Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for injection molding polymer articles that reduces deposition of additives on the apparatus. Specifically, pressurizing of the mold cavity with a pressurized gas reduces the deposition of low molecular weight additives on the apparatus. Embodiments of the invention also include an apparatus for injection molding polymer articles comprising at least one pressurized gas inlet for introducing a pressurized gas into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A process for decontaminating recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) is disclosed, the process involves determining an accumulated thermal history (ATH) of the RPET, including the thermal history of any process steps performed by a subsequent possessor of the RPET, to result in an optimized decontamination process for decontaminating the RPET to a desired level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles include a plurality of tools mounted in opposed pairs with the tools of each pair including opposed first and second actuators that define a mold cavity in which a charge of plastic is compression molded. The tooling is preferably carried by a rotary turret so that first and second actuators of each tooling pair are moveable relative to each other between an open position permitting formed articles to be removed from the tooling and to receive fresh charges of plastic, and a closed position to compression mold the charges of plastic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for injection molding polymer articles that reduces deposition of additives on the apparatus. Specifically, pressurizing of the mold cavity with a pressurized gas reduces the deposition of low molecular weight additives on the apparatus. Embodiments of the invention also include an apparatus for injection molding polymer articles comprising at least one pressurized gas inlet for introducing a pressurized gas into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A process for preparing a PET composition is provided. The process includes the steps of: providing an early stage VPET and an RPET; comminuting the RPET; and blending the RPET and the early stage VPET to form a VPET/RPET blend, wherein the blending occurs prior to a polycondensation reaction. A process is also described that includes the step of: adding the comminuted RPET to the early stage VPET before a polycondensation reaction process, wherein contaminants are caused to diffuse out of the comminuted RPET. In a further process, the comminuted RPET is decontaminated in a step separate from the blending to form the VPET/RPET blend.

Abstract: A process for preparing an RPET polymer blend component comprises providing a quantity of RPET flakes, comminuting the RPET flakes to prepare RPET particles having an average mean particle size from about 500 microns to about 5 microns, adding at least one specialty additive to the RPET particles, and mixing the RPET particles and specialty additive, to prepare a homogeneous blend of RPET carrier and specialty additive.

Abstract: A process for preparing a blow molding preform comprises melting plastic flakes in a plasticizing screw extruder to prepare a homogeneous stream of hot polymer melt at the discharge of the extruder, cooling the polymer melt stream to a temperature at least 20 degrees Centigrade below the extruder discharge temperature by heat exchange with a liquid heat transfer medium, and forming the cooled polymer melt into a blow molding preform.

Abstract: A process for preparing an RPET polymer blend component comprises providing a quantity of RPET flakes, comminuting the RPET flakes to prepare RPET particles having an average mean particle size from about 500 microns to about 5 microns, adding at least one specialty additive to the RPET particles, and mixing the RPET particles and specialty additive, to prepare a homogeneous blend of RPET carrier and specialty additive.

Abstract: A redistributing device for use with melt flow exhibiting boundary layer flow and centralized flow comprises a body including a melt flow inlet end and a plurality of melt flow outlets. A first flow diverter is included for distributing at least the boundary layer flow among the plurality of the melt flow outlets. A second flow diverter is included for distributing at least the centralized flow among the plurality of melt flow outlets.