Abstract: A process for production of polyethylene terephthalate pellets includes the steps of: production of a melt of polyethylene terephthalate material; production of polyethylene terephthalate pellets from the melt by means of underwater pelletization into a process fluid; removal of the polyethylene terephthalate pellets from the site of underwater pelletization in the process fluid; crystallization of the polyethylene terephthalate pellets in the process fluid, wherein a surface of the polyethylene terephthalate pellets is crystallized and an interior of the polyethylene terephthalate pellets remains amorphous.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers and other high temperature crystallizing polymeric materials to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line to the dryer near the pelletizer exit. Air is injected into the slurry line at a velocity of at least about 200 m3/hour. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases the speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the PET polymer pellets leave the dryer at a temperature sufficient to self-initiate crystallization within the pellets.

Abstract: Pearls based on expanded polymers are produced by extruding an expandable composition containing a thermoplastic polymer and an expanding agent, and thereafter cooling and chopping the expanded material thus obtained.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a “Self-Reinforced Composite” (SRC) made of recycled thermoplastic polymers, methods and an apparatus for their manufacture. In one embodiment of the invention, the SRC is a self-reinforced composite comprising (a) a fiber comprising a first recycled thermoplastic polymer and having a Young's modulus at least about 500 MPa and (b) a matrix comprising a second recycled thermoplastic polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the source mixture is recycled immiscible thermoplastic polymers, obtained from the waste stream in the carpet and automotive industries. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for making the self-reinforced composites, comprising the steps of (a) melt-blending recycled immiscible polymers, (b) phase-migration fiber spinning the recycled immiscible polymers to form a fiber having a first recycled thermoplastic polymer substantially surrounded by a second recycled thermoplastic polymer, and (c) drawing the fiber to form a high modulus fiber.

Abstract: Brominated styrenic polymer is recovered from solution in a vaporizable solvent by converting the solution in a devolatilization extruder into a brominated styrenic polymer melt or flow and a separate vapor phase comprised predominately of vaporizable solvent, recovering the melt or flow from the devolatilization extruder, and allowing or causing the melt or flow to solidify. The solidified brominated styrenic polymer can be subdivided into a powder or pelletized form. Pellets so made have improved hardness and/or crush strength properties along with reduced formation of fines. Brominated anionic styrenic polymer is preferably used in the process.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing free-flowing pellets based on cellulosic spun fibers. The process includes a) wetting at least one cellulosic spun-fiber strand with a preferably aqueous dispersion of a polymer and/or an oligomer for the purpose of applying sizing, b) drying the at least one spun-fiber strand, and c) comminuting the at least one spun-fiber strand into pellets. The free-flowing pellets are made from at least one comminuted spun-fiber strand having sizing made from a polymer and/or an oligomer. A fiber-reinforced thermoplastic includes finely distributed free-flowing pellets for manufacturing fiber-reinforced performs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate of from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases the speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: A method for supplying molten polymer and expanding agent flows to a mixing area, by dispersing the expanding agent in a polymer melt by a rapid dividing mixing in a first static mixer, holding and intensively dividingly mixing the thus obtained mixture in a second static mixer, cooling the mixture, during mixing, in a third static mixer to an intermediate temperature, cooling the mixture to a granulation temperature, extruding polymer threads and subsequently quenching and granulating them. During processing, a weight ratio between the polymer melt flow Gp and the expanding agent flow GBA ranges from 13.0 to 19.0, a temperature in the first static mixer for rapid dividing mixing is calculated according to formula (I), in the second and third static mixed according to formulas (II) and (III), respectively, wherein GBA max. is the quantity of a maximum possible expanding agent flow, GBBct.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing pellets from plastic material or from material to be pelletized. Said device comprises a continuous casting device (1) from which at least one strand (2) of the material to be pelletized is issued, and a belt conveyor (3) comprising at least one conveying belt (4) on which the strand (2) can be fed to a pelletizer (5), said pelletizer breaking the strand up into pellets (6). The invention is characterized in that the belt conveyor (3) has a switchable direction of conveyance of the conveying belt (4), a direction of feed conveyance towards the pelletizer (5) and a direction of discharge conveyance away from the pelletizer (5). The invention also relates to a method for operating said device.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for utilizing reclaimed synthetic turf materials in the manufacture of various second generation floor coverings and floor covering components. Also disclosed are products manufactured by the methods.

