Ground rubber-containing compounds exhibit deteriorated in-rubber properties compared to vulcanizates without this recycled material. One reason for this behavior is that sulfur diffuses from the surrounding matrix into the ground rubber particles, reducing the homogeneity of both sulfur and cross-link density distributions. However, this sulfur diffusion can be hindered by pre-vulcanizing the matrix material before incorporating the ground rubber particles. This results in more homogeneous sulfur and cross-link density distributions within the sample, which leads to higher tensile properties.

• Diffusion potential of sulfur
• Increasing mechanical properties of ground rubber containing compounds
• Sustainability of rubber compounds