Abstract: Disclosed is a recycling apparatus for a cross-linked polyethylene resin using a twin screw extruder. The recycling apparatus for a cross-linked polyethylene resin using a twin screw extruder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a raw material supply unit configured to supply a raw material that is a cross-linked polyethylene resin; and a twin screw extruder configured to receive the raw material from the raw material supply unit, the twin screw extruder including a cylinder and a twin screw installed inside the cylinder to rotate in the same direction, the twin screw extruder being configured to de-crosslink and recycle the raw material under a de-crosslinking reaction temperature and reaction pressure atmosphere while continuously transporting the raw material along the twin screw by the rotation of the twin screw.

Abstract: A method for purifying a contaminated reclaimed polyethylene is provided. The method comprises obtaining the contaminated reclaimed polyethylene, extracting it with a solvent to produce an extracted contaminated reclaimed polyethylene, and then dissolving it in the solvent to produce a first suspension comprising dissolved polyethylene and suspended contaminants. The first suspension is settled to produce a second suspension comprising dissolved polyethylene and suspended remaining contaminants, and the second suspension is purified by contacting it with solid media to produce a third suspension comprising purer polyethylene. Finally, the purer polyethylene is separated from the third suspension and it has virgin-like optical properties.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising uintaite in a concentrated liquid form, and methods for producing the concentrated liquid uintaite. The composition can include uintaite in vegetable oils, paraffinic oils, naphthenic oils, and combinations thereof. The composition may include 50-90% by mass of a first component and 10-50% by mass of a second component, wherein the first component comprises uintaite, and wherein the second component comprises one or more oils.

Abstract: Poly(acrylic acid)-based superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in a feed stream is converted into poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) in an extensional flow device. The total energy used to degrade the SAP into PAA is less than about 50 MJ/kg SAP.

Abstract: Poly(acrylic acid)-based superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and H2O2 in a feed is converted with microwave (MW) irradiation into poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) in the product. The MW total energy used to convert SAP into PAA is less than 50 MJ/kg SAP.

Abstract: A foam composition comprises a recycled polyvinyl butyral in an amount from 5 wt % to 70 wt %; an ethylene-ester copolymer in an amount from 10 wt % to 70 wt %; a foaming agent in an amount from 0.5 wt % to 3.5 wt %; a peroxide crosslinking agent in an amount from 0.5 wt % to 3.0 wt %; and a hydrazide crosslinking agent in an amount from 0.1 wt % to 2.5 wt %, based on a total weight of the foam composition. A foam produced from the foam composition can avoid emitting an unpleasant odor of aldehydes, and the foam also has good mechanical properties and good resilience.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying polymers of a reclaimed product (rP) is disclosed. The rP is contacted at an elevated temperature and pressure, with an extraction solvent to produce an extracted rP (erP). A solvent, at conditions sufficient to solubilize the first polymer, contacts the erP to produce a solution, which is purified at an elevated temperature and pressure by filtering it and contacting it with a solid medium to produce a purified solution of the first polymer. The purified polymer is then separated from the purified solution, and the method steps are repeated until all polymers are separated and purified.

Abstract: A method for purifying a reclaimed polymer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method involves obtaining reclaimed polymer, contacting the reclaimed polymer with a first fluid solvent to produce an extracted reclaimed polymer; then dissolving the extracted reclaimed polymer in a solvent to produce a first solution comprising polymer. The first solution is settled and then filtered. A purer polymer is separated from the resulting solution.

Abstract: A method for purifying a reclaimed polyethylene is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method involves obtaining reclaimed polyethylene, contacting the reclaimed polyethylene with a first fluid solvent to produce an extracted reclaimed polyethylene; then dissolving the extracted reclaimed polyethylene in a solvent to produce a first solution comprising polyethylene. The first solution is settled and then filtered. A purer polyethylene is separated from the resulting solution.

