Abstract: A thermoset cross-linked elastomer material, such as scrap tire rubber, is devulcanized by subjecting the material to a mechanical mixing process in the presence of 0.5 to 2% by wt. of an organic catalyst having a thiol terminus.

Abstract: Techniques for creating recycled plastic materials from waste plastic materials are described. A recycled plastic material contains at least a primary polymer, a secondary polymer, and residual additives. Predetermined properties of the recycled plastic material can be controlled by selecting the types of waste plastic materials used in the recycling feed, determining the types and amounts of recycled plastic material recovered from a separation process and blending the recycled plastic material with other materials.

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: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for separating a product comprising a super absorbent polymer, a fiber and a plastic to separate the product into components thereof, the method comprising adding water to the product, and pressing the product in order to separate the product into components comprising a plastics component and a super absorbent polymer and fiber component. Other methods of the present disclosure include a method for producing a reusable plastic, reusable paper fiber stream and a reusable super absorbent polymer from the treatment of a product comprising a super absorbent polymer, a fiber and a plastic. Still other embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for the treatment of wet super absorbent polymer, comprising salt assisted dehydration.

Abstract: Methods of reclaiming plastic from infectious medical waste and manufacturing medical devices from reclaimed plastic are described. Medical devices made from plastic reclaimed from infectious medical waste are also described.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for collecting effective components from polyester fiber waste containing polyalkylene telephthalate as the main component, more specifically to provide a method for separating and removing foreign matters (mainly cotton) contained in polyester fiber waste. The purpose of the invention can be achieved by a method for separating and removing foreign matters from polyester waste, which includes throwing polyester fiber waste that contains polyalkylene telephthalate as the main component and foreign matters other than the polyalkylene telephthalate into a depolymerization reaction tank, subjecting a part or all of the polyester fiber to a depolymerization reaction with alkylene glycol to give a depolymerization reaction liquid, and then continuously or intermittently feeding the liquid to a foreign matter-separating and removing apparatus having specified characteristics.

Abstract: Process for recycling a fiber reinforced polymer article, according to which the article, eventually cut in fragments, is dissolved in a solvent capable of dissolving the polymer but not the fibers and which is susceptible of forming an azeotrope with water, forming a solution; the fibers are recovered from the solution; the fibers are washed with solvent by putting them in the form of a slurry in the solvent and by agitating the slurry and/or by making the solvent circulate through it; the washed fibers are recovered from the slurry; and the recovered fibers are submitted to a stripping with steam in order to substantially remove the solvent.

Abstract: A method for separating a polymer from carbon black in devulcanized rubber, the method comprising steps of inserting devulcanized rubber into a bath of a solvent, dissolving a polymer out of the devulcanized rubber and into a solution of the solvent and the polymer, removing the solution from the bath without disturbing an un-dissolved residue comprising carbon black, and recovering the un-dissolved residue.

Abstract: Solid-state shear pulverization of semi-crystalline polymers and copolymers thereof and related methods for enhanced crystallization kinetics and physical/mechanical properties.

Abstract: Polyester compositions described herein have properties which are particularly suitable for extrusion blow molding (EBM). These properties relate primarily to the rate of crystallization and melt strength or melt viscosity. Articles prepared from the polyester compositions exhibit good clarity, aesthetics, and other physical properties. The polyester compositions also exhibit broad molecular weight distribution (MWD), resulting in improved processability and melt strength. The crystallization rate allows for good drying characteristics while also enabling the use of regrind. In addition, the compositions exhibit improved recyclability, such as in existing PET recycling streams. In one aspect, articles are prepared in an extrusion blow molding method by combining a dry first polyester copolymer component, a dry second polyester component, and a chain extender to form a feed material suitable for extrusion blow molding.

Abstract: A method of degrading a water-soluble, synthetic polymeric film being at least partially covered with a paint material. The method includes placing the film in an extractor apparatus and separating the paint material from the film. The paint material is collected from a water-based solution with a filtration media. The film is degraded in the extractor apparatus.

