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: The present invention relates to a modified styrene-maleic acid copolymer obtained by reacting a carboxylic acid group in a styrene-maleic acid copolymer with a halogen and/or epoxy compound. The modified styrene-maleic acid copolymer is useful as a low profile additive for a thermosetting resin, a water-absorbing material, etc.

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: The present invention relates to a method for decomposing a thermosetting resin to provide decomposed products, which can be easily separated, efficiently collected and recycled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified styrene-maleic acid copolymer obtained by reacting a carboxylic acid group in a styrene-maleic acid copolymer with a halogen and/or epoxy compound. The modified styrene-maleic acid copolymer is useful as a low profile additive for a thermosetting resin, a water-absorbing material, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for decomposing a polymer into a monomer or oligomer by hydrolysis with sub- or supercritical water. The process of the present invention is characterized in that at least a part of the polymer is a polymer comprising a constitutional unit derived from an organic acid in the molecular structure, and the polymer being contacted with sub- or supercritical water in the presence of a water-insoluble base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for decomposing a plastic so as to recycle useful substances therefrom as raw materials for a similar plastic. In particular, the present invention provides a method for decomposing a plastic, comprising the step of treating a thermosetting resin comprising a polyester and its crosslinking moiety, with subcritical water of a temperature lower than the thermal decomposition temperature of the thermosetting resin. According to the present invention, the thermosetting resin can be decomposed into a polyhydric alcohol, a polybasic acid and a compound comprising an acid residue derived from the polyester and a residue derived from the crosslinking moiety, without causing a random decomposition of the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: The present invent-on relates to a modified styrene-maleic acid copolymer obtained by reacting a carboxylic acid group in a styrene-maleic acid copolymer with a halogen and/or epoxy compound. The modified styrene-maleic acid copolymer is useful as a low profile additive for a thermosetting resin, a water-absorbing material, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for decomposing a plastic so as to recycle useful substances therefrom as raw materials for a similar plastic. In particular, the present invention provides a method for decomposing a plastic, comprising the step of treating a thermosetting resin comprising a polyester and its crosslinking moiety, with subcritical water of a temperature lower than the thermal decomposition temperature of the thermosetting resin. According to the present invention, the thermosetting resin can be decomposed into a polyhydric alcohol, a polybasic acid and a compound comprising an acid residue derived from the polyester and a residue derived from the crosslinking moiety, without causing a random decomposition of the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for decomposing a polymer into a monomer or oligomer by hydrolysis with sub- or supercritical water. The process of the present invention is characterized in that at least a part of the polymer is a polymer comprising a constitutional unit derived from an organic acid in the molecular structure, and the polymer being contacted with sub- or supercritical water in the presence of a water-insoluble base.

Abstract: A garbage disposing device includes a treatment chamber used to decompose food wastes by a microorganism, intake passage, exhaust passage, and a return path extending from a diverging portion in the exhaust passage to the treatment chamber. An exhaust airflow adjuster is provided at the diverging portion. A control unit controls the exhaust airflow adjuster such that after water and ammonia in an air exhausted from said treatment chamber are adsorbed by a dehumidifier provided in the exhaust passage, a part of the air is returned to the treatment chamber through the return path, and the remaining air is exhausted to the outside through a deodorizer. As a result, a small deodorizer is available, and the garbage disposing device can be small-sized as a whole. In addition, it is possible to save energy used for the decomposing treatment of the food wastes.

Abstract: A garbage disposal apparatus having a processing chamber for processing garbage; and a purifying chamber for purifying gas discharged from the processing chamber and containing malodrous components, wherein the processing of garbage in the processing chamber is performed by decomposition using microorganisms. The purifying chamber has a plurality of zones, wherein a first purifying chamber is connected to the processing chamber and is provided with an ammonia purifying unit for purifying ammonia, and a second purifying chamber into which gas allowed to pass through the first purifying chamber is introduced is provided with a non-ammonia purifying unit for purifying non-ammonia gas. Ammonia contained in a high concentration and having a large threshold is first removed in the first purifying chamber. Then, non-ammonia contained at a low concentration and having a small threshold is removed. Therefore, an excellent purifying efficiency can be realized.

Abstract: A garbage disposal apparatus having a processing chamber for processing garbage; and a purifying chamber for purifying gas discharged from the processing chamber and containing stinking components, wherein the process of garbage in the processing chamber is performed by decomposition using microorganisms, the purifying chamber has a plurality of zones, a first purifying chamber connected to the processing chamber is provided with an ammonia purifying unit for purifying ammonia and a second purifying chamber into which gas allowed to pass through the first purifying chamber is introduced is provided with a non-ammonia purifying unit for purifying non-ammonia gas. Ammonia contained in a high concentration and having a large threshold is first removed in the first purifying chamber. Then, non-ammonia contained at a low concentration and having a small threshold is removed. Therefore, an excellent purifying efficiency can be realized.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate of which the surface is coated with a titanium dioxide film having a photocatalytic activity, which substrate is obtained by:depositing titanium dioxide in a film form on a surface of a substrate by contacting the substrate with a reaction solution containing ammonium titanium fluoride, water and an additive which shifts the following equilibrium reaction:(NH.sub.4).sub.2 TiF.sub.6 +2H.sub.2 O<=>TiO.sub.2 +4HF+2NH.sub.4 Ftoward a right side, andcalcining the deposited titanium dioxide film.

Abstract: A deodorant composition comprises an activated carbon, a binder, an argillaceous material, and a basic zinc carbonate. A deodorant is manufactured by the following steps: (a) a mixing step of the composition materials, (b) a kneading step to knead the mixture, (c) an extrusion to shape the kneaded mixture into a honeycomb structured solid or a powder, and (d) a drying step to remove moisture from the solid. The honeycomb structured deodorant has excellent odor absorption particularly for odors, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides in vehicle exhausts.