Abstract: A method for purifying a reclaimed polypropylene is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method involves obtaining reclaimed polypropylene, contacting the reclaimed polypropylene with a first fluid solvent to produce an extracted reclaimed polypropylene; then dissolving the extracted reclaimed polypropylene in a solvent to produce a first solution comprising polypropylene. The first solution is settled and then filtered. A purer polypropylene is separated from the resulting solution.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing bulked continuous carpet filament which, in various embodiments, comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the group of flakes through an expanded surface area extruder while maintaining a pressure within the expanded surface area extruder below about 25 millibars; (E) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (F) forming the recycled polymer into bulked continuous carpet filament that consists essentially of recycled PET.

Abstract: A method and a PVB cleaning and/or upgrading system for cleaning and upgrading post-consumer and/or post-industrial polyvinyl butyral is provided. The system includes an extraction station for extraction with liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide. The extraction station comprises a sealable container with means for introducing pressurized liquid carbon dioxide into the container and means for stirring PVB material. The station further includes transfer means for transferring the pressurized liquid carbon dioxide containing extracted plasticizer and/or contaminants from the container to a distillation unit. The distillation unit separates extracted plasticizer and/or contaminants from the carbon dioxide, by evaporation of the liquefied CO2. The system further includes pressurizing means, such as a compressor, for pressurizing and liquefying of the CO2 evaporated in the distillation unit.

Abstract: A biodegradable material is capable of recovery and recycling by dissolution in water at a temperature 40° C. or higher. The material is insoluble in water at 25° C. The material includes one or both of virgin or scrap polyvinyl alcohol material resultant from manufacture of an article composed of polyvinyl alcohol, or a waste stream containing polyvinyl alcohol material.

Abstract: A composite material is produced from carpet waste and a binding agent, in intimate association, and may also include wood fiber or chips and/or other additives. A method of manufacturing a composite material includes shredding carpet waste, coating the carpet waste with a binding agent, and subjecting the shredded, coated carpet waste to elevated heat and pressure. As an additional step, the composite material may be actively cooled to prevent deformation of the material.

Abstract: This invention discloses a tire having crack resistant sidewalls which include a micronized rubber powder. These tires are comprised of a generally toroidal-shaped carcass with an outer circumferential tread, two spaced beads, at least one ply extending from bead to bead and sidewalls extending radially from and connecting said tread to said beads, wherein said tread is adapted to be ground-contacting, and wherein the sidewalls are comprised of 20 phr to 80 phr of natural rubber, 20 phr to 80 phr of polybutadiene rubber, and 3% over batch weight to 20% over batch weight of micronized rubber powder, wherein the micronized rubber powder has a particle size which is within the range of 40 Mesh to 300 Mesh.

Abstract: Method of devulcanizing rubber and/or elastomers without the need for a chemical agent, in which method the vulcanized rubber and/or elastomers are fed into a planetary roller extruder, which planetary roller extruder has a housing, a central spindle, and at least one group of planetary spindles. Mechanical and thermal stress is generated on the vulcanized rubber and/or elastomers by kneading and/or crushing the vulcanized rubber and/or elastomers using the central spindle and the planetary spindles. The mechanical and thermal stress alone is sufficient to break or destroy the molecular chains or bonds of the vulcanized rubber and/or elastomers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a melt-processable material comprises: processing a cross-linked polymeric foam to form a processed cross-linked polymeric foam material wherein the processed cross-linked polymeric foam material has an average particle size suitable for feeding to a melt processor, feeding the processed cross-linked polymeric foam material to the melt processor, and melt mixing a composition comprising the processed cross-linked polymeric foam material and a thermoplastic material wherein the processed cross-linked foam material has a domain size, under melt mixing conditions, less than or equal to the processing spaces of the melt processor.

Abstract: A method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer is provided, which is able to improve physical properties and to recycle fine powder generated during the preparation process. Particularly, a method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer capable of improving physical properties by using a base resin including a water-containing gel polymer and a base-treated fine powder regranulated body, which are different from each other in degree of neutralization, during preparation of the superabsorbent polymer, is provided.

Abstract: Methods for the recycling of carpet are disclosed that produce clean face fiber suitable for industrial use. The methods allow the recovery of face fiber material, for example a polyester or a polyamide, from carpets that includes a face fiber material and a backing material, and include the steps of heating the carpet to a temperature lower than the melting point of the face fiber material, but higher than the initial thermal decomposition temperature of the backing material, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to thermally decompose, pyrolyze, or oxidize at least a portion of the backing material, rendering the backing material friable, that is more friable than the untreated backing; and applying mechanical force to the carpet so as to liberate the friable backing material from the face fiber material.

