Process of fungal biodegradation on ground tyres

Abstract

The present biodegradation process consists in the use of a fungus, "Paecilomyces lilacinus" IMI 117109, for the degradation of commercial ground tyre rubber. Prior to the biodegradation treatment, the tyre crushing is washed to eliminate possible contaminations that may interfere with the process. Subsequently the fungus is cultured in the presence of the tyre rubber in a liquid medium and shaking conditions. In a second step, the excess of liquid medium is removed. After the incubation period, the growth of the fungus in the material can be observed and its degradation is showed. This process of fungal biodegradation is an alternative to the degradation processes currently employed, allowing to reduce the accumulation of used tyre rubber and taking advantage of the products of its biodegradation for its reuse in the tyre industry or its use in other industrial processes.