PROCESS FOR TREATING DREGS, TREATED DREGS, USE THEREOF, PROCESS FOR VULCANIZING RUBBER, AND VULCANIZED RUBBER

Abstract

Provided herein is a process for treating dregs for the application thereof as vulcanization activator of rubbers, putting an end to this residue generated in the cellulose industry and providing vulcanized rubbers with similar or enhanced properties in relation to those already known. The process for treating dregs includes the steps of: (a) drying the dregs; and (b) micronization of the dry dregs to an average particle size (d50) from 2 to 45 micrometers. Further provided herein are treated dregs, a use of treated dregs as vulcanization activator, and a process for vulcanizing rubber and the vulcanized rubber.

Claims

1-23. (canceled)

24. A rubber vulcanization process, comprising the step of adding a vulcanization activator to the rubber to be vulcanized, wherein the vulcanization activator is treated dregs that comprise an average particle size (d50) from 2 to 45 micrometers, preferably, 10 to 15 micrometers, and more preferably, 10 micrometers, and comprise, in % by mass based on the treated dregs: Loss on Ignition (LOI): 35 to 45; SiO.sub.2: 0.5 to 2.0; Al.sub.2O.sub.3: 0.5 to 1.5; Fe.sub.2O.sub.3: 0.5 to 1.5; TiO.sub.2: 0.0 to 1.0; CaO: 35 to 50; MgO: 2 to 20; K.sub.2O: 0.0 to 1.0; Na.sub.2O: 0.5 to 5.0; P.sub.2O.sub.5: 0.2 to 1.5; BaO: 0.0 to 0.2; SrO: 0.0 to 0.5; MnO: 0.1 to 2.0; and SO.sub.3: 0.5 to 5.0.

25. The rubber vulcanization process according to claim 1, wherein the rubber is natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene-propylene dimer rubber (EPDM), polybutadiene rubber (BR), or nitrile rubber (NBR).

26. The rubber vulcanization process according to claim 1, wherein 1 to 5 parts of the treated dregs are added per 100 parts of the rubber to be vulcanized.

27. Vulcanized rubber obtained according to the process defined in claim 1, comprising, in % by mass based on the mass of the vulcanized rubber: Elastomer: 100 parts Zinc oxide: 0 to 5 parts Stearin (Lubricant): 1 to 2 parts Accelerators: 0.5 to 1.5 part Treated dregs obtained according to the process defined in claim 1: 1 to 5 parts Plasticizer: 8 to 12 parts Antioxidant: 0.8 to 1.2 part Carbon black: 48 to 52 parts Sulfur: 1 to 2 parts.

28. Means for carrying out the rubber vulcanization process defined in claim 1, wherein the means comprise (i) providing one between a dryer tunnel, a rotary drum dryer or a fluid bed dryer, wherein the one between a dryer tunnel, a rotary drum dryer or a fluid bed dryer is configured to enable the drying of the dregs generated in the clarification of green liquor in the kraft process of obtaining cellulose; and (ii) providing one between a hammer mill, a ball mill, a rod mill, an air jet mill, a pendular mill, or a long gap mill, wherein the one between a hammer mill, a ball mill, a rod mill, an air jet mill, a pendular mill, or a long gap mill is configured to enable a micronization of the dregs generated in the clarification of green liquor in the kraft process of obtaining cellulose, dried in step (i), until reaching an average particle size (d50) from 2 to 45 micrometers, preferably, 10 to 15 micrometers, and more preferably, 10 micrometers.

29. Means for carrying out the rubber vulcanization process, according to claim 5, wherein the drying capacity is from 60 to 6,000 kg H.sub.2O/hour.

30. Means for carrying out the rubber vulcanization process, according to claim 5, wherein the operating power of the drying is from 11 to 700 kW.

31. Means for carrying out the rubber vulcanization process, according to claim 5, wherein the drier speed is 20 to 6,000 rpm for integrated dryers and from 10 to 500 rpm for drum dryers.

32. Means for carrying out the rubber vulcanization process, according to claim 5, wherein the air flow of the dryer is from 500 to 15,000 Nm.sup.3/hour.

33. Means for carrying out the rubber vulcanization process, according to claim 5, wherein he micronization capacity is 1,000 to 15,000 kg/hour.

34. Means for carrying out the rubber vulcanization process, according to claim 5, wherein the power consumption of the mill is from 100 to 1500 kWh.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 presents the cycle of sodium and calcium in the production of cellulose, in which the dregs are removed in the clarification of the green liquor kraft (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3/Na.sub.2S).

