Patent
(Page 3)

SUMMARY

It is theorized that the TRC process does exactly what the author calls "idealized" or in affect, what the author states can't be done. By using superheated (our definition - see page 1) steam in the absence ofoxygen, we are allowing the extremely small particles of steam to swell the rubber, without the use of swelling agents, reclaim oils or peptizers, penetrate the rubber rupturing the cross link sights. The temperature is then rapidly decreased so the "superheated steam" high temperature will not have time to break or cause chain scission in the molecular structure of the polymer. By being able to control the steam temperature this precisely, we are not causing the compound to "harden", thus not requiring additional mechanical breakdown by refiner mills or extruders.

The authors of this chapter used 31 sources for the factual basis of the contents of the article. They state that since the first recorded attempts to reclaim in 1858, no one has been able to "devulcanize" with steam and heat only.

The literature states that up to 50% "devulcanized" material is soluble. (See page 255) The TRC process has proven that at least 76% is "devulcanized".
The literature states that hardening of rubber and additional mechanical breakdown is required. (See chart on top of page 255). On page 260 under the heading `Mechanical working" the authors state, "....but the plasticity so induced is insufficient to permit of uniform blending with uncured rubbers. The mechanical working which follows and makes the latter possible must be regarded as an essential part of the reclaiming process." The TRC process does not require "Internal working, mechanical (milling) refining and straining process", thus saving additional labor, energy and equipment costs.
The literature refers to changes in durometer, however the TRC process indicates no, or at worst, no significant changes in durometer. The literature also refers to significant changes or reduction in elongation. Again, tests have proven there was a maximum change of 10% in one set of ASTM tests and an actual 19% increase in elongation after heat aging.

Almost all of the old "reclaim plants" in the United States have been shut down; many by the EPA. The real reason for most of the plant closings was due to the odor of the chemicals or the danger of using sulfur based peptizers which include disulfide oil and sulfur monochloride, which generate sulfuric acid as a byproduct. If anything was obvious, it should have been to pre-treat the peptizer to get rid of the noxious sulfur odor. However, the only change in the process patented by Goodyear was the lack of odor. All other steps in the process have remained the same.

The TRC process flies in the face of all the literature. Namely:

1. Reclaiming cannot be achieved by steam and heat alone.
2. High heat always causes a hardening of the polymer.
3. Reclaiming always requires the use of mechanical means to complete the process.
4. Reclaiming always causes a significant loss of physical properties.
5. Reclaiming must take place in an oxygen environment.
6. The direct or indirect rupture of crosslinks is an "idealized concept", therefore unattainable.

The examiner states "that it would have been obvious not to use reclaim oil and disulfide as taught by Anderson". The writer of the patent application suggests that everything about the application disproves theories held to be true for over 150 years, and has in effect created the "idealized concept" of reclaiming. There should be no EPA concerns since there is no use of chemicals, no disposal requirement for chemicals, no serious by-products from the chemical manufacturing, and a savings of labor, energy and equipment.

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