Abstract: A composite material is produced from carpet waste and a binding agent, in intimate association, and may also include wood fiber or chips and/or other additives. A method of manufacturing a composite material includes shredding carpet waste, coating the carpet waste with a binding agent, and subjecting the shredded, coated carpet waste to elevated heat and pressure. As an additional step, the composite material may be actively cooled to prevent deformation of the material.

Abstract: A sodium polyacrylate and distilled water composition for fire and smoke prevention, suppression or extinction, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a flexible foaming member from recycled material. The present invention relates to a production method to recycling wastes containing rubber, plastic and metal materials and pulverize them into scraps under normal temperatures, then roughly separate the various materials contained in the waste scraps into different layers based on the difference of specific gravity, and further take out the scraps of rubber and plastic materials with lower specific gravity from the waste scraps, then conduct multiple heating and pulverizations under different temperatures to produce composite-material scraps, and then using some composite-material scraps to mix flexible materials and foaming agents, then pressing the mixture into a plate-like foaming material, and conduct vulcanization and foam forming for the plates of foam material to become a elastic foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the recovery of nylon from co-mingled materials (e.g., carpet) with reduced or eliminated ash (e.g., calcium carbonate) contamination.

Abstract: Method of devulcanizing rubber and/or elastomers without the need for a chemical agent, in which method the vulcanized rubber and/or elastomers are fed into a planetary roller extruder, which planetary roller extruder has a housing, a central spindle, two groups of planetary roller spindles, and a dispersion ring disposed about the central spindle and between the two groups of planetary spindles. Mechanical and thermal stress is generated on the vulcanized rubber and/or elastomers by kneading and/or crushing the vulcanized rubber and/or elastomers using the central spindle and the planetary spindles, and by forcing the vulcanized rubber and/or elastomers through the dispersion ring, which is designated to substantially restrict passage of the vulcanized rubber and/or elastomers therethrough. The mechanical and thermal stress alone is sufficient to break or destroy the molecular chains or bonds of the vulcanized rubber and/or elastomers.

Abstract: Process to generate synthesis gas and/or liquid raw materials and/or energy materials from waste and/or biomass by performing the following steps: a) solvolysis of the organic components of waste and/or biomass in an alkaline solution or hydrate smelter at a temperature range of 150° to 250° C. and pressure between 3 and 12 bar, whereby the organic components are converted into at least one liquid phase and the inorganic components are sedimented; b) elimination of the inorganic components from the liquid phase by physical separation methods; c) transfer of the vapors generated during the solvolysis into a rectification column, where the organic components are separated from water; and d) further separation of the organic components by rectification, extraction and sorption and/or conversion by thermal gasification into synthesis gas or burnable gas.

Abstract: A resin composition, contains: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A); a thermoplastic polyurethane (B); and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C), wherein an isocyanate group content (mole) in raw materials of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is greater than a hydroxyl group content (mole) therein, an isocyanate group content (mole) in raw materials of the thermoplastic polyurethane (B) is nearly equal to a hydroxyl group content (mole) therein, and the thermoplastic polyurethane (B) and the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C) have a mass ratio (B/C) of from 70/30 to 99/1 and a content of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A), based on 100 parts by mass of a total of the thermoplastic polyurethane (B) and the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C), is from 1 to 30 parts by mass. Thus, a resin composition is provided that contains thermoplastic polyurethanes and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and is good in melt shapability.

Abstract: The present application provides a polymer composite comprising at least one polymer and a reclaimed pyrolyzed carbon black (pCB), wherein the pCB comprises less than about 10 ?g/g of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Also provided are polymer composite and consumer-ready formulations of the low PAH pCB and methods of manufacturing such composites and formulations.

Abstract: A process for making a solid component out of recycled paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint is provided. The process can include providing paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint and providing a second material. Thereafter, the paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint and the second material are mixed to produce a paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint-second material mixture. The paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint-second material mixture is processed in order to produce a solid component. The processing can include extrusion of the paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint-second material mixture.