[0021] FIG. 2 presents a distribution curve of the particle size of the dregs that enter into the process of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 presents an example of a distribution curve of the particle size of the treated dregs of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Dregs are residues resulting from the precipitation of a large number of non-procedural mineral elements (such as Al, Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, P, Si, Ca, Na), due to the strongly alkaline conditions in the medium, contained in the green liquor that comprises residues generated based on the incomplete burning of the black liquor, sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) and sodium sulfide (Na.sub.2S).

[0024] Dregs are comprised of a mixture of metal cation-based oxides, such as, for example, aluminum; of alkaline and earthy alkaline metals such as sodium, magnesium and calcium; transition metals such as manganese, iron and cobalt. The usual composition of the dregs generated in the process of clarification of the green liquor, in % by mass based on the total mass of the composition of the dregs, is:

[0025] Loss on Ignition (LOI): 35 to 45;

[0026] SiO.sub.2: 0.5 to 2.0;

[0027] Al.sub.2O.sub.3: 0.5 to 1.5;

[0028] Fe.sub.2O.sub.3: 0.5 to 1.5;

[0029] TiO.sub.2: 0.0 to 1.0;

[0030] CaO: 35 to 50;

[0031] MgO: 2 to 20;

[0032] K.sub.2O: 0.0 to 1.0;

[0033] Na.sub.2O: 0.5 to 5.0;

[0034] P.sub.2O.sub.5: 0.2 to 1.5;

[0035] BaO: 0.0 to 0.2;

[0036] SrO: 0.0 to 0.5;

[0037] MnO: 0.1 to 2.0; and

[0038] SO.sub.3: 0.5 to 5.0.

[0039] Bearing in mind the composition of the dregs surprisingly identified that this residue presents the potential to diminish the use of zinc oxide, which is a vulcanization activator, and may also act to diminish the accelerators, as it facilitates the sulfurization reaction, a basic condition for the formation of sulfur crosslinks, that is, vulcanization. Additionally, dregs also have in their composition Silica (SiO.sub.2) which is normally employed as a reinforcement agent acting to improve the cohesion of the rubber compound.

[0040] Therefore, a process for treating dregs was developed, making them suitable for application as vulcanization activator, being capable of replacing zinc oxide. The process for treating dregs comprises the steps of:

(a) drying the dregs; and
(b) micronizing of the dregs to an average particle size (d50) of 2 to 45 micrometers.

[0041] The distribution of particle size of the dregs at entry to the process is 90% passing at 4 mm and 50% passing at 1 mm at entry to the process; that is, 90% of the entry material presents a size of less than 4 mm and half of the material presents a size of less than 1 mm, as presented in FIG. 2.

[0042] The dregs are micronized until the average particle size (d50) reaches from 2 to 45 micrometers and, preferably, the average particle size is from 10 to 15 micrometers.

[0043] With the micronizing of the dregs to an average particle size (d50), controlled and low, from 2 to 45 micrometers, preferably from 10 to 15 micrometers and, more preferably 10 micrometers, it is possible to obtain treated dregs that are effective as vulcanization activator that provide similar or enhanced properties to the rubber.

[0044] The variation in this average particle size range (d50) acts directly on the surface area of the product. Therefore, the bigger the surface area, the greater its effectiveness, because the greater the surface activity, the better the anchoring on the elastomer, facilitating the incorporation thereof and its action as vulcanization activator. Therefore, according to the micronization of the dregs, a variation in surface area is achieved of 2 to 18 m.sup.2/g, preferably from 13 to 15 m.sup.2/g, and even more preferably 15 m.sup.2/g.

[0045] As the dregs have consistencies varying from 35 to 60%, particularly having an average consistency of 60%, before the micronizing process the residue must be dried so as to enable perfect comminution of these particles. The step (a) of drying is carried out by a dryer tunnel, rotary drum dryer (hot air or contact), or fluid bed dryer.

[0046] The step (b) of micronization is carried out using hammer mill, ball mill, rod mill, air jet mill, pendular mill, and/or long gap mill.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention that the step (a) of drying can be carried out in the same equipment as that of the step of micronization (b), the equipment being, for example, the pendular mill, air jet mill or long gap mill.

[0048] The process conditions are as follows:

[0049] The drying capacity is from 60 to 6,000 kg H.sub.2O/hour.

