Abstract

Attempts on the preparation of elastic sorbents from waste rubber tyres, for removal of biobutanol from ferment liquor extracts, using lowdistribution apolar solvent like n-heptane have been discussed. The main factors in preparation of useful sorbents are the type of the waste
tyre, the type of the sulphonating agent, and the reaction conditions. The waste tyres containing large amount of styrene proved to be useful
base material for preparation of elastic sorbent with concentrated sulphuric acid as sulphonation agent. The common mixed waste tyres
resulted in elastic sorbents with lower absorbing capacities. Therefore, the styrene containing ones were studied over a wide range of the
sulphonation conditions.

Key words: Biobutanol, extractive fermentation, superabsorbent, solid sponge, sulphonated rubber, tyre wastes.