Abstract: A composite material is produced from carpet waste and a binding agent, in intimate association, and may also include wood fiber or chips and/or other additives. A method of manufacturing a composite material includes shredding carpet waste, coating the carpet waste with a binding agent, and subjecting the shredded, coated carpet waste to elevated heat and pressure. As an additional step, the composite material may be actively cooled to prevent deformation of the material.

Abstract: Provided are a recycling method for industrially, simply and effectively recycling a phenolic body from a phenolic antioxidant which is masked by an organoaluminum compound and contained in an olefin polymer obtained by supplying the masked phenolic antioxidant upon polymerization; and an olefin polymer obtained by this method. In a method for recycling a phenolic antioxidant wherein a phenolic antioxidant which is masked by an organoaluminum compound and contained in an olefin polymer obtained by supplying the masked phenolic antioxidant upon polymerization is recycled to a phenolic body, a nitrogen gas comprising water and/or a proton donor at a volume ratio of 1.0×10?6 to 2.5×10?2 with respect to 1 volume of nitrogen is brought into contact with the olefin polymer.

Abstract: Tire vulcanizing/retreading and de-vulcanization system including an autoclave and heating based on an induction system, which will lead to vulcanization or de-vulcanization of a tire.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to solid surface sheets and methods of making solid surface sheets, wherein the method comprises dissolving post-consumer recycled polystyrene in a first liquid resin precursor to form a blend, solidifying the blend via curing, grinding the solidified blend into recycled particles, adding the recycled particles and filler into a second liquid resin precursor to produce a solid surface precursor, and molding and curing the solid surface precursor to produce the solid surface sheet.

Abstract: A thermoset composite material that my used in the fabrication of structural components including railroad ties comprise a substantially homogeneous blend of an amount of vulcanized rubber particles including a predetermined ratio of different particles sizes, and a thermoset elastomeric binding agent added to the vulcanized rubber particles. The blend may comprise about 30% to about 97% by weight of the vulcanized rubber particles, and the blend is subjected to compression molding at a predetermined temperature and pressure for a resident time period forming the composite material. The ratio of different rubber particle sizes is selected so that the composite material has a desired density or is within a range of desired densities.

Abstract: Backings for carpet and carpet tiles are formed from various post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric waste materials, for example, post-consumer textile waste material (e.g., carpet and carpet tiles), post-industrial textile waste material (e.g., carpet and/or carpet tiles), and/or other post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric materials.

Abstract: A method of recycling scrap ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam involves foaming and crosslinking a blend containing virgin EVA resin and scrap EVA foam, as well as a crosslinking agent and blowing agent for the EVA resin. The blend further contains a compatibilizer, which is a hydrogenated petroleum resin.

Abstract: A method of depolymerizing formulated rubbers and polymer solids is described. The method utilizes a solvent at or above the solvent's critical pressure and critical temperature with a low ratio of solvent to the solid material. The resulting depolymerized material in either substantially solid or highly viscous liquid form can be repolymerized with the addition of more monomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion prepared using recycled material, including but not limited recycled rubber or other polymeric materials. The articles may incorporate the recycled materials in a granulated form. In specific embodiments, the article comprises an article of footwear (i.e., a shoe). Particularly, all or part of the shoe sole may be formed using the granulated material, the granules specifically being joined together using a binder material, such as a polyurethane, preferably a moisture cure, single component polyurethane binder. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles formed of granulated materials. The inventive methods are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, and environmental benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for decomposing, in the presence of subcritical water, a thermosetting resin comprising a polyester moiety and a crosslinking moiety therewith to provide a compound comprising an acid residue derived from the polyester moiety and a residue derived from the crosslinking moiety, and collecting the compound in an efficient yield, specifically, which comprises steps of: (I) decomposing the thermosetting resin in the presence of subcritical water to provide a solid comprising a compound comprising an acid residue derived from the polyester moiety and a residue derived from the crosslinking moiety, (II) subjecting the solid to an organic solvent to dissolve the compound into the organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent has a higher solubility which can dissolve the compound than that of water, and (III) collecting, separating or isolating the compound from the organic solvent.

