Abstract: Processing facilities, systems, devices, equipment, and associated methods of processing for recycling thermosetting polymers are described herein. In one example, a process includes reacting, under atmospheric pressure, a thermosetting polymer with a catalytic solution containing a solvent having sulfolane and/or a derivative thereof. The reaction converts the thermosetting polymer to polymer fragments dissolvable in the sulfolane and/or the derivative thereof of the catalytic solution. The process then includes causing the polymer fragments to precipitate as solid polymer fragments from the catalytic solution and separating the precipitated polymer fragments from the catalytic solution. As such, the thermosetting polymer can be recycled as the solid polymer fragments.

Abstract: Techniques for chemically recycling cellulose waste such as cotton are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes hydrolyzing a cotton waste and dissolving cellulose in the hydrolyzed cotton waste in an aqueous solution containing an alkali and one or more of urea ((NH2)2CO), polyethylene glycol, or thiourea (SC(NH2)2) to produce another aqueous solution containing dissolved cellulose. Then the another aqueous solution containing the dissolved cellulose can be extruded into a coagulation bath to coalesce the dissolved cellulose in the extruded solution, thereby reforming the dissolved cellulose from the cotton waste into a regenerated fiber.

Abstract: A recyclable polyurethane foam is produced by reacting a carbon dioxide-based polyol-containing composition and an isocyanate composition. The polyurethane foam may include a molar ratio of active hydrogen to isocyanate groups of 1:0.9. The polyurethane foam may include a catalyst at about greater than or equal to about 0.5 to less than or equal to about 1.5 parts by weight percent.

Abstract: A recyclable polyurethane foam is produced by reacting a disulfide reactive chemical-based polyol-containing composition and an isocyanate composition. The polyurethane foam may include a molar ratio of the disulfide reactive chemical of greater than or equal to about 2:1 mol %, 4:1 mol %, or 6:1 mol %, wherein the ratio equates to the molar ratio of hydroxyl groups of the disulfide reactive chemical versus the molar ratio of hydroxyl groups of the polyol.

Abstract: Techniques for chemically recycling cellulose waste such as cotton are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes hydrolyzing a cotton waste and dissolving cellulose in the hydrolyzed cotton waste in an aqueous solution containing an alkali and one or more of urea ((NH2)2CO), polyethylene glycol, or thiourea (SC(NH2)2) to produce another aqueous solution containing dissolved cellulose. Then the another aqueous solution containing the dissolved cellulose can be extruded into a coagulation bath to coalesce the dissolved cellulose in the extruded solution, thereby reforming the dissolved cellulose from the cotton waste into a regenerated fiber.