Abstract: A plant (1) for the continuous manufacture of an expandable plastic granulate (G) is disclosed that includes a plastic melt source (2) for providing a plastic melt (F), an impregnating device (3) for providing an impregnated plastic melt (FB) by impregnating the plastic melt (F) with an expanding agent (B) provided by an expanding agent source, and a granulator (4, 41, 42) for producing the granulate (G) from the impregnated plastic melt (FB) with the granulator (4, 41, 42), with the granulator (4, 41, 42) being fluidly connected to the impregnating device (3). According to the invention, a switching means (5) is provided in such a way, that the plastic melt (F) can be fed to the granulator (4, 41, 42) under bypassing the impregnating device (3). In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing a granulate (G) using a plant (1) in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A concentrate of poly(trimethylene arylate), particularly poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and polystyrene containing 15 to 40 wt % polystyrene is employed in the production of shaped articles such as films, pellets, and fibers. In one embodiment the concentrate is melt mixed with a polymeric diluent comprising a poly(trimethylene arylate) to form a spin blend comprising 0.5 to 1.5 wt % polystyrene, and the spin blend is extruded through a spinneret comprising a plurality of identical orficies, producing a plurality of filaments.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the manufacture of solid regenerated viscose fibers, comprising the steps of: —spinning a viscose spinning dope through a spinneret comprising spinning holes into a regenerating bath thereby forming filaments, —said viscose spinning dope having an alkali ratio immediately before spinning of from 0.7 to 1.0, preferably from 0.8 to 0.9, —at least part of said spinning holes having a circular orifice, —said regenerating bath containing—from 70 to 120 g/l, preferably 90 to 110 g/l sulfuric acid, —from 240 to 380 g/l, preferably 330 to 370 g/l sodium sulphate, —from 20 to 50 g/l, preferably 25 to 35 g/l zinc sulphate and said regenerating bath having a temperature of from 45 to 55° C., preferably 48 to 50° C.

Abstract: A process for preparing low moisture content polymer biomaterial composites and expandable polymer biomaterial composites by extrusion through a die plate into a waterbox and pelletizing with cutter blades. Polyolefins or condensation polymers are melt blended with a solid or semi-solid biomaterial component, such as polysaccharides, including cellulosics and starches, or proteinaceous materials, including polypeptides, and are extruded, pelletized underwater, and processed with accelerated drying to achieve moisture levels as low as one percent or less.

Abstract: Reactive compositions are formed into melt processable reactive pellets. The reactive compositions include at least one filler such as talc, clay, pulp, etc. and a reactive mixture comprising at least one polyhydric alcohol and a reactant selected from the group consisting of at least one organic polyacid; at least one organic anhydride; and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the reactive compositions comprise at least one filler and a prepolymer formed from the reactive mixture.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for making embolization particles for occluding fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The method comprises positioning an elongated body of biocompatible material relative to a cutting device. The elongated body is defined by extrusion of a body cross-section along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body is cut with a cutting device at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis to form the embolization particles such that each of the embolization particles has a particle cross-section that corresponds to the body cross-section.

Abstract: Compartmentalized chips of at least two chemically similar crystallizable thermoplastic polymers each having a different intrinsic viscosity placed in separate zones are disclosed. These compartmentalized chips exhibit thermal characteristics that are different from the traditional technique of homogeneously combining the two materials into the chip. These compartmentalized chips in their amorphous, crystalline and solid phase polymerized forms exhibit a longer crystallization half time than the homogeneous mixture, thus permitting faster injection cycle times when compared to an equivalent homogenous mixture.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to synthetic organic fiber pellets, methods for making such pellets, and methods of using such pellets for making fiber reinforced polypropylene composite resins. The synthetic organic fiber pellets include at least 80 wt % of a synthetic organic fiber chosen from polyalkylene terephthalates, polyalkylene naphthalates, polyamides, polyolefins, polyacrylonitrile, and combinations thereof, and from 2 to 20 wt % of one or more waxes. The synthetic organic fiber pellets are produced using a pelleting press process.

Abstract: A polyamide moulding composition is described, based on a mixture made of transparent copolyamides and of semicrystalline, aliphatic polyamides for producing transparent mouldings, an example being, in particular, a material for the casing of devices such as mobile phones etc.

