Patents Examined by Scott Rand
  • Hydrolysis of polyurethanes
    Patent number: 5208379
    Abstract: Waste or scrap polyurethane may be conveniently and economically converted to useful active-hydrogen containing polyethers and polyamines by contacting the polyurethane with water, strong base, and an activating agent such as a quaternary ammonium compound containing at least 15 carbon atoms or an organic sulfonate containing at least 7 carbon atoms. The activating agent helps to accelerate the rate of base catalyzed hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Arco Chemical Technology, L.P.
    Inventors: Lau S. Yang, Diane A. Macarevich