , Daming Yang , Ming Feng , Dan Luo . Hydrophobic protective layer with ultra-long carbon chain for high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2026, 37(2): 111491-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111491
9. [9]
  Yun Wei , Lei Zhou , Wenbin Hu , Liming Yang , Guang Yang , Chaoqiang Wang , Hui Shi , Fei Han , Yufa Feng , Xuan Ding , Penghui Shao , Xubiao Luo . Recovery of cathode copper and ternary precursors from CuS slag derived by waste lithium-ion batteries: Process analysis and evaluation. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(7): 109172-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.109172
10. [10]
  Cheng-Da Zhao , Huan Yao , Shi-Yao Li , Fangfang Du , Li-Li Wang , Liu-Pan Yang . Amide naphthotubes: Biomimetic macrocycles for selective molecular recognition. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(4): 108879-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.108879
11. [11]
  Shuai Guo , Kening Li , Bin Li . Parallel on-tissue chemical derivatization for enhanced molecular annotation of spatial carbonyl submetabolome. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(6): 110366-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110366
12. [12]
  Jian Li , Jinjin Chen , Qi-Long Hu , Zhen Wang , Xiao-Feng Xiong . Recent progress of chemical methods for lysine site-selective modification of peptides and proteins. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(5): 110126-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110126
13. [13]
  Qian Chen , Anyang Shen , Taotao Huang , Xinya Han , Jian Zhang , Hui Jiang , Renyong Liu , Yong Pan , Kui Zhang . Ultrasensitive and selective detection of chemical nerve agent simulants based on naphthalimide functionalized chitosan as fluorescent nanofibers. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(7): 110331-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110331
14. [14]
  Qihang Wu , Hui Wen , Wenhai Lin , Tingting Sun , Zhigang Xie . Alkyl chain engineering of boron dipyrromethenes for efficient photodynamic antibacterial treatment. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(12): 109692-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109692
15. [15]
  Juan Chen , Jin-Ni Zhao , Guo-Yu Yang . Four zinc borates: From acentric chain to centric porous layer. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2026, 45(2): 100788-100788. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100788
16. [16]
  Xiafeng Yang , Wushan Sun , Chen Li , Wei Bai , Qingyin Wang , Gongying Wang . Synthesis of novel isosorbide-based polycarbonates by melt chain extension method. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2026, 37(4): 111674-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111674
17. [17]
  Zi-Ru Wang , Pei-Yi Liu , Chao Zhang , Zhang-Yuan Yan , Hui-Ming Ge , Ren-Xiang Tan , Zi-Fei Xu . Premature termination in streptovaricin biosynthesis reveals unnatural short-chain analogues. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2026, 37(6): 112171-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.112171
18. [18]
  Ke-Lin Zhu , Zhi-Ao Li , Jiaqi Liang , Yong He , Han-Yuan Gong . Atropisomeric carbon-rich macrocycles: Synthesis, structural evolution, and properties. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2026, 37(2): 111629-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111629
19. [19]
  Yuhao Jin , Zheng Zhou , Haixiang Han . Revisit the classical [Fe4S4(SR)4]2– molecular clusters: The steric effects of ligands and their structural transformations. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2025, 44(9): 100660-100660. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100660
20. [20]
  Jianmei Han , Peng Wang , Hua Zhang , Ning Song , Xuguang An , Baojuan Xi , Shenglin Xiong . Performance optimization of chalcogenide catalytic materials in lithium-sulfur batteries: Structural and electronic engineering. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(7): 109543-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109543

Get Citation

PDF

XML

Metrics

PDF Downloads(0)
Abstract views(14)
HTML views(2)

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

1.
沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142