Abstract: Disclosed are methods for polypropylene decomposition. Also disclosed are products obtained from the decomposition polypropylene including carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, nitro-substituted carboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids; as well as the salts, esters, and anhydrides thereof.

Abstract: Methods of depolymerizing polyolefin-based material into useful petrochemical products using supported metal oxides and heat are described. The supported metal oxides improve the depolymerization reaction by decreasing the half time for the depolymerization, which results in a higher depolymerization rate and a shorter residence time in the depolymerization unit, allowing for a predictable depolymerization reaction, and decreasing the branching or aromatic formations in the product.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for the production of a recycled polystyrene. The composition comprises polystyrene, ethylbenzene and a non-solvent having a boiling point at 1 atm of pressure of from 98° C. to 110° C. There is also provided a method of using ethylbenzene and a non-solvent having a boiling point at 1 atm of pressure of from 98° C. to 110° C. The method comprises mixing together the ethylbenzene, the non-solvent and polystyrene for recycling the polystyrene.

Abstract: An improved method forms and employs a wax to modify asphalt. The method includes: (a) selecting a solid polymeric material, (b) heating the solid polymeric material in an extruder to produce a molten polymeric material, (c) filtering the molten polymeric material, (d) placing the molten polymeric material through a chemical depolymerization process in a reactor to produce a depolymerized polymeric material, and (e) adding the depolymerized material to a pre-wax mixture to produce a polymer-modified asphalt. The addition of wax reduced the mixing time necessary to achieve improved polymer dispersion compared to the control formulation modified bitumen and reduced the viscosity of the neat bitumen. Pre-polymer addition of wax is detrimental to most properties of the resulting modified asphalt. Post-polymer addition improved viscosity reduction, higher softening point and improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recycling polyolefin, comprising the steps of: 1) feeding a solid post-consumer polyolefin composition comprising polyolefin and contaminants and a flow of an extraction fluid to an extractor having a pressure of 100-1000 bar and a temperature of 20-80° C. to obtain a solid extracted composition, 2) melting the solid extracted composition to obtain a melted composition, 3) providing particles from the melted composition by: 3a) mixing a flow of a supercritical fluid in the melted composition in a pressure vessel to obtain a solution saturated with the supercritical fluid and 3b) passing the solution from the pressure vessel through a throttling device to a spraying tower to expand the solution to obtain polyolefin particles in the spraying tower.

Abstract: Processes for recycling polystyrene waste. The processes can comprise dissolving the polystyrene waste in ethylbenzene under conditions to obtain a polystyrene/ethylbenzene mixture, adding the polystyrene/ethylbenzene mixture to a hydrocarbon polystyrene non-solvent under conditions to obtain precipitated polystyrene and washing the precipitated polystyrene with additional portions of hydrocarbon polystyrene non-solvent under conditions to obtain twice-washed polystyrene. The twice-washed polystyrene can optionally be dried and formed into polystyrene pellets. There is also provided recycled polystyrene obtained from such processes for recycling polystyrene waste.

Abstract: A dynamic process for upcycling polymers. Polymers from a diverse post-consumer waste stream are gathered in a mixture. The mixture is extruded and combined with a liquid additive containing a particular PE wax at the verge of polymerization. The liquid additive is repolymerized into LDPE to form pellets. The pellets are delivered into a reactor and submerged in a suitable solvent to dissolve the LDPE. Causing a gradual and orderly separation of the remaining polymers from one another, resulting in a layered substrate. The suitable solvent, enzymes or depolymerizing compatible chemical is delivered into the reactor through independent pipes attached to tanks containing the suitable depolymerizing agent. The process repeats depolymerizing the layered substrate layer by layer with additional suitable solvents/enzymes or depolymerizing agents for each of the polymers resulting in the dissolving of the remaining polymers in an orderly manner producing a layered wax-like material for upcycling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recycling polyolefin containing waste by using a solvent with a specific Hansen parameter and contacting this mixture with a liquid filtration aid before separating the polyolefin from the mixture. The method includes the steps of mixing the polyolefin containing waste with a solvent having a Hansen parameter ?H from 0.0 to 3.0 MPa1/2; contacting this mixture with a liquid filtration aid having a Hansen parameter ?H>4.0 MPa1/2; and separating the polyolefin from the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of continuously recycling thermoset plastic waste. The method includes crushing the thermoset plastic waste into pieces with a diameter size suitable for being fed into an extruder. The method also includes purifying the thermoset plastic waste by cleaning the thermoset plastic waste using a cleaning agent to remove contaminants from the thermoset plastic waste. The method also includes extruding the thermoset plastic waste by using supercritical solvent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition and methods of making an adhesive from polystyrene, a terpene, and water.