[0050] The operating power of the drying is from 11 to 700 kW.

[0051] The drier speed is 20 to 6,000 rpm for integrated dryers, and from 10 to 500 rpm for drum dryers.

[0052] The air flow of the dryer is from 500 to 15,000 Nm.sup.3/hour.

[0053] The micronization capacity is 1,000 to 15,000 kg/hour.

[0054] The power consumption of the mill is from 100 to 1500 kWh.

[0055] The process of the invention is carried out through just these two steps and manages to provide dregs treated with suitable characteristics for application as vulcanization activator of rubbers. The treated dregs comprise the same composition as the dregs that enters the process, but attains a suitable particle size for use as vulcanization activator; that is, the composition of the treated dregs is, in % by mass based on the treated dregs: P.F.: 35 to 45; SiO.sub.2: 0.5 to 2.0; Al.sub.2O.sub.3: 0.5 to 1.5; Fe.sub.2O.sub.3: 0.5 to 1.5; TiO.sub.2: 0.0 to 1.0; CaO: 35 to 50; MgO: 2 to 20; K.sub.2O: 0.0 to 1.0; Na.sub.2O: 0.5 to 5.0; P.sub.2O.sub.5: 0.2 to 1.5; BaO: 0.0 to 0.2; SrO: 0.0 to 0.5; MnO: 0.1 to 2.0; and SO.sub.3: 0.5 to 5.0.

[0056] For a perfect yield of the dregs as vulcanization activator, the particles thereof must be reduced to small sizes. That is, the treated dregs containing the composition specified above has an average particle size (d50) of 2 to 45 micrometers, preferably 10 to 15 micrometers, and even more preferably 10 micrometers; and a top cut (d97) from 10 to 200 micrometers, preferably 10 to 60 micrometers, and even more preferably 35 micrometers. Top cut (d97) means that 97% of the particles present a diameter less than a certain specified diameter.

[0057] With the particle size identified above, the treated dregs present a surface area of 2 to 18 m.sup.2/g, preferably from 13 to 15 m.sup.2/g, and even more preferably 15 m.sup.2/g.

[0058] The invention also refers to the use of treated dregs as described above as vulcanization activator of rubber.

[0059] In the particle size range described above, the treated dregs is used in contents varying from 1 to 5 parts per 100 parts of elastomer in the composition of various types of rubber. Preferably, the treated dregs are used in contents of 2 parts per 100 parts of elastomer.

[0060] The rubber vulcanization process of the present invention comprises the step of adding a vulcanization activator to the elastomer to be vulcanized, wherein the vulcanization activator is the treated dregs as described above. The elastomer (or rubber) to be vulcanized is any known rubber, such as natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene-propylene dimer rubber (EPDM), polybutadiene rubber (BR); and nitrile rubber (NBR) such as, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and nitrile butadiene rubber.

[0061] In the rubber vulcanization process of the invention as set out above, 1 to 5 parts of the treated dregs per 100 parts of the rubber to be vulcanized are added, preferably 2 parts per 100 parts of elastomer.

[0062] The vulcanized rubber presents similar or enhanced properties in relation to those already known. The vulcanized rubber according to the invention comprises the following components, in % by mass based on the mass of the vulcanized rubber:

[0063] Elastomer: 100 parts

[0064] Zinc oxide: 0 to 5 parts

[0065] Stearin (Lubricant): 1 to 2 parts

[0066] Accelerators: 0.5 to 1.5 part

[0067] Treated dregs: 1 to 5 parts

[0068] Plasticizer: 8 to 12 parts

[0069] Antioxidant: 0.8 to 1.2 part

[0070] Carbon Black: 48 to 52 parts

[0071] Sulfur: 1 to 2 parts

[0072] Examples of embodiments of the invention are set out below.

