Abstract: A method of preparing a powder of YBaCuO [phase 123] suitable for forming by drawing-lamination, which includes:preparing a powdered reactive mixture of precursors of purity greater than 99% and with a stoichiometry accurate to within less than 1%,binding this powdered reactive mixture to form intermediate pieces less than two millimeters in thickness which are placed in an oven so that their contact with a support is as small as possible,a heat treating the intermediate pieces,dry grinding the intermediate pieces to obtain grains of said powder with an average diameter of the order of a few .mu.m.

Abstract: A soap powder having a bulk density of at least 600 g/liter contains 35-80 wt % of organic detergent-active material, of which 70-100 wt % is fatty acid soap of low (.ltoreq.20.degree. C.) Krafft temperature, and 20-65 wt % of inorganic and/or builder salts, and may be prepared by granulation and densification in a high-speed mixer/granulator. The high bulk density soap powder shows improved powder properties and better wetting and dispersion behavior in the wash than corresponding undensified powder.

Abstract: Composite electroluminescent phosphor particles may be made by forming, on a substrate, a composite layer comprising at least one layer of a dielectric or conductive material and at least one layer of an electroluminescent phosphor, physically removing the composite layer from the substrate, and pulverizing the composite layer to obtain composite electroluminescent phosphor particles.

Abstract: A process for producing granules of a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-containing light stabilizer, which comprises mixing a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-containing light stabilizer having a melting point of not less than 60.degree. C. with a lubricant selected from the group consisting of water and an aqueous solution of an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and granulating the resultant mixture while pressure is applied thereto. The granular light stabilizer product has low dusting property and excellent free-flowing property.

Abstract: Recycling polyolefin material, e.g. biaxially oriented polypropylene film, coated with a chlorine-containing polymer, such as polyvinylidene chloride homopolymer and/or copolymer, and having a primer therebetween. First, a caustic solution is formulated containing from about 0.1 wt. % to about 50 wt. % caustic, and from about 0.05 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. % of a wetting agent. The formulated caustic solution is heated to a temperature from about 25.degree. C. to about 140.degree. C. The polyolefin material is soaked in the heated caustic solution until the material is separable from the chlorine-containing polymer. After separating the polyolefin material from the chlorine-containing polymer, the material is reprocessed into desired product by extrusion, molding or other product forming process.

Abstract: A method for making strong discrete fibers by flash spinning a polymer solution through a spinneret. A gaseous fluid is injected in parallel into the core of the polymer solution prior to passage through the spinneret. The high shear forces the gaseous fluid exerts on the polymer solution cause highly oriented, strong discrete fibers to be produced upon flashing through the spinneret rather than continuous fibers.

Abstract: A radial die densifier is disclosed having a means for regulating the rate of material flow. Material passes through a feed cylinder in which is disposed a distributor cone. The feed cylinder may be moved toward and away from the cone so as to vary the width of a flow passage way formed between the end of the feed cylinder and the distributor cone. Also disclosed is a method for producing fuel pellets, logs, or the like, by densifying paper coated with a moisture resistant material in which the coating acts as a binder and a combustibility enhancing agent.

Abstract: A method of producing dense, free-flowing alkali metal silicate-based particles which, when sufficiently heated, will form lightweight particles of a spumiform nature which may be employed as thermal or acoustical insulation or as a lightweight filler for gypsum or cement or for numerous other purposes. The method comprises premixing a liquid alkali metal silicate with selected fillers and/or insolubilizers, adjusting the temperature and solids content of the mixture until it passes into a dilatant gel state which will fracture when extended at a rate of between about 3 and 95 cm/minute, and subsequently extruding or pelletizing the gel at this temperature to form particles which are conditioned in an air stream for at least one second and then dried to a moisture level of between about 5 and 30%. These particles or pellets serve as a stable intermediate which can be expanded to form lightweight spumiform particles by further heating at a later time or at a remote location.

Abstract: Particulate ceramic precursor gel compositions (e.g., particulate silica gel) are formed by mechanically extruding a substantially monolithic, substantially undried ceramic precursor. gel through a screen using a mechanical force which is supplied substantially normal to the plane of the screen to directly form the particulate composition, collecting the extrudate in a substantially non-stacked configuration, and drying the extrudate, e.g., in a dryer without imposition of strong vacuum when the extrudate is in substantially nonlayered configuration, to substantially maintain its particle morphology.

