Breakthrough in Recyclable Condensation Silicone Technology Achieves 85% Recovery Rate

Published in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research on August 2, 2026, a joint research team from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and a leading silicone manufacturer announced a major advancement in condensation silicone recycling. The team’s catalytic cracking-distillation coupling technology efficiently breaks down cross-linked condensation silicone rubber (RTV-1/RTV-2 waste) into cyclic siloxane monomers (D4/D5) under mild conditions (180°C, atmospheric pressure). The process achieves an 85% material recovery rate, with the recycled monomers reaching 99.5% purity—suitable for re-polymerization into new condensation silicone base polymers. This technology reduces the carbon footprint of condensation silicone production by 60% compared to virgin monomer manufacturing. A 10,000-ton/year commercial pilot plant is scheduled to start operation in Zhejiang Province in Q1 2027, targeting construction sealant and mold-making silicone waste streams.