EXAMPLES

1. Process of Treating Dregs

[0073] 1.1 Example with Saturated Steam Drum Dryer and Ball Mill

[0074] 15000 kg of a residue of dregs coming from the clarification of the green liquor in the kraft process were dried using a saturated steam drum dryer mill. The following drying parameters were applied: [0075] drying capacity: 2500 kg/h [0076] operating power: 50 kW [0077] drier speed: 20 rpm [0078] heat consumption: 150 Kcal/kg [0079] water evaporation: 1500 kg H.sub.2O/h

[0080] Thereafter, the process of micronization is carried out in accordance with the following parameters using a ball mill. [0081] capacity: 5000 kg/h [0082] power consumption: 260 KWh [0083] speed: 200 rpm

[0084] The dregs were ground until reaching a particle size of: average size (d50) of 10 micrometers; and top cut (d97) of 35 micrometers. The composition of the treated dregs at the end of the process was as follows, in % by mass based on the mass of the treated dregs:

TABLE-US-00001 Component % P.F. 40.90 SiO.sub.2 1.62 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 0.82 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.92 TiO.sub.2 0.04 CaO 46.7 MgO 3.58 K.sub.2O 0.10 Na.sub.2O 1.77 P.sub.2O.sub.5 0.57 BaO 0.08 SrO 0.28 MnO 0.61 SO.sub.3 1.61
1.2 Example with Long Gap Mill

[0085] 15000 kg of a residue of dregs coming from the clarification of the green liquor in the kraft process were dried and ground using a long gap mill using a steam drum dryer mill. The following drying and micronization parameters were applied:

[0086] Drying conditions: [0087] drying capacity: 5,000 kg/h [0088] operating power: 160 kW [0089] drier speed: 2500 rpm [0090] air flow of the dryer: 12,000 Nm3/h [0091] air temperature: 180° C. [0092] water evaporation: 3000 kg H2O/h

[0093] Micronization conditions: [0094] micronization capacity: 5,000 kg/h [0095] power consumption of the mill: 200 kWh

[0096] The dregs were ground until reaching a particle size of: average size (d50) of 5 micrometers; and top cut (d97) of 15 micrometers. The composition of the treated dregs at the end of the process was as follows, in % by mass based on the mass of the treated dregs: The composition obtained is that same as that of the preceding example.

2. Process of Vulcanizing Rubber Using Dregs as Vulcanization Activator

[0097] The treated dregs according to the process described in the invention was evaluated in the following types of rubbers (or elastomers): NR, SBR, NBR, and EPDM; and in partial substitution of the zinc oxide up to 40%.

[0098] The formulations used for the vulcanization of the elastomers are set out below. Each formulation is subject to the respective vulcanization and should therefore be the final formulation of each vulcanized rubber. The vulcanization conditions for all the examples presented below were: temperature of 170° C. for a time of 12 minutes.

2.1 Vulcanization of NR

[0099] The table below expresses a comparison between the formulations of the rubbers NR vulcanized without and with treated dregs, in parts per hundred of rubber

TABLE-US-00002 Amount (parts per Amount (parts per 100 100 parts of parts of elastomer) elastomer) Raw Materials without treated dregs with treated dregs Rubber natural 100.0 100.0 Zinc oxide 5.0 3.0 Stearin 1.0 1.0 Vulkanox HS Antioxidant 1.0 1.0 Carbon Black N-550 50.0 50.0 Paraffin oil 10.0 10.0 Treated dregs 0 2.0 Sulfur 1.8 1.8 Benzothiazyl disulfide 1.5 1.5 (MBTS) Tetramethylthiuram 0.8 0.8 disulfide (TMTD) TOTAL 171.1 171.1

[0100] The properties of the vulcanized NR rubbers obtained are set out below:

TABLE-US-00003 without treated with treated Property dregs dregs Rheometric T1* (start- 56 48 curve min/sec) T90** (start- 1.36 1.24 min/sec) Type A Shore Before ageing 62 62 Hardness (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 67 68 (70 H/100° C.) Tensile Before ageing 19.05 19.12 strength (MPa) (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 13.84 11.23 (70 H/100° C.) Elongation at Before ageing 319.7 355.3 fracture (%) (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 218.8 179 (70 H/100° C.) Variations of Δ Type A Shore 5 6 hardness, tensile Hardness strength and Δ Tensile −27.35 −41.26 elongation after strength (%) 70 H*/100° C. Δ Elongation at −31.56 −49.62 fracture (%) Tear resistance 37.83 30.99 (N/mm) Resistance to 159.01 155.18 abrasion (mm.sup.3) Density (g/cm.sup.3) 1.11 1.11 Differential pressure 31.03 22.53 control (DPC) (22 H/100° C.) - (%) Resilience (%) 63 62 *T1 = Initial vulcanization time **T90 = Time in which vulcanization is complete *** Ageing time = 70 hours

[0101] The comparison reveals that the vulcanized NR rubber obtained using dregs presents: better rheometric curve, both at the start of the process and at the end of the process; similar type A hardness before and after ageing; similar tensile strength before ageing; better elongation at fracture before ageing; similar Δ hardness; better resistance to abrasion; equal density after 70 h/100° C.; much better DPC (22 h/100° C.); and similar resilience.

2.2 Vulcanization of the SBR

[0102] The table below expresses a comparison between the formulations of the vulcanized SBR rubbers without and with treated dregs, in parts per hundred of rubber (Part per Hundred Rubber—PHR).

TABLE-US-00004 Amount (PHR) Amount (PHR) Raw Materials without treated dregs with treated dregs SBR 1502 100.0 100.0 Zinc oxide 5.0 3.0 Stearin 1.0 1.0 Vulkanox HS Antioxidant 1.0 1.0 Carbon Black N-550 50.0 50.0 Paraffin oil 10.0 10.0 Treated Dregs 0 2.0 Sulfur 1.8 1.8 Benzothiazyl disulfide 1.5 1.5 (MBTS) Tetramethylthiuram 0.8 0.8 Disulfide (TMTD) TOTAL 171.1 171.1

[0103] The properties of the vulcanized SBR rubbers obtained are set out below:

TABLE-US-00005 without treated with treated Property dregs dregs Rheometric T1* (start-min/sec) 1.26 1.23 curve T90** (start-min/sec) 3.41 3.2 Type A Shore Before ageing 66 67 Hardness (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 71 72 (70 H/100° C.) Tensile Before ageing 14.41 14.64 strength (MPa) (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 14.04 12.85 (70 H/100° C.) Elongation at Before ageing 226 224.4 fracture (%) (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 163.7 154.1 (70 H/100° C.) Variations of Δ Type A Shore 5 5 hardness, Hardness tensile Δ Tensile −2.57 −12.13 strength and strength (%) elongation Δ Elongation at −27.57 −31.33 after 70 H*/ fracture (%) 100° C. Tear resistance 28.37 28.13 (N/mm) Resistance to 92.8 105.6 abrasion (mm.sup.3) Density (g/cm.sup.3) 1.13 1.13 Differential pressure 15.36 10.83 control (DPC) (22 H/100° C.) - (%) Resilience (%) 52 53 *T1 = Initial vulcanization time **T90 = Time in which vulcanization is complete *** Ageing time = 70 hours

[0104] The comparison revealed that the vulcanized SBR rubber obtained using dregs presents: better rheometric curve, both at the start of the process and at the end of the process; similar type A hardness before and after ageing; similar tensile strength before ageing; similar elongations at fracture before and after ageing; equal Δ hardness; similar Δ elongation at fracture; similar tear resistance; similar resistance to abrasion; equal density after 70 h/100° C., better DPC (22 h/100° C.), and similar resilience.

2.3 Vulcanization of NBR

[0105] The table below expresses a comparison between the formulations of the vulcanized NBR rubbers with and without treated dregs, in parts per hundred of rubber (Part per Hundred Rubber—PHR).

TABLE-US-00006 Amount (PHR) Amount (PHR) Raw Materials without treated dregs with treated dregs NBR - N615 B 100.0 100.0 Zinc oxide 5.0 3.0 Stearin 1.0 1.0 Vulkanox HS Antioxidant 1.0 1.0 Carbon Black N-550 50.0 50.0 DOA oil (dioctyl of adipate) - 10.0 10.0 Plasticizer Treated dregs 0 2.0 Sulfur 1.8 1.8 Benzothiazyl disulfide 1.5 1.5 (MBTS) Tetramethylthiuram 0.8 0.8 Disulfide (TMTD) TOTAL 171.1 171.1

[0106] The properties of the vulcanized NBR rubbers obtained are set out below:

TABLE-US-00007 without treated with treated Property dregs dregs Rheometric T1* (start-min/sec) 1.10 1.05 curve T90** (start-min/sec) 2.07 2.04 Type A Shore Before ageing 69 69 Hardness (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 74 74 (70 H/100° C.) Tensile Before ageing 18.21 17.92 strength (MPa) (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 19.55 19.08 (70 H/100° C.) Elongation at Before ageing 286.1 290.1 fracture (%) (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 223 235.7 (70 H/100° C.) Variations of Δ Type A Shore 5 5 hardness. Hardness tensile Δ Tensile strength (%) 7.36 6.47 strength and Δ Elongation at fracture −22.05 −18.75 elongation (%) after 70 H*/ Tear resistance (N/mm) 38.14 38.52 100° C. Resistance to abrasion 80.73 60.02 (mm.sup.3) Density (g/cm.sup.3) 1.18 1.17 Differential pressure 26.19 14.97 control (DPC) (22 H/100° C.) - (%) Resilience (%) 30 30 * T1 = Initial vulcanization time **T90 = Time in which vulcanization is complete *** Ageing time = 70 hours

