Thomas Griggs

Thomas Griggs works in the soft matter group as a postdoctoral research assistant at Queen Mary University of London alongside Prof. James Busfield, funded by EPSRC. He received his PhD in material science from Queen’s University Belfast, producing self-healing bio-based polyurethanes. The current focus of his research is on producing sustainable natural rubber capable of self-healing and undergoing recycling.

---

Presentation

Optimization of reversible sulfur cross-linked natural rubber elastomers for recycling

Natural rubber is typically cross-linked using sulfur or peroxide which inherently limits its recyclability. Minimizing the loss in performance after recycling is essential to achieve a circular economy within tires. Through semi-efficient or conventional sulfur curing systems, disulfide bonds occur amongst the cross-links. These disulfide bonds can be exploited to promote recyclability through a dynamically reversible cross-link. In this work, a range of chemistries are examined to enhance the recyclability of natural rubber compounds. Disulfide metathesis inhibitors are explored together with their potential synergistic effects. Mechanical characterization of both virgin and recyclable compounds is carried out, demonstrating the compounds' recyclability.