Abstract: The present invention relates to elastomeric compositions and methods including compositions and methods involving the use of aromatic alcohols. The present invention further relates to elastomeric compositions that can include ground reclaimed elastomeric particles. Compositions of the present invention are usable in numerous elastomeric applications including interior and exterior vehicle parts, roofing, asphalt, and any other applications that employ an elastomer as an ingredient thereof, particularly those utilizing rubber or a similar elastomer. The present invention further is directed to asphalt compositions and their methods of manufacture and use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for predispersing additives used in a compounding process, as well as to predispersed particles. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for predispersing, particularly ground elastomers which are used as compounding ingredients for many applications, especially for the production of rubber or plastic materials such as tires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing particle size by the use of a supercritical gas, such as carbon dioxide or a refrigerant. The material is swollen by the supercritical gas at a high pressure. After the material has been allowed to swell under a high pressure, the pressure is rapidly dropped. When the external pressure is rapidly dropped, the material explodes as the supercritical gas absorbed into the material rapidly expands outward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing particle size by the use of a supercritical fluid, generally carbon dioxide. The material is swollen by the supercritical carbon dioxide at a high pressure. After the material has been allowed to swell under a high pressure, the pressure is rapidly dropped. When the external pressure is rapidly dropped, the material explodes as the supercritical gas absorbed into the material rapidly expands outward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to elastomeric compostions and methods including compositions and methods involving the use of aromatic alcohols. The present invention further relates to elastomeric compositions that can include ground reclaimed elastomeric particles. Compositions of the present invention are usable in numerous elastomeric applications including interior and exterior vehicle parts, roofing, asphalt, and any other applications that employ an elastomer as an ingredient thereof, particularly those utilizing rubber or a similar elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing particle size by the use of a supercritical fluid, generally carbon dioxide. The material is swollen by the supercritical carbon dioxide at a high pressure. After the material has been allowed to swell under a high pressure, the pressure is rapidly dropped. When the external pressure is rapidly dropped, the material explodes as the supercritical gas absorbed into the material rapidly expands outward.

Abstract: A method for predispersing additives, especially pigments and colorants used in a compounding process is described herein. The instant method comprises cogrinding an elastomer and a sufficient amount of a colorant to produce a colored particle. A particle comprising an elastomer which is in a mixture with a colorant is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing particle size by the use of a supercritical fluid, generally carbon dioxide. The material is swollen by the supercritical carbon dioxide at a high pressure. After the material has been allowed to swell under a high pressure, the pressure is rapidly dropped. When the external pressure is rapidly dropped, the material explodes as the supercritical gas absorbed into the material rapidly expands outward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for converting an elastomer to a decreased size in a grinding apparatus is disclosed. The method includes optionally soaking the elastomer in a first additive. The method further includes reducing the size of the elastomer to form at least one elastomer particle of a first size. The method also includes optionally removing impurities from the elastomer. Further, the method includes adding a carrier to the elastomer particle to form an elastomer slurry. Also, the method includes providing a second additive to the slurry. In addition, the method includes converting the elastomer particle to a second size, the second size being less than the first size. The method also includes recovering the elastomer particle of the second size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for converting an elastomer to a decreased size in a grinding apparatus is disclosed. The method includes optionally soaking the elastomer in a first additive. The method further includes reducing the size of the elastomer to form at least one elastomer particle of a first size. The method also includes optionally removing impurities from the elastomer. Further, the method includes adding a carrier to the elastomer particle to form an elastomer slurry. Also, the method includes providing a second additive to the slurry. In addition, the method includes converting the elastomer particle to a second size, the second size being less than the first size. The method also includes recovering the elastomer particle of the second size. The invention also relates to novel ground elastomers and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for predispersing additives used in a compounding process, as well as to predispersed particles. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for predispersing, particularly ground elastomers which are used as compounding ingredients for many applications, especially for the production of rubber or plastic materials such as tires.

Abstract: A grinding stone useful for a variety of comminuting applications, but especially useful for comminuting of rubber particles, comprises a cured mixture of a grit material (such as silicon carbide), an aqueous emulsion of an organic polymeric binding material, (such as an epoxy emulsion), a wetting agent, such as DAXAD™, a surfactant commercially available from the Hampshire Corporation of Lexington, Mass., and an inorganic binding material (preferably portland cement). The grinding stones can be prepared at room temperature, using readily available equipment, and at a greatly reduced cost when compared to current grinding stones prepared from silicon carbide and a vitrified ceramic binder. The stones of the present invention may be molded to a metal support plate, resulting in further process efficiencies and reduced stone manufacture and replacement costs.