Abstract: A process for recycling a coloured thermoplastic material comprising an absorbed disperse dye comprises contacting the optionally comminuted coloured thermoplastic material with a caustic wash and recovering an at least partly colour-modified thermoplastic composition from the caustic wash.

Abstract: For processing of noble metal-containing, moist recycling materials with an unknown noble metal content (hereinafter called “batch”), a moisture-binding agent is added for homogenisation and the batch is mixed with comminution of optionally pre-sent agglomerates to form a free-flowing and homogenous powder. Optionally, the following takes place subsequently for analysis: A at least one representative, volume-reduced sample is taken first of all, B the sample is dried, C the sample is optionally divided further and D the sample is analyzed and the noble metal content of the batch is calculated on the basis of the data a previously known or pre-calculated quantity of the moisture-binding agent being added before sampling (step A).

Abstract: A method for preparing contaminated plastics ground into flakes, such as RPET or such polymers, having at least decontamination and SSP treatment steps, with at least one reactor, with heating to the process temperature taking place essentially outside the reactor. Also, a device for carrying out the method, and having at least one decontamination reactor and at least one SSP reactor, a device for heating plastic flakes to the process temperature being arranged upstream of the decontamination reactor. Also an SSP reactor having at least two individual reactors, and preferably between 3 and 7 individual reactors.

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 process for devulcanizing crosslinked elastomer particles comprising applying an alternating radio frequency dielectric field to a composition comprising crosslinked elastomer particles. The alternating radio frequency dielectric field preferably has a frequency between 1 and 100 MHz and a voltage between 1000 and 10,000 V.

Abstract: Provided is a method for recovering a polycarbonate resin from a discarded optical disk and/or a recovered optical disk, which has a polycarbonate resin substrate. The following process steps (I) and (II) are applied to a chemically treated product, which is obtained by crushing a discarded optical disk and/or a recovered optical disk, and chemically treating the resulting crushed product. Process step (I): a step containing (a) removing a magnetic metal foreign matter with a magnet, and (b) identifying a colored foreign matter with an optical camera, and removing the colored foreign matter. Process step (II): a step containing detecting the presence of a metal foreign matter with a metal foreign matter detector, and removing a resin containing the metal foreign matter.

Abstract: The invention relates a pyrolytic carbon black produced from pyrolyzed rubber, the pyrolytic carbon black having an ash content ranging between 9-15%, a toluene discoloration at 425 mu of between 80-90% transmission, an iodine adsorption between 30 and 45 mg/g; and, an n-dibutyl phthalate absorption number of or to 65 cc/100 gm.

Abstract: A process for making a carbonaceous material and a carbonous residue from scrap tires is disclosed. Tires are digested in an oil product. Steel and glass fibers are separated. A product enhancing additive comprising halogen based organic or inorganic compounds is added. The resulting carbonaceous material is then cured to create the final product. The produced carbonous residue is well suited for capture of mercury. The present invention has the benefits of providing a use for scrap tires that would otherwise require disposal in a landfill, and also produces a product useful for capturing a harmful element, thereby providing multiple environmental and economic benefits.

Abstract: A method of processing polymer materials, highly filled or otherwise to recover cyclic structures or monomers. The method involves providing a vessel having a heated side wall, an agitator, and at least one of an additional heated structure, other than the heated side wall, within the vessel and means for forming a thin coat of material processed in the vessel on said heated side wall. A polymer material is fed into the vessel and heated to a sufficient temperature to cause depolymerization of the polymer material into cyclic structures or monomers. The cyclic structures or monomers are removed from the vessel and collected. The method does not require the use of a solvent.