Abstract: PLA stereocomplex fibers are made by separately melting a high-D PLA starting resin and a high-L starting resin, mixing the melts and spinning the molten mixture. Subsequent heat treatment introduces high-melting “stereocomplex” crystallinity into the fibers. The process can form fibers having a high content of “stereocomplex” crystallites that have a high melting temperature. As a result, the fibers have excellent thermal resistance. The process is also easily adaptable to commercial melt spinning operations.

Abstract: A process for producing polystyrene foam particles having a bulk density in the range from 40 to 400 g/l by extrusion of a polystyrene melt comprising carbon dioxide and/or water as blowing agent through a nozzle and underwater pelletization, wherein the underwater pelletization is carried out at a pressure in the range 1-30 bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of granulate grains of polymers from thermoplastic polyesters or copolyesters from a polyester melt using an extrusion granulator. The polyester melt is fed to nozzles of the extrusion granulator and then, with draw-in rollers, to the granulation device via an extraction section as extrusions exiting from the nozzle, wherein, e.g., an extrusion extraction speed is set by the draw-in rollers. The invention also relates to an improved extrusion granulator according to the invention having a wave device between the nozzles and the extraction channel, and granulate grains produced according to the method according to the invention.

Abstract: Amphoteric polymer composite nanoparticles are added into the polymer grains of synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers are woven to form a textile capable of adjusting pH value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion process for producing plastic granules having a statically dissipative effect. The problem addressed by the invention is that of specifying a possible way of producing plastic granules which allows a thermo-plastic product having a maximum specific surface resistance of 108? to be produced without using metal fibres, metal oxides, graphite, conductive carbon black, intrinsically conductive polymers, single-wall/multiwall carbon nanotubes, organically modified nanoclays or polyamide-polyether block amides (more precisely those based on adipic acid-caprolaetam polyether glycol copolymers and related substances), wherein the plastic granules are distinguished by improved dispersion of the active substances present therein.

Abstract: A method is described for preparing liquid concentrates of additives for incorporation in polymers, particularly polymers prepared in solution or slurry phase polymerization media. Additive concentrates according to the invention are characterized by a finer dispersion than would result from the direct addition of particulate or granular additives to the same liquid solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved die for the extrusion of melt strands of viscoelastic masses, and in particular to polymers and mixtures of polymers with other substances (such as solids, liquids or other polymers), where the use thereof avoids the formation of deposits in the region of the die.

Abstract: A positionable gas nozzle assembly having a nozzle tube for injecting and directing pressurized air or other inert gas into a pellet slurry so as to increase the velocity of the slurry from a pelletizer to and through a dryer. The variably positionable nozzle tube can be inserted, retracted and/or intermediately positioned either manually or using an automated control system. The automated control system preferably includes a pneumatic cylinder movably engaged with a carriage that is fixedly coupled to the nozzle tube. The pneumatic cylinder contains a piston that is magnetically coupled with the carriage such that movement of the piston in response to the injection of pressurized air into the cylinder also moves the carriage and the nozzle tube to obtain the variable positions.

Abstract: Provided is a cellulose acylate film formed through melt casting that is capable of being built in liquid-crystal display devices to solve the display trouble at the time of black level of display. That is a cellulose acylate film formed through melt casting, in which the number of polarizing minor impurities is from 0 to 10/mm2 and the number of black impurities is from 0 to 10/mm2, and which has a transmittance at 450 nm (T450) of from 90 to 100%.

Abstract: Compartmentalized chips of at least two chemically similar crystallizable thermoplastic polymers each having a different intrinsic viscosity placed in separate zones are disclosed. These compartmentalized chips exhibit thermal characteristics that are different from the traditional technique of homogeneously combining the two materials into the chip. These compartmentalized chips in their amorphous, crystalline and solid phase polymerized forms exhibit a longer crystallization half time than the homogeneous mixture, thus permitting faster injection cycle times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical dosage forms, for example to pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising poly(?-caprolactone), and processes of manufacture, uses, and methods of treatment thereof.

Abstract: This invention is to an improved method for cleaning contaminated polymer when that polymer is to be blended with clean material. The method involves combining the contaminated material and the clean material in a compartmentalized pellet wherein the contaminated material is placed in the outermost compartment, the clean material is placed in an inner compartment and then subjecting the pellet to an extraction process.

