Abstract: The present invention provides an improved polymer additive which may be used to increase the high temperature viscosity of an asphalt, without deleteriously affecting the low-temperature viscosity of the asphalt. The polymer additive may also be used to improve the stiffness of certain asphalts. The polymer additive is produced from readily available polymer blends by a thermal process. The invention additionally provides an improved polymer modified asphalt. In its preferred embodiments, the invention also provides an environmentally acceptable method for recycle of post consumer carpet and bottles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved polymer additive which may be used to increase the high temperature viscosity of an asphalt, without deleteriously affecting the low-temperature viscosity of the asphalt. The polymer additive may also be used to improve the stiffness of certain asphalts. The polymer additive is produced from readily available polymer blends by a thermal process. The invention additionally provides an improved polymer modified asphalt. In its preferred embodiments, the invention also provides an environmentally acceptable method for recycle of post consumer carpet and bottles.

Abstract: A coal liquefaction process employing a first stage liquefaction step catalyzed by a soluble molybdenum-containing organophosphorodithioate catalyst is disclosed. In some embodiments, two consecutive liquefaction steps employ a molybdenum-containing organophosphorodithioate catalyst operating at a relatively high liquefaction temperature. In other embodiments, a second liquefaction process step operating at a relatively low temperature employs a hydrocracking catalyst to upgrade materials obtained from the first soluble catalyst liquefaction step. In some embodiments, an interstage gas separator removes gases such as carbon dioxide produced in the first liquefaction step from a partially liquefied mixture prior to further liquefying the mixture in the second liquefaction step.