Abstract: Method for purifying a solution of at least one plastic in a solvent, the said solution comprising insolubles, whereby the solution is purified using a centrifugal settler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preferentially breaking cross-links in a vulcanised rubber, thereby de-vulcanising the rubber, by the use of a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide. The supercritical fluid maintained at an appropriate solubility parameter, swells the vulcanised rubber to a state of equilibrium swell. The cross links (3) become fully extended and under strain to hold the internal pressures caused by the solvent swelling affect of the supercritical gas. When equilibrium swell has been achieved, the pressure within the processing vessel is rapidly dropped to a level of not less than 60% of the level at which saturation took place, causing a degassing and expansion of the supercritical fluid that has been absorbed within the vulcanised rubber. The resulting three dimensional separation of the rubber molecules will put a further rapid strain on the cross links, causing them to break (7), thereby giving the affect of de-vulcanization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating non-biogenic plastic from biogenic waste. A stream of waste materials is delivered through an inlet into a conduit in which the biogenic waste drops out the bottom. The non-biogenic plastic is drawn upwardly by a separator in the form of pressurized gas fed tangentially through two ports in an opposite direction with each other to create a vacuum in the conduit.

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 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: The disclosure relates to methods and materials useful for depolymerizing a polymer. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosure provides a method for depolymerizing a polymer containing electrophilic linkages, wherein the method comprises contacting the polymer with a nucleophilic reagent in the presence of a guanidine-containing compound. The methods and materials of the disclosure find utility, for example, in the field of waste reclamation and recycling.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with coagulated aqueous polymer dispersions to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making shapeable composites in the form of finely divided materials or articles and the materials and articles produced by the methods, the methods comprising forming mixtures by (i) treating an aqueous thermoplastic acrylic or vinyl polymer to increase the particle size thereof to a weight average particle size of 1 ?m or more, and, optionally, dewatering to form a crumb mixture; and (ii) combining a thermoplastic acrylic or vinyl polymer with one or more waste rubber vulcanizate having a sieve particle size ranging from 10 to 600 ?m in the amount of from 15 to 95 wt. %, based on the total weight of polymer and rubber to form a crumb slurry, such that (ii) can take place before, during, after (i) but before any dewatering, or after any dewatering; and (iii) thermoplastic processing the mixture. Thermoplastic processing can directly form articles, like sheets or films. The shapeable composites have excellent adhesion to other materials.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a cured elastomer material in the form of crumb or chips, comprising mixing the elastomer material with a devulcanization-aiding chemical composition and performing devulcanization by applying a shear-stress deformation while performing a mechanical disintegration into fine-ground crumbs under a controllable temperature not exceeding about 90 degrees C.

Abstract: A method and device for reprocessing used plastic containers, especially PET bottles, by analyzing the degree of contamination of the plastic, determining the decontamination process parameters as a function of the degree of contamination found in the analyzing step, and conducting a controlled decontamination of the plastic according to the decontamination process parameters thus determined. With this method and this device, it is thus possible to perform the decontamination process step in a controlled manner, yielding a more economical reprocessing method.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a tetraol PFPE derivative [tetraol (T)] of formula (I): HO—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—O—CH2—CF2—O—Rf—CF2—CH2O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2OH, wherein Rf represents a fluoropolyoxyalkene chain (chain Rf), from a mixture (M) of hydroxyl (per)fluoropolyether derivatives, said mixture comprising said tetraol (T) and at least one hydroxyl (per)fluoropolyether [PFPE (OH)] comprising a chain Rf terminated with at least one end group of formula: —CF2CH2OH; —CF2CH2O—CH(OH)—CH2—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2OH; said process comprising: step 1: reacting the mixture (M) with ketones and/or aldehydes so as to selectively protect couples of hydroxyl groups on vicinal carbon atoms by forming corresponding cyclic ketal/acetal derivatives, so as to yield a protected mixture (P); step 2: reacting residual hydroxyl groups of the mixture (P) with suitable functionalizing agents enabling substantial volatility modification, so as to obtain a functionalized protected mixture (Pf); step 3: fractional distillation of the mixture (Pf) so a