Abstract: This invention presents a recycle system for making recycled plastic pellets. The system includes a shredder for shredding raw material, an extruder for extruding strands from the shredded raw material, a cooler for cooling the strands, and a cutter for cutting the strands into pellets. The cooler cools the strands such that the temperature of the strands is maintained above a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature can be a boiling point of water when the cooler cools the strands with mist.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyamide moulded masses based on semi-crystalline, transparent copolyamides predominantly based on aliphatic monomers, for producing transparent or pigmentable moulded parts with a high level of flexibility, high notch-impact strength (Charpy), low water absorbency and excellent resistance to chemicals, containing between 40 and 100 wt. % of at least one transparent copolyamide (constituent A) with a maximum glass transition temperature (Tg) of 80° C. and a melting temperature of at least 150° C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a “Self-Reinforced Composite” (SRC) made of recycled thermoplastic polymers, methods and an apparatus for their manufacture. In one embodiment of the invention, the SRC is a self-reinforced composite comprising (a) a fiber comprising a first recycled thermoplastic polymer and having a Young's modulus at least about 500 MPa and (b) a matrix comprising a second recycled thermoplastic polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the source mixture is recycled immiscible thermoplastic polymers, obtained from the waste stream in the carpet and automotive industries. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for making the self-reinforced composites, comprising the steps of (a) melt-blending recycled immiscible polymers, (b) phase-migration fiber spinning the recycled immiscible polymers to form a fiber having a first recycled thermoplastic polymer substantially surrounded by a second recycled thermoplastic polymer, and (c) drawing the fiber to form a high modulus fiber.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded article, which contains reinforcing fibers having a given flattened cross-sectional profile, in which the fiber length distribution of the reinforcing fibers is shifted on the side of long fibers, and which is excellent in mechanical strength, heat resistance, dimensional accuracy such as warpage resistance, and surface appearance.

Abstract: Process for the production of granules of expandable thermoplastic polymers by means of extrusion, which comprises: i) melting the polymer in a single- or multi-screw extruder (2); ii) incorporating an expanding agent in the polymer in the molten state; iii) granulating the polymer thus obtained in a device comprising a die (111), containing a series of ducts (115) made of a material having a high thermal conductivity (114), a cutting chamber (118) containing a set of hydraulic nozzles and a cutting system equipped with a set of knives (215) with a cutting edge which is radial with respect to the surface of the die; iv) annealing the granules thus obtained; v) cooling the annealed granules to room temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for granulating plastic strands having a cutting wheel (15), the individual blades of which graze past a counter blade (2) disposed in a blade carrier (1) when the cutting wheel is rotated, thus cutting the plastic strands (13) being guided over the counter blade into a granulate (14), wherein a rail (3a, 3b) composed of hard material running parallel to the counter blade is disposed adjacent to the counter blade and after said counter blade in the rotational direction of the cutting wheel that collects cut granulate and conducts said granulate into a discharge channel.

Abstract: Reflective pellets (16) are formed by extrusion of reflective micro beads (26) in a thermoplastic (20), removal of the surface layer of the pellets so as to expose the reflective beads at the surface of the pellets and applying the reflective pellets to the base line (14) of the striping applied to a paved road.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process and a necessary article to simultaneously thermally treat at least two thermoplastics. The process utilizes the necessary compartmentalized or zoned pellet construction wherein the major amount of each thermoplastic component is located within individual compartments or zones of the pellet such that the components of the reaction during thermal processing and/or reactions with compounds in the atmosphere such as oxygen are less than the reaction if the thermoplastics were homogeneously dispersed in the pellet. This invention allows the components of the multi-component pellets to be thermally treated together without significant degradation and/or stored in air or in the presence of oxygen without significant degradation.

Abstract: Process for production of polymer blends which are suitable as filter aids and are composed of polystyrene and of crosslinked water-insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidones via processing of the two components in an extruder, which comprises melting polystyrene in an extruder and then treating it with the polyvinylpyrrolidone, and adding, to the mixture of the components, from 0.1 to 10% by weight of water, based on the total amount of polystyrene and popcorn polymer, and extruding and comminuting the mixture.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for ductile materials comprises a nozzle having a number of outlet openings separated from each other by separator webs. Next to the nozzle, a rotating cutting tool is provided, having a plurality of cutting knives for cutting off the strands of material discharged through the outlet openings of the nozzle. Each separator web is at least as wide as a cutting knife. For performing a cutting operation, the cutting tool is intermittently rotated. Between two cutting operations, the cutting tool is stopped, whereby its knives remain in a rest position behind the separator webs. For the next cutting operation, the cutting tool is rotated by such an amount that its cutting knives move from a position behind a first separator web to the next adjacent separator web.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods of making a modified release pharmaceutical formulation and a method of preparation for the embedding of modified release multi-particulates into a polymeric or wax-like matrix. The modified release multi-particulates comprise an effective amount of a therapeutic compound having a known or desired drug-release profile. Modified release multi-particulates may include a polymeric coat or may be incorporated into particle or core material. The polymer matrix comprises a thermoplastic polymer or lipophilic carrier or a mixture thereof that softens or melts at elevated temperature and allows the distribution of the modified release multi-particulates in the polymer matrix during thermal processing. Formulation compounds and processing conditions are selected in a manner to preserve the controlled release characteristics and/or drug-protective properties of the original modified release multi-particulates.