Abstract: Described herein are depolymerized polystyrene resins derived from polystyrene source resins. The depolymerized polystyrene resins undergo a depolymerization in which chemical bonds are cleaved, producing depolymerized polystyrene resins of lower molecular weight. The polystyrene resins may be modified by chemical reaction with monomers, polymers, and oligomers, such as acrylates thereof. Also described are ink and coating compositions that include the depolymerized and modified polystyrene resins.

Abstract: An improved method forms and employs a wax to modify asphalt. The method includes: (a) selecting a solid polymeric material, (b) heating the solid polymeric material in an extruder to produce a molten polymeric material, (c) filtering the molten polymeric material, (d) placing the molten polymeric material through a chemical depolymerization process in a reactor to produce a depolymerized polymeric material, and (e) adding the depolymerized material to a pre-wax mixture to produce a polymer-modified asphalt. The addition of wax reduced the mixing time necessary to achieve improved polymer dispersion compared to the control formulation modified bitumen and reduced the viscosity of the neat bitumen. Pre-polymer addition of wax is detrimental to most properties of the resulting modified asphalt. Post-polymer addition improved viscosity reduction, higher softening point and improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of a composition comprising thermoplastics comprising introducing the composition into a reactor under reduction of oxygen content of the atmosphere, heating the composition in the presence of a solvent to liquefy the thermoplastics, separating insoluble fractions and recovering the liquefied thermoplastics which process is conducted in one reactor.

Abstract: An asphalt additive comprising a primary rheology modifying component and a secondary rheology modifying component, and asphalt compositions and products having such additive incorporated therein. The primary rheology modifying component is generally a polymer, and the secondary rheology modifying component may comprise a petroleum micro-wax.

Abstract: In this invention, a portion of the products from a pyrolysis reactor are reacted in a process to form one or more chemical intermediates.

Abstract: An asphalt additive comprising a primary rheology modifying component and a secondary rheology modifying component, and asphalt compositions and products having such additive incorporated therein. The primary rheology modifying component is generally a polymer, and the secondary rheology modifying component may comprise a petroleum micro-wax.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for processing and detoxification of a material, especially a thermoplastic material, and for removal of contaminants or impurities from this material, wherein the material is heated under vacuum in at least one receiving tank (1), mixed and possibly comminuted, and wherein a rinsing medium is introduced into the receiving tank (1) beneath the material level, conducted through at least a partial region of the material, and the rinsing medium enriched or saturated with contaminants is brought out from the receiving tank (1) once more.

Abstract: Methods of reclaiming plastic from plastic medical waste containers containing medical waste and manufacturing recycled medical devices are described. Recycled medical devices made from plastic medical waste containers containing medical waste are also described.

Abstract: This invention pertains to compositions and processes suitable for recycling post-consumer carpet tiles that comprise poly(trimethylene terephthalate) fibers and thermoplastic polyolefin backings. The compositions disclosed herein comprise poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and thermoplastic polyolefins, compositions which may or may not be mineral filled. Strong tough articles can be prepared by molding or extrusion of typical commercially available carpet tiles when combined with additional amounts of thermoplastic polyolefin, whether filled or unfilled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solvent-based separation method for the total material recycling of materials used in nonwoven, woven, and tufted wares into the individual material components thereof sorted by type. At least one of the materials contains a polyolefin wax. As a solvent and/or swelling agent, halogen-free, aliphatic hydrocarbons or aromatic hydrocarbons or a mixture of one or several of said solvents are used.