Abstract: The present invention is a coated particulate in the form of a powder or in the form of a pellet, the particulate comprising a vinylidene chloride interpolymer and being coated with at least one processing aid at a level effective to improve the extrudability of the vinylidene chloride interpolymer. The processing aid beneficially is selected from the group consisting of fatty esters; wax esters; glycerol esters; glycol esters; fatty alcohol esters, fatty alcohols; fatty amides; metallic salts of fatty acids; olefin polymers and polyolefin waxes.

Abstract: To extract a liquid from a workable mass of material a first force is applied to the material in a first direction. A second opposed force is applied to the material within or slightly downstream of a liquid-extraction location. These opposed forces tend to compact the material to extract the liquid. The extracted liquid moves out of the liquid-extraction location along a path which extends generally transverse to the direction of the first and second forces. Third forces are applied to the material along the path in a direction generally opposite to that taken by the exiting liquid to prevent the material from traversing the path but to permit the liquid to exit. The first, second and third forces form a pinch point on the material within or slightly downstream of the liquid-extraction location to substantially obviate liquid flow countercurrent to the direction of the first force.

Abstract: Reclaiming of polyester waste material for re-use in the production of high-quality PET plastic material comprises shredding, cleaning, sorting and postcondensing said waste materials. The shredded scrap material comprises polyester waste materials of various molecular weights and degrees of purifying. The shredded material is molten and filtered The filtered melt is either post-condensed in the molten state and then granulated or is first granulated and then subjected to a solid phase post-condensation. The granules obtained in each case are preferably fed into an extruder and extruded together with virgin raw material so as to produce a useful film or article.

Abstract: In general, used thermoplastic liquid containers such as oil and solvent bottles are discarded. When recycling oil bottles, the usual practice is to wash the bottles with a solvent to remove oil therefrom. Washing of the bottles results in large quantities of used, oil-containing solvent, which present a disposal problem. A simple solution to the problem of recycling liquid containers with no preliminary washing or cleaning operation includes the steps of tumbling the bottles to promote liquid separation, shredding the bottles into small pieces and draining the liquid therefrom, grinding the pieces of plastic to yield a particulate thermoplastic, and mixing the particulate thermoplastic and any liquid remaining therein with an additive, e.g. an oil absorbent and a filler such as calcium carbonate, glass, mica or talc, and when the liquid is an oil, an absorbent to produce an extrudable mixture which can be used to form new containers.

Abstract: A process for reclaiming residuals produced from the manufacture of decorative high pressure laminates (HPLs), and composite materials obtained by the process. Such residuals which include cellulose impregnated with thermosetting resins which are partially condensed, are ground to a predetermined particle size and mixed with a melted mass of thermoplastic resin under controlled pressure and temperature conditions. The mixing time is sufficiently long for completion of the reaction during which physical and chemical interactions occur between the partially polycondensed thermosetting resin and the thermoplastic resin. The material so produced can be converted into granules for subsequent injection molding. There is provided an effective solution to pollution problems and excessive expense problems associated with the disposal of scraps and residuals from the manufacture of decorative HPLs.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of particles which includes adding to a melt mixing apparatus at least two polymers, at least one of which is insoluble, incompatible or immiscible in the other polymer or polymers, and separating the incompatible polymer from the melt mixture. Also, a process for the preparation of toner particles which includes adding to a melt mixing apparatus, or to an extrusion apparatus at least two polymers, one of which is insoluble in the other polymer, and pigment particles, melt mixing or melt extruding the aforementioned polymers and pigments, and separating the incompatible polymer domains from the resulting mixture.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant synthetic aggregate made from an intimately intermixed combination of lime, fly ash and sulfate/sulfite sludge (e.g. FGD sludge), mixed to the point where the mixture is nearly optimum density and compressible or non-compressible and plastic. This mixture is placed in a landfill. After a relatively brief cure period, the landfill is ripped and the material is crushed and graded. The aggregate, which in some instances may qualify as a light weight aggregate, has a Los Angeