Abstract: A process for the continuous thermal treatment of mixed substances, especially of solutions, suspensions and emulsions, wherein the continuous treatment of the mixed substances is divided into a main vaporization and a degassing stage, in which instance the main vaporization and the degassing take place in each case takes place in a separate mixer-kneader.

Abstract: Methods of making ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UMWPE) having increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as high yield strength, high tensile strength, high load strength, and/or high impact strength. Some embodiments include making UHMWPE having increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as that listed above, where the UHMWPE has co-monomers.

Abstract: The present case relates to a process for the purification of lactide from a crude lactide vapor product stream which process comprises a rectification/condensation step leading to a lactide-enriched condensate.

Abstract: Process for the purification of a vinyl chloride polymer (PVC) comprising at least one compound of a heavy metal, according to which: (a) the PVC is dissolved in a water-miscible polar organic solvent; (b) an aqueous solution comprising a reagent, which is either a base capable of reacting with the compound of the heavy metal (R1) or a dispersing agent capable of stabilizing the said compound (R2), is added to the organic solution, the water being introduced in an amount (Q) such that it brings about the formation of a two-phase medium, the continuous phase of which is the organic phase; (c) the two-phase medium is subjected to stirring for a time sufficient for the reagent to be able to interact with (exert its effect on) the compound of the heavy metal; (d) the precipitation of the PVC out of this two-phase medium is brought about.

Abstract: A method for producing an aromatic compound polymer comprising oxidatively polymerizing one or more of aromatic compound(s) having two or more hydrogen atoms directly connected to aromatic ring(s), in the presence of an oxidizing agent, wherein the method employs a catalyst composed of a transition metal complex or a catalyst prepared from a transition metal complex and an activating agent, and said catalyst has a parameter P defined by the following formula (A) of 0.50 or more, and a parameter Eo defined by the following formula (B) of 0.50 [V] or more: P=Af/Ai??(A) and Eo=(Epa+Epc)/2 [V]??(B).

Abstract: A method of producing an embedded recycled container sheet includes: (a) providing a plurality of empty recycled plastic containers; (b) flattening the plurality of empty recycled plastic containers to reduce their width by at least 80%; (c) providing a base substrate of plastic; (d) placing the plurality of flattened, empty recycled plastic containers on the base substrate; and, (e) applying a molten top layer of plastic on the plurality of flattened, empty recycled plastic containers and on the base substrate, and cooling the molten top layer, so as to embed the plurality of empty recycled plastic containers between the top layer and the base substrate. A method of producing product from the resulting sheet involves creating the product using a processing step selected from the group consisting of molding, casting, cutting, machining, and combinations of these.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for restoring adhesive strength of an adhesive that has lost at least some of its adhesive strength includes applying a restoration agent to the adhesive. In one embodiment, a selectively-releasable adhesive includes a copolymer formed from a multifunctional alcohol and a multifunctional carboxylic acid, wherein the copolymer has been cured the equivalent of less than approximately 9 hours at approximately 120° C. and 100 milliTorr.

Abstract: A loose mixture formed of one or more solid inert materials and a hardenable resin dissolved in an organic solvent, in particular the remainder of the initial mix used for the manufacture of conglomerate stone sheets, is rendered inert by means of dielectric heating at a frequency of less than 300 MHz. A plant for implements a method where a loose mixture is formed of one or more solid inert materials and a hardenable resin dissolved in an organic solvent, in particular the remainder of the initial mix used for the manufacture of conglomerate stone sheets, is rendered inert by means of dielectric heating at a frequency of less than 300 MHz.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparing method of polyols, polyurethane and polyurethane foams using the same. Polyester, polyamide and polyurethane are depolymerized with the polymeric fatty acid mono(polyhydroxyl alcohol)ide composition and additionally reacted with the polybasic acid, polyol and amine to prepare acid value of 05-˜1 mgKOH/g, hydroxyl value of 10˜500 mgKOH/g, and amine value of 1˜50 mgKOH/g in polyol. This is to transform the double bond of the unsaturated fatty acid from the component of the oils and fats into a conjugated double bond to induce the Diels-Alder reaction, and with the improvement of the reactivity to form a stable combination in the chemical structure to prevent the separate leaching appearance of fat and fatty oil from the final product. In particular, by recycling waste edible oil and waste synthetic resin that can be employed as industrially useful material, the invention provides environment advantages.

Abstract: A basket is made from embedded recycled container sheet. The basket includes: a side wall and a bottom, the side wall and the bottom being connected to one another in the shape of a basket with an open top, the side wall being, at least in part, a plurality of flattened recycled containers embedded therein, and each of the plurality of flattened recycled containers being visibly recognizable. In some embodiments, the basket also includes a hanging mechanism attached to at least one of the side wall and the bottom. The side wall has a footprint that may be circular, conical, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal or irregular.

Abstract: An embedded recycled container sheet binder includes a front cover and a back cover, the front cover and the back cover being connected to one another for opening and closing, at least one of the front cover and the back cover being, at least in part, a plurality of flattened recycled containers embedded in a plastic base, and each of the plurality of flattened recycled containers being visibly recognizable. The plurality of flattened recycled containers is preferably embedded between a base substrate of plastic and a top layer of plastic. The base substrate is a recycled plastic base substrate selected from the group consisting of clear plastic, opaque plastic, colored plastic and combinations thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the embedded recycled container sheet binder the top layer is a recycled plastic selected from the group consisting of clear plastic, opaque plastic and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Articles made of and/or including ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UMWPE) having increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as high yield strength, high tensile strength, high load strength, and/or high impact strength. Some embodiments of articles made of and/or including UHMWPE having increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as that listed above, include UHMWPE having co-monomers.

Abstract: A macromolecule including a polymer and a polyhedral radical chemically bonded to a terminus of the polymer provides numerous processing and performance advantages. Further functionalization of this macromolecule also is described as being advantageous in certain circumstances. Methods of providing, functionalizing, and utilizing the macromolecule also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precipitation process for removing transition metals from polymer solutions. Specifically, it comprises the removal of transition metal complexes which usually comprise copper from polymer solutions after a completed atom transfer radical polymerization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to mechanically destroy printer toner cartridges and reclaim their constituent materials under a water shielded environment while providing a safer and more environmentally friendly recycling system. The present invention is an economical system that provides greater protection from possible fire or explosion and releases less irritating or possibly harmful airborne contamination than the currently available systems.

Abstract: Dendritic polymers with enhanced amplification and interior functionality are disclosed. These dendritic polymers are made by use of fast, reactive ring-opening chemistry (or other fast reactions) combined with the use of branch cell reagents in a controlled way to rapidly and precisely build dendritic structures, generation by generation, with cleaner chemistry, often single products, lower excesses of reagents, lower levels of dilution, higher capacity method, more easily scaled to commercial dimensions, new ranges of materials, and lower cost. The dendritic compositions prepared have novel internal functionality, greater stability (e.g., thermal stability and less or no reverse Michael's reaction), and reach encapsulation surface densities at lower generations. Unexpectedly, these reactions of polyfunctional branch cell reagents with polyfunctional cores do not create cross-linked materials.

Abstract: Synthetic resin containing ester bond is subjected to hydrolysis treatment to reclaim raw material component before polymerization. Method for decomposing and reclaiming synthetic resin having ester bond in composition structure thereof, by conducting hydrolysis treatment and then separation collection treatment. In the hydrolysis treatment, article containing synthetic resin to be decomposed and reclaimed is exposed to water vapor atmosphere filled under saturation water vapor pressure at treatment temperature at or below melting point of the synthetic resin. The synthetic resin in article to be treated is hydrolyzed by water vapor generated at the treatment temperature, to generate decomposition product before polymerizing to the synthetic resin containing an ester bond. The separation collection treatment is treatment in which the decomposition product generated by the hydrolysis treatment is separated into liquid component and solid component to be collected individually.

Abstract: Poly(ester-acrylate) and poly(ester/epoxide) dendrimers. These materials can be synthesized by utilizing the so-called “sterically induced stoichiometric” principles. The preparation of the dendrimers is carried out by reacting precursor amino/polyamino-functional core materials with various branch cell reagents. The branch cell reagents are dimensionally large, relative to the amino/polyamino-initiator core and when reacted, produce generation=1 dendrimers directly in one step. There is also a method by which the dendrimers can be stabilized and that method is the reaction of the dendrimers with surface reactive molecules to pacify the reactive groups on the dendrimers.

Abstract: A method for reprocessing used PET bottles having the step of shredding the bottles to form plastic flakes, sorting the plastic flakes according to at least one criterion into at least two partial quantities, and performing an individual processing treatment including a decontamination treatment. The device permits performing the method whereby it is possible to separate the plastic flakes produced from the threaded part of a PET bottle, these flakes being more difficult to purify, from the lighter plastic flakes from the wall of the bottle, which have a thin wall and are easier to purify, and treating them further in separate reprocessing steps.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating a sealing compound, in order to recover from the inside of a pneumatic tire the sealing compound that was used for repairing a puncture, the sealing compound including an aqueous solution having at least rubber latex dispersed therein, the method comprising: solid-liquid separating, by injecting a treating agent into the inside of a pneumatic tire into which the sealing compound was injected, the treating agent comprising at least one of a salt that is a reaction compound of an acid and a base and/or a water-soluble organic solvent, mixing the treating agent with the sealing compound inside the pneumatic tire, and aggregating and solidifying the rubber latex in the sealing compound.

Abstract: A hardmask composition includes an organic solvent and one or more aromatic ring-containing polymers represented by Formula 1, 2 and 3:

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydrolyzing polyphosphoric acid in shaped articles.

Abstract: A method for reprocessing used PET bottles having the steps of shredding the bottles to form plastic flakes, sorting the plastic flakes according to at least one criterion into at least two partial quantities, and performing an individual processing treatment including a decontamination treatment. The device permits performing the method whereby it is possible to separate the plastic flakes produced from the threaded part of a PET bottle, these flakes being more difficult to purify, from the lighter plastic flakes from the wall of the bottle, which have a thin wall and are easier to purify, and treating them further in separate reprocessing steps.

Abstract: A method for reformulating reclaimed, contaminated mixed waste plastics into useful articles wherein a plurality of batches of the mixed waste plastics are preprocessed to produce substantially homogeneous mixtures of a desired particle size range that are characterized according to their respective apparent densities, and are thereafter blended to produce a mixed plastic feed material having a rheology predetermined to be desirable for reprocessing into at least one of such useful articles.

Abstract: To provide a copolymer for semiconductor lithography employed for forming a resist film as well as thin films such as an anti-reflection film, a gap-filling film, a top coating film, etc. which are formed on or under a resist film, these films being employed in semiconductor lithography, wherein the copolymer has excellent solubility in a solution of a thin film-forming composition and prevents generation of microparticles (e.g., microgel) and pattern defects, and to provide a method for producing the copolymer reliably on an industrial scale.

Abstract: Color is removed from polymeric material by a method which comprises contacting a dyed or pigmented polymer composition with a non-aqueous extraction solvent comprising a nitrogen containing organic base, an ammonium salt and an alkanol. The present method is readily applied to a process for recycling colored polyamide substrates such as dyed nylon fiber.

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: The static devolatilisation apparatus serves to treat a liquid (7) containing polymers for the purpose of polymer devolatilisation. Volatile components are separated from the polymers in that the liquid standing under pressure is expanded in at least one phase separation chamber (2) in the upper regions of the container (10). A discharge pump (3) for the devolatilised polymer is located at the base of a sump region. An extraction line (4) for gases (8) is located in the upper region. The separation chamber includes an inlet (20) for the liquid to be treated, lower openings (210) for polymer discharge and at least a single upper opening (220) for gas discharge.

Abstract: Process for heating a polymer-containing stream being transferred from a polymerization reactor to a degassing vessel operating at a pressure between 6 bara and 12 bara. The process includes passing the stream through a heater comprising a transfer line for the stream and a device for heating the transfer line. The ratio of the stream velocity at the outlet of the heater to that at the inlet, Vo/Vi, is at least 1.1, typically between 1.2 and 4, and the total specific heat transfer area of the transfer line is at least 0.5 m2 per tonne/h of production of polymer. The pressure drop across the length of the heater is less than 0.5 bar per tonne/h of polymer, such that at least 90 mol % of the hydrocarbon fluids withdrawn from the polymerization reactor operation are vaporized before entry into the degassing vessel.

Abstract: A method of recycling waste plastic foam materials firstly is to smash a waste material including polyurethane foam into fine particles so as to obtain a first starting material. The first starting material is then crisped and followingly milled into powder so as to obtain a second starting material. The second starting material is then placed into a mixer to mix with a first foaming reaction solution including polyol, catalyst and additives injected into the mixer so as to form a semi-treated foaming material. And then, the semi-treated foaming material is mixed with a second foaming reaction solution including diisocyanate injected into the mixer so as to obtain a completed-treated foaming material. Lastly, the completed-treated foaming material is poured into a mold and then water vapor is uniformly introduced into the mold so as to induce the completed-treated foaming material to proceed foaming reaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing polystyrene. The method includes the steps: using at least one scrapped surface heat exchanger (160) to heat a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent to provide a heated solution of polystyrene dissolved in the organic solvent, and separating the dissolved polystyrene from the organic solvent. The apparatus includes: a holding tank at least partly filled with a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent, at least one scrapped surface heat exchanger (160), and a separator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recycling polyesters or polyester mixtures from polyester-containing waste, in which the polyester or the polyester mixture is dissolved in a solvent and subsequently free-flowing particles are precipitated herefrom with a precipitant. The precipitant is thereby chosen such that subsequent separation of precipitant and solvent is made possible in a simple manner.

Abstract: Compositions of matter including articles derived from (a) from 5 to 99.99 wt % of a modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymer that (1) is derived from polyethylene terephthalate and (2) contains a at least one residue derived from polyethylene terephthalate selected from the group consisting of antimony, germanium, diethylene glycol groups, isophthalic acid groups, cis isomer of cyclohexane dimethanol, trans isomer of cyclohexane dimethanol, sodium benzoate, alkali salts, napthalane dicarboxylic acids, 1,3-propane diols, cobalt, cobalt-containing compounds, and combinations thereof, and (b) from 0.01 to 95 wt. % of a member selected from the group consisting of (1) fillers, (2) a carboxy reactive component, (3) polyethyelene terephthalate, (4) a component including a polycarbonate and an impact modifier. The articles may be derived from various conversion processes, e.g., injection molding processes, extrusion processes, thermoforming processes, melt-blown process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing polyamine-epihalohydrin resins having reduced levels of residuals. The process comprises (a) charging a membrane separation apparatus with an aqueous composition comprising at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, and (b) separating the aqueous composition into a permeate and a retentate by passing the aqueous composition through the membrane of the membrane separation apparatus. The retentate comprises at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin having lower levels of residuals on an equal active component basis than the aqueous composition of (a). The permeate comprises residuals removed from the aqueous composition of (a) and less than 5% by weight of the active component of said at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin. The polyamine-epihalohydrin resins having reduced levels of residuals can be used to make wet strength agents, dry strength agents, creping adhesives for paper products, curing agents for wood product adhesives, and other products.

Abstract: A novel process is used to prepare synthetic rubbers (B) which feature very narrow molecular weight distribution and a correspondingly low value for the polydispersity index. The preparation process encompasses the treatment of a synthetic rubber with ultrasound, where the resultant synthetic rubber (B) has a lower weight-average molecular weight (Mw) than the synthetic rubber (A) used. The resultant synthetic rubbers (B) have excellent suitability for processing via extruder processes or injection-molding processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a stabilized polyacetal resin, comprising the step of applying a heat treatment to a polyacetal resin having an unstable terminal group in the presence of an unstable terminal group decomposer selected from the following Group I, Group II and Group III, thereby decreasing the unstable terminal group: unstable terminal group decomposer of Group I: (I) a quaternary ammonium salt of an acidic cyclic amide compound, unstable terminal group decomposer of Group II: (II) a quaternary ammonium salt of a polycarboxylic acid intramolecularly having four or more carboxyl groups and/or a quaternary ammonium salt of an aminocarboxylic acid intramolecularly having one or more carboxyl group(s), unstable terminal group decomposer of Group III: (III) a quaternary ammonium salt, wherein a compound providing a counter-anion of a quaternary ammonium salt is at least one selected from the group consisting of the following (i) to (v): (i) a carbonic acid monoester

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the extraction of high molecular weight biopolymers from plants. Specifically, invention described herein relates to the commercial processing of plant material, including that from desert plants native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, such as the guayule plant (Parthenium argentatum), for the extraction of biopolymers, including natural rubbers. More specifically, the invention relates to laboratory to commercial scale extraction of high molecular weight biopolymers from plant materials including the chemical and mechanical processing of the plants and purification of the extracted biopolymer.

Abstract: A homopolymer of 1,4-benzodioxepin-3-cyclohexyl-2,5-dione with a Tg of 120° C. Copolymers are also described. The polymers are useful for surgical and other applications where biodegradability is important.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from synthetic resin material includes contacting a particulate synthetic resin material containing at least one contaminant with a solvent other than carbon dioxide. At least a portion of the contaminant is removed from the particulate synthetic resin material and becomes dispersed in the solvent. The solvent, with the contaminant dispersed therein, is then removed from the particulate synthetic resin material. Thereafter, at least a portion of the solvent still contained on the synthetic resin material is removed by contacting the particulate synthetic resin material with liquid carbon dioxide to dissolve the solvent into the carbon dioxide.

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: Process for preparing polyoxymethylene copolymers (POMs) by a) polymerizing a reaction mixture comprising suitable main monomers and comonomers and also a polymerization initiator and, if appropriate, a regulator, b) adding a deactivator and c) removing the residual monomers, wherein the amount of compounds whose melting point at 1013 hPa is below 60° C. present in the reaction mixture at any point in time during the process is not more than 0.1% by weight, with the POM, the monomers, comonomers, polymerization initiators, deactivators and regulators not being included in the calculation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydrolyzing polyphosphoric acid in a fiber and the removal of hydrolyzed polyphosphoric acid from the fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymers from a polyethylene terephthalate component. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a two step process in which a 1,4-butane diol component reacts with a polyethylene terephthalate component under conditions that depolymerize the polyethylene terephthalate component into a molten mixture and the molten mixture is placed under subatmospheric conditions that produce the modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymers.

Abstract: Methods of forming materials containing precursors to electrically conductive polymers and electrically conductive polymers are described which have a high degree of crystallinity. The high degree of crystallinity is achieved by preparing the materials under conditions which provide a high degree of mobility to the polymer molecules permitting them to associate with one another to form a crystalline state. High levels of electrical conductivity are achieved in in the electrically conductive materials without stretch orienting the material. The enhanced electrical conductivity is isotropic as compared to a stretch oriented film which has isotropic electrical conductivity. In the preferred embodiment, additives are added to a solution containing a solvent and the precursor or electrically conductive polymer. The additives are preferably plasticizer of diluents. As the solvent is removed the material dries and contains a higher degree of crystallinity than in the absence of the additive.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polytrimethylene terephthalate random copolymer that (1) is derived from polyethylene terephthalate component selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate copolymers and (2) contains at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component. Methods for making such copolymers and articles made from such copolymers.

Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide a process for producing a polyoxymethylene copolymer in a molding machine with a reduced generation of formaldehyde gas. In a process for continuously producing a polyoxymethylene copolymer comprising a step of melt-kneading a crude polyoxymethylene copolymer at a temperature not lower than the melting point thereof, devolatilizing under reduced pressure the formaldehyde gas generated as a decomposition product, subsequently mixing a formaldehyde scavenger containing a hydrazide compound (A) while keeping the copolymer in a molten state and immediately pelletizing the mixture, a dispersed solution obtained by slurry-dispersing said (A) in a diluent (B) having a melting point lower than temperature (Ta) which is the lower of the melting point and the decomposition temperature of (A), within a temperature range not lower than the melting point of (B) and lower than (Ta) is used as the formaldehyde scavenger.

Abstract: This invention relates to single solvent polymer extraction methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for chemical recycling of PET waste that comprises, among other stages, a saponification reaction stage, wherein PET waste particles are reacted with stoichiometric or excessive amounts of a strong base metal in an alcoholic reaction media, the reaction being brought to the boiling temperature of the alcoholic reaction media, preferably at atmospheric pressure, thereby obtaining as reaction products a salt of terephthalic acid with the base metal and ethylene glycol, the latter being incorporated to the alcoholic reaction media. From this reaction it is possible to afford ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid and salts thereof, which are products with a high commercial value.

Abstract: Method for recovering a polymer from a liquid medium (1) substantially containing the polymer and a solvent for the latter, wherein: (a) this liquid medium (1) is injected into a reactor (2) containing a stirred substantially monophase liquid mixture comprising a major fraction by weight of a non-solvent and a minor fraction by weight of a solvent, the mixture having a composition and temperature such that the polymer precipitates therefrom progressively; (b) the polymer is recovered in the form of particles in suspension (5) in a liquid rich in non-solvent; (c) the polymer particles (9) are separated from the liquid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for preparing a selectively releasable adhesive includes condensing a multifunctional alcohol and a multifunctional carboxylic acid to form a prepolymer and curing the prepolymer at an elevated temperature and a vacuum to produce a cured polymer.