Abstract: Compositions containing a turpentine liquid and methods are disclosed for dissolving, dissolving via melting, selectively dissolving via melting, decomposing plastic comprising a chlorine-containing polymer or thermosetting polymer, and/or co-dissolving plastic with fossil fuel for purifying, separating, recovering or recycling plastic-containing material.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide titanium oxide granules that have a novel structure and have a characteristic of highly efficient decomposing capability, and a method of decomposing plastic and organic waste by using the granules. The present invention has been completed based on the finding that a method of decomposing plastic waste by using titanium oxide granules having a transition metal and/or a transition metal oxide, in particular copper, supported thereon enables decomposition of plastic waste at extremely high efficiency in a low-temperature region for a long period of time as compared to methods of decomposing plastic waste by using the related-art titanium oxide granules.

Abstract: A method of processing waste carpet or matting material to separate constituent materials thereof, includes optionally drying the material and then cooling the material to a temperature at which at least one constituent material therein is embrittled. A mechanical force is applied to the cooled material causing the embrittled constituent material to break into fragments. Optionally, the material from the previous step is dried. The material is then separated to separate the fragments of constituent material from other constituent material. The carpet material can be initially shredded into coarse pieces. The procedure may be repeated optionally with different temperatures to selectively embrittle and fragment different components and facilitate their separation.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for development of sustainable materials based upon a method of thermoplastic polymer recycling with a solvent that is also a monomer for renewable polymer synthesis. By combining petroleum-derived polymers with bio-based monomer feedstocks, biphasic, blended polymer products are produced and are shown to exhibit facile tunability of physical and material properties. This one-pot, solvent-based recycling approach yields neat recycled products without the use of solvent evaporation or solute precipitation, and the functional utility of the resulting polymer blends greatly exceeds that of either homopolymer alone.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for recycling of plastic waste comprising: segregating plastic waste collected from various sources followed by cleaning of the segregated plastic waste to obtain segregated cleaned waste; grinding of the segregated cleaned waste to obtain grinded waste; introducing the grinded waste into an extrusion line having a venting extruder component as part of the extrusion line, to obtain molten plastic; and removing the impurities by vacuum venting of the molten plastic to obtained recycled plastic free from impurities. The present disclosure further relates to various articles like Industrial Post Recycled (IPR) plastic tubes, blow moulded bottles, pallates, manufactured from the recycled plastic waste.

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: A process for creating polyolefin blends from waste streams with controlled rheological properties can include processing a waste stream to make a mixture comprising a mixture comprising polypropylene and polyethylene and compounding the mixture with one or more peroxides or nitroxides to produce a polyolefin blend. For example, a process can include: determining the required melt flow rate of the end product; determining the ratio of polyethylene to polypropylene to achieve the required melt flow rate; effecting a separation of polypropylene from polyethylene to achieve the desired composition; determining the amount of peroxide or peroxide concentrate required to increase the melt flow rate to the required level; melt compounding the mixture; evaluating the melt flow rate of the product; and adjusting the composition of polyethyelene and polypropylene or the amount of peroxide added if necessary to achieve the required melt flow rate.

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: 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 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: Compositions containing a turpentine liquid and methods are disclosed for dissolving, dissolving via melting, selectively dissolving via melting, decomposing plastic comprising a chlorine-containing polymer or thermosetting polymer, and/or co-dissolving plastic with fossil fuel for purifying, separating, recovering or recycling plastic-containing material.