[0107] The comparison reveals that the vulcanized NBR rubber obtained using dregs presents: better rheometric curve, both at the start of the process and at the end of the process; equal type A hardness before and after ageing; similar tensile strength before and after ageing; similar elongations at fracture before and after ageing; equal Δ hardness; similar Δ tensile strength; similar Δ elongation at fracture; similar tear resistance; much better resistance to abrasion; similar density after 70 h/100° C.; much better DPC (22 h/100° C.); and equal resilience.

2.4 Vulcanization of the EPDM

[0108] The table below expresses a comparison between the formulations of the vulcanized EPDM rubbers without and with treated dregs, in parts per hundred of rubber (Part per Hundred Rubber—PHR).

TABLE-US-00008 Amount (PHR) Amount (PHR) Raw Materials without treated dregs with treated dregs EPDM 4703 100.0 100.0 Zinc oxide 5.0 3.0 Stearin 1.0 1.0 Vulkanox HS Antioxidant 1.0 1.0 Carbon Black N-550 50.0 50.0 Paraffin oil 10.0 10.0 Treated dregs 0 2.0 Sulfur 1.8 1.8 Benzothiazyl disulfide 1.5 1.5 (MBTS) Tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) 0.8 0.8 TOTAL 171.1 171.1

[0109] The properties of the vulcanized EPDM rubbers obtained are set out below:

TABLE-US-00009 without treated with treated Property dregs dregs Rheometric T1* (start- 1.17 1.17 curve min/sec) T90** (start- 4.54 4.59 min/sec) Type A Shore Before ageing 70 70 Hardness (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 73 74 (70 H/100° C.) Tensile Before ageing 17.73 14.68 strength (MPa) (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 13.65 14.61 (70 H/100° C.) Elongation at Before ageing 254.2 221.8 fracture (%) (70 H/100° C.) After ageing 167.4 181.4 (70 H/100° C.) Variations of Δ Type A Shore 3 4 hardness. Tensile Hardness strength and Δ Tensile −23.01 −0.48 elongation after strength (%) 70 H*/100° C. Δ Elongation at −34.15 −18.21 fracture (%) Tear resistance 22.96 22.87 (N/mm) Resistance to 90.52 102.85 abrasion (mm.sup.3) Density (g/cm.sup.3) 1.07 1.07 Differential 48.14 49.69 pressure control (DPC) (22 H/100° C.) - (%) Resilience (%) 57 57 *T1 = Initial vulcanization time **T90 = Time in which vulcanization is complete *** Ageing time = 70 hours

[0110] The comparison reveals that the vulcanized EPDM rubber obtained using dregs presents: equal rheometric curve to the start of the process; similar rheometric curve at the end of the process; equal type A hardness before ageing; similar type A hardness after ageing; better tensile strength after ageing; better elongation at fracture after ageing; similar Δ hardness; much better Δ tensile strength; much better Δ elongation at fracture; similar tear resistance; similar resistance to abrasion; equal density after 70 h/100° C.; similar DPC (22 h/100° C.); and equal resilience.

[0111] The objective of the present invention is achieved through the development of the simple process for treating dregs, which provides treated dregs suitable for application to the vulcanization activator of rubbers, replacing the zinc oxide, and provides rubbers with similar or enhanced properties in comparison with those already known.

[0112] The advantages of the process developed for treating dregs and the application thereof in rubber vulcanization processes represent adequate and conscious usage of a subproduct made of cellulose and the consequent valuation thereof. For the manufacturers of rubber articles, the use of treated dregs as vulcanization activator is also noteworthy, since a competitive product (dregs) is provided, presenting easy incorporation into the rubber compounds, lower environmental impact and also a gain in productivity since it promotes more efficient vulcanization. Therefore, the present invention provides a highly sustainable and beneficial product for the cellulose industry and rubber industry.

[0113] Having described an example of a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention covers other possible variations, and is only limited by the content of the accompanying claims, potential equivalents being included therein.