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing a polyester with caustic material including providing a polyester, preferably PET, mixing the polyester with the caustic material; and heating the mixture in temperature stages defined as a function of a reaction sequence of the reaction between the PET and the caustic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preferentially breaking cross-links in a vulcanized rubber, thereby de-vulcanizing the rubber, by the use of a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide. The supercritical fluid maintained at an appropriate solubility parameter, swells the vulcanized rubber to a state of equilibrium swell. The cross links become fully extended and under strain to hold the internal pressures caused by the solvent swelling affect of the supercritical gas. When equilibrium swell has been achieved, the pressure within the processing vessel is rapidly dropped to a predetermined level causing a degassing and expansion of the supercritical fluid that has been absorbed within the vulcanized rubber. The resulting three dimensional separation of the rubber molecules will put a further rapid strain on the cross links, causing them to break, thereby giving the affect of de-vulcanization.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with one or more aqueous polymer dispersion of a suspension polymer to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and, optionally, subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading and/or compression molding the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.

Abstract: A process for recovering waste latex material from a manufacturing plant, treating the recovered waste latex material, and subsequently utilizing the recovered and treated waste latex material in a manufacturing plant. Waste latex material is recovered and treated to provide a fine, sand-like material that is suitable for reintroduction into a latex adhesive manufacturing process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a process for processing post-consumer polymer. The polymer is contacted with a control medium having a carrier gas and a reactive vapor. Such a process is useful for processing post-consumer polymers with lower energy and reactants than with liquid reactants, and also promotes decontamination of the recycled polymer during the reaction.

Abstract: A surfacing composition made of recycled paint, which requires no priming, has a non-reflective “flat” appearance, and is partially composed of dried paint. The composition provides a useful application for used or excess household paint, which would otherwise require special methods of disposal and potentially create future toxic cleanup problems. The composition is made of granular dried paint and a water-based sealer, which can be spread on a surface to repair imperfections. The surface can then be finished, and no priming is required. Due to the composition's flat appearance, the patch does not display any characteristic sheen where the repair has been made. The composition provides a simple means of recycling paint, and provides a simple and inexpensive means of repairing imperfections in walls and other surfaces while saving the step of priming the patch before painting or repainting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recycling waste plastic can convert the waste plastic into a form of purified crude oil that includes one or more organic molecular species and that is free, or substantially free, of impurities such as acids and metals. In some systems and methods, the plastic is heated under vacuum conditions to effect depolymerization of the plastic, which yields a vapor, and the vapor is then directly contacted with a pH adjusted solution in a vapor treatment system. In some systems and methods, a continuous batch process is employed.

Abstract: A method for re-mobilizing superabsorbent polymer particles which have previously been immobilized by a solidified thermoplastic composition comprising at least 30 weight-% of a thermoplastic polymer. The superabsorbent polymer particles are separated from the solidified thermoplastic composition by using a supercritical fluid comprising carbon dioxide, propane, or mixtures thereof. Separation may be further improved by the use of one or more co-solvents.

Abstract: Solid waste that includes a mixture of wet organic material and dry organic material can be are separated using mechanical separation to produce a wet organic stream enriched in wet organics and a dry organic stream enriched in dry organics. The separated wet organic stream and dry organic stream are separately converted to renewable or recyclable products using different conversion techniques particularly suited for the separated wet and dry organic streams.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprising recovered poly(arylene ether), less than or equal to 0.1 weight percent based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition of a second recovered thermoplastic that gives off greater than or equal to 10 percent by mass of volatiles at a processing temperature for the thermoplastic composition; 0.025 to 4.0 weight percent, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition, of a third recovered thermoplastic selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polycarbonate, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene blend, polymethyl methacrylate, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate/polyester blend and combinations of two or more of the foregoing third recovered thermoplastics, wherein combinations of two or more of the foregoing third recovered thermoplastics are present in an amount of less than or equal to 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition; and an optional virgin thermoplastic.

Abstract: A coated fabric with a first fabric layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first fabric layer is comprised of a first polymer, and a first coating layer that is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of the first fabric layer, wherein the first coating layer is comprised of the first polymer is disclosed. Fabricating the coated fabric can comprise providing a fabric, and applying or bonding at least a portion of a polymeric layer onto at least a portion of a first surface. The coated fabrics can advantageously serve as a protective barrier against natural elements with a long service life. One of more coated fabrics can act as a barrier to prevent seepage of water into the ground and/or serve as a surface for printing and decoration. The present coated fabrics can also be tailored to specific applications.