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: 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: The present invention relates to construction material obtained by recycling fire-resistant Styrofoam waste, and to a method for preparing same. The present invention relates to recycled construction material made from fire-resistant Styrofoam waste, which is prepared by: mixing water, liquid soap, and a mixture consisting of 2 to 8 wt % of fire-resistant Styrofoam waste, 50 to 70 wt % of cement, 20 to 30 wt % of steel sludge, and 5 to 10 wt % of pearlite; and injection-molding or compression-molding the resultant mixture.

Abstract: A stone based copolymer substrate includes calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from approximately fifty to eighty-five percent (50-85%) by weight and varying in size generally from 1.0 to 3.0 microns, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from approximately two to twenty-five percent (2-25%) by weight and a biopolymer from approximately two to twenty-five percent (2-25%) by weight. The substrate may include a biodegradation additive from approximately three fourths of a percent to two percent (0.75-2%) by weight. By selectively adjusting the ranges of the substrate's components, various products can be made to replace current tree-based and plastic-based products. The substrate can be configured to be tear proof, water proof, fade resistant and fire retardant while utilizing less energy and producing less waste during its manufacture. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the stone used in the substrate includes limestone.

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.

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: A process for creating polyolefin blends from waste streams with controlled rheological properties can include processing a waste stream to make a mixture comprising a mixture comprising polypropylene and polyethylene and compounding the mixture with one or more peroxides or nitroxides to produce a polyolefin blend. For example, a process can include: determining the required melt flow rate of the end product; determining the ratio of polyethylene to polypropylene to achieve the required melt flow rate; effecting a separation of polypropylene from polyethylene to achieve the desired composition; determining the amount of peroxide or peroxide concentrate required to increase the melt flow rate to the required level; melt compounding the mixture; evaluating the melt flow rate of the product; and adjusting the composition of polyethyelene and polypropylene or the amount of peroxide added if necessary to achieve the required melt flow rate.

Abstract: A process for removing a contaminant from post consumer recycled (PCR) plastic is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of comminuting the PCR, to prepare particles having a particle size from about 0.001 inch to about 0.15 inch, wherein the PCR plastic is not polyethylene terephthalate; and driving the contaminant out of the plastic particles by causing the contaminant to diffuse out of the plastic particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the pH value and/or for neutralizing acid and/or basic compounds, in particular degradation or decomposition products, as part of the reprocessing and recycling of in particular thermoplastic materials, in the course of which the polymer particles are permanently moved and heated in a reactor, wherein at least one filler is added for neutralization purposes, specifically in a quantity which corresponds at least to the anticipated acid or alkali load.

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: In one embodiment, a block copolymer-containing composition includes PS-b-PXVP and a lithium salt, where “X” is 2 or 4. All lithium salt is present in the composition at no greater than 1 ppm by weight. In one embodiment, a homogenous block copolymer-including comprising has PS-b-PXVP present in the composition at no less than 99.99998% by weight, where “X” is 2 or 4. Methods of forming such compositions are disclosed.

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 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: The present invention provides a recycled building material such as roof/Geo membrane that comprises (i) a polyolefin, (ii) a polymer containing a carboxyl group or a hydroxyl group, and (iii) a compatabilizer for the components (i) and (ii) which contains an epoxy group or an anhydride group. The present invention also provides a method of recycling building material as well as an article of manufacture such as a TPO membrane using the recycled building material. The TPO membrane has gained better physical properties such as consistent product quality, tensile strength, tear strength, wind resistance, and avoidance of tedious screening processes, among others.

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 present invention relates to a process for the treatment of waste in a reactor (3) comprising the steps of combining the waste to be processed and an aqueous, alkaline solution to form a reaction mixture, heating the reaction mixture to a temperature range between 140° C. to 250° C. and a pressure between 3 bar and 12 bar to produce at least one aqueous, organic phase, a gas phase and optionally a solid phase, removing the gas phase from the reactor (3), separating the organic and aqueous components of the gas phase, in particular by means of a rectification column and feeding the aqueous components of the gas phase back into the reactor.