Abstract: A pasty molding material is divided by a process wherein, for the division, the pasty molding material is brought into contact with at least on stream containing at least one fluid medium.

Abstract: An improved process for the pelletization of polymers is disclosed, using a die in which the die holes incorporate a reverse taper along at least a portion of the length thereof. Conditions for operation of an under melt cutter incorporating this die are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing a plurality of crystallizable polymer pellets includes a step in which the pellets are contacted with a temperature adjusting fluid in a crystallizer. The fluid adjusts the temperature of the pellets by having a temperature sufficient to allow at least partial crystallization of the plurality of polymeric pellets while maintaining the average pellet temperature of the plurality of pellets below the melting temperature of the pellets. A crystallizer implementing the methods of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A positionable gas nozzle assembly having a nozzle tube for injecting and directing pressurized air or other inert gas into a pellet slurry so as to increase the velocity of the slurry from a pelletizer to and through a dryer. The variably positionable nozzle tube can be inserted, retracted and/or intermediately positioned either manually or using an automated control system. The automated control system preferably includes a pneumatic cylinder movably engaged with a carriage that is fixedly coupled to the nozzle tube. The pneumatic cylinder contains a piston that is magnetically coupled with the carriage such that movement of the piston in response to the injection of pressurized air into the cylinder also moves the carriage and the nozzle tube to obtain the variable positions.

Abstract: Despite the frangibility of additive-free granules of brominated anionic styrenic polymer, it has been found possible by use of special mechanical processing to provide pellets of unadulterated brominated anionic styrenic polymer having a bromine content of at least about 50 wt % and in which at least about 70 wt % (preferably at least about 75 wt %) of the pellets are retained on a standard US No. 40 sieve and no more than about 30 wt % (preferably no more than about 25 wt %) are retained on a standard US No. 5 sieve. In preferred embodiments such pelletized anionic styrenic polymer is brominated anionic polystyrene having a bromine content of at least about 67 wt %, e.g., in the range of about 67 to about 71 wt %. Also preferred are pelletized brominated anionic styrenic polymers in which the melt flow index (ASTM D 1238-99) at 220° C., 2.16 kg is at least 4 g/10 min and preferably is at least 5 g/10 min.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process and a necessary article to simultaneously thermally treat at least two thermoplastics. The process utilizes the necessary compartmentalized or zoned pellet construction wherein the major amount of each thermoplastic component is located within individual compartments or zones of the pellet such that the components of the reaction during thermal processing and/or reactions with compounds in the atmosphere such as oxygen are less than the reaction if the thermoplastics were homogeneously dispersed in the pellet. This invention allows the components of the multi-component pellets to be thermally treated together without significant degradation and/or stored in air or in the presence of oxygen without significant degradation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and article to simultaneously thermally treat at least two thermoplastics when one of the thermoplastics is an oxygen inert material and the other is an oxygen sensitive material, and the article also contains a promoter that converts the oxygen sensitive material to an oxygen reactive material when brought in contact with the oxygen sensitive material. The process utilizes the compartmentalized pellet, also known as a zoned pellet, construction wherein the major amount of each component is located within individual compartments or zones of the pellet such that the reactions with compounds in the atmosphere such as oxygen are less than the reaction if the thermoplastics were homogeneously dispersed in the pellet. This is of particular use to oxygen scavenging systems.

Abstract: Described is a method for dissolving PPTA or copolymers thereof in sulfuric acid using a twin screw extruder having transporting, mixing, and kneading elements with an entering zone, an intermediate zone, a mixing zone, a negative transport zone, a degassing zone, and a pressure build-up zone.