Abstract: Process for devolatilization of a polymer of an aromatic alkylene, such as styrene and, in particular, an improved process using water as a stripping agent (i) in which the total amount of water to be disposed of can be reduced, (ii) which allows at least a portion of the water to be recycled as stripping agent, reducing make-up requirements for the stripping agent, and (iii) which allows at least a portion of the aromatic alkylene monomer in the water to be recycled to the polymerization process (via the devolatilization steps) rather than being disposed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing waste materials and for manufacturing composite materials are disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, the heterogeneous waste includes a plastic component and a non-plastic component, and the non-plastic component includes a plurality of pieces of waste. The heterogeneous waste is heated to melt at least a portion of said plastic component and reducing a volume of said heterogeneous waste, and then mixed (e.g. by rotating a mixing chamber or by stirring) until at least some said pieces are each encapsulated by the melted plastic component. Upon cooling, the mixture optionally sets into a composite material. The presently disclosed invention does not require pre-sorting of the heterogeneous waste and is operative to process “as is” waste. Optionally, the waste is pre-sorted.

Abstract: A decomposition reaction apparatus for the decomposition treatment of a thermosetting resin, which comprises a reaction apparatus comprising an introduction section for introducing a resin composition containing the thermosetting resin and a solvent containing a monomer component of the thermosetting resin or a component similar to the monomer component, a decomposition reaction section for heating and pressuring the resin composition and the above solvent so as for the solvent to have a supercritical state or a subcritical state, to thereby prepare a treated and recovered product containing a recycled resin formed by the reduction of the molecular weight of the above thermosetting resin, and a discharge section for discharging the treated and recovered product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preferentially breaking cross-links in a vulcanized rubber, thereby de-vulcanizing the rubber, by the use of a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide The supercritical fluid causes swelling of the said vulcanized rubber material, wherein the time of swelling is not more than 50% of the time required for full volume equilibrium swelling of the rubber in said supercritical fluid and the swelling is followed by a rapid reduction of the supercritical fluid pressure The cross links (3) become fully extended and under strain to hold the internal pressures caused by the solvent swelling affect of the supercritical gas When equilibrium swell has been achieved, the pressure within the processing vessel is rapidly dropped to a predetermined level causing a degassing and expansion of the supercritical fluid that has been absorbed within the vulcanized rubber The resulting three dimensional separation of the rubber molecules will put a further rapid strain on the cross l

Abstract: Methods for the purification of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers are provided.

Abstract: A process for making a solid component out of recycled paint sludge is provided. The process can include providing a paint sludge and providing a second material. Thereafter, the paint sludge and the second material are mixed to produce a paint sludge-second material mixture. The paint sludge-second material mixture is processed in order to produce a polymer containing precursor. The processing can include granulating or densifying the paint sludge-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: A surfacing composition made of recycled paint, which requires no priming, has a non-reflective “flat” appearance, and is partially composed of dried paint. The composition provides a useful application for used or excess household paint, which would otherwise require special methods of disposal and potentially create future toxic cleanup problems. The composition is made of granular dried paint and a water-based sealer, which can be spread on a surface to repair imperfections. The surface can then be finished, and no priming is required. Due to the composition's flat appearance, the patch does not display any characteristic sheen where the repair has been made. The composition provides a simple means of recycling paint, and provides a simple and inexpensive means of repairing imperfections in walls and other surfaces while saving the step of priming the patch before painting or repainting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recycling plastic materials which contain at least two polymers, copolymers or blends thereof based on polystyrene. The plastic material is thereby mixed with a solvent for the polymers, copolymers or blends. Subsequently a precipitation is effected by addition of a corresponding precipitant so that then the gelatinous precipitation product can be separated from the further components of the plastic material. The method is used for recycling of any plastic materials, in particular of plastic materials from electronic scrap processing and from shredder light fractions.