Rubber Recycling of Washing Machine Gaskets

EPDM wastes occur as crosslinked elastomers in produktion. They are highly elastic and chemically resistant, but cannot be remelted. The crosslinks must therefore be broken bevore the polymer is reused. For this purpose, the Fraunhofer ICT has analyzed the potential of ultrasound-assisted extrusion. The recycled elastomers are used as feedstock for the production of new gaskets in the automotive sector and washing maschines.