Rubber is a mass of polymer chains which are chemically crosslinked by a vulcanizing agent. By using the right combination of friction, heat and in some cases the use of chemicals it is possible to de-crosslink the rubber and to re-claim the properties of the original compound.
This reclaimed compound then consist of all basic ingredients for a rubber compound and can therefore be re-used as a masterbatch for “lower-end” applications or as substitution for virgin polymer in a “higher-end” application.