Abstract: Some embodiments provided herein relate to a thermoplastic material that can include a thermoplastic surface, a protective coating, and a degradable intermediate layer.

Abstract: A process for making a solid component out of recycled powder coat is provided. The process can include providing a powder coat material and providing a second material. Thereafter, the powder coat and the second material are mixed to produce a powder coat-second material mixture. The powder coal-second material mixture is processed in order to produce a polymer containing precursor. The processing can include granulating or densifying the powder coat-second material mixture. After the precursor has been produced, it can be placed within a molding machine and a solid component is molded. The molding machine can be an injection molding machine, an extrusion molding machine or a blow molding machine.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a composition suitable for stretch hood, method of producing the same, and articles made therefrom. The article according to the present invention comprises a multi-layer film according to the present invention has a thickness of at least 3 mils comprising at least one inner layer and two exterior layers, wherein the inner layer comprises at least 50 weight percent polyethylene copolymer having a melt index less than 2 grams/10 minutes, a density less than or equal to 0.910 g/cm3, a total heat of fusion less than 120 Joules/gram and a heat of fusion above 115° C. of less than 5 Joules/gram, the total heat of fusion of the inner layer less than the heat of fusion of either of the two exterior layers, and wherein the multi-layer film has an elastic recovery of at least 40% when stretched to 100% elongation.

Abstract: The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wood composite material and to a method for making it. In accordance with the invention, the wood composite material is formed of adhesive laminate waste comprising adhesive material, glue and release material and having been arranged into chaff, the chaff being arranged into the wood composite material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of solubilizing expanded polystyrene (EPS), in which the EPS is brought into contact with at least one initial solvent, enabling the transition of the EPS from an expanded solid state to the gel state. The aforementioned gel is subsequently treated with at least one complementary solvent that is different from the initial solvent, enabling the solubilization thereof such as to produce a true solution. The invention also relates to the product thus obtained and to the use of said product.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermal insulation sheets fashioned from certain unseparated mixtures of post-consumer plastic articles is disclosed. The mixtures of such articles contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) and optionally also articles made of high density polyethylene (HDPE). An unseparated mixture of such articles is provided. This mixture is crushed and shredded to form plastic flakes, and these plastic flakes are then homogenized. Homogenization of the flakes can be carried out either by melt-blending them or by further comminution to produce very fine particles of the mixed plastics. The resulting homogenized mixture of plastic types is then compression molded into sheets.

Abstract: Method for the recycling of polyvinyl butyral based on obtaining recycled polyvinyl butyral (PVB) from laminated glass which is shattered and the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is separated. The sheet obtained is cut into pieces and cleaned to eliminate dirt and foreign matter. The solid state PVB is subjected to a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) purification stage with a chemical treatment with a first reagent and a final chemical treatment with a second reagent. The obtained purified polyvinyl butyral is suitable to be used in the manufacture of laminated glass.

Abstract: A process is described for recycling superabsorbent polymer fines into a process that includes treating the superabsorbent polymer fines with caustic and a polymerization step for making the superabsorbent polymer gel. The process requires treating the superabsorbent polymer fines with a caustic, followed by mixture with polymerizable monomer solution, and polymerizing the mixture of the superabsorbent polymer fines and monomer to form the aqueous fluid absorbent polymer. In the process, the fines are incorporated into the new polymer gel and become indistinguishable there from. The gel may then be comminuted into a particulate dried and then separated into a portion having a desired minimum particle size in a fines portion having less than the desired size. The particulate may then be coated with a surface crosslinking agent and surface additives and heated for surface conversion.

Abstract: A process for devulcanizing crosslinked elastomer particles comprising applying an alternating electric field to a composition comprising crosslinked elastomer particles under compression. The alternating electric field preferably has a frequency between 1 and 100 MHz and a voltage between 1000 and 10,000 V, and may be applied between an apparatus that continuously conveys the particles through the field.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to carpet and methods of making and recycling carpet. In one aspect, the carpet includes: a primary backing which has a face and a back surface; a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing; an adhesive composition backing; and an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing. The method of making carpet includes extrusion coating the adhesive composition onto the back surface of a primary backing to form the adhesive composition backing. The method of recycling carpet can recover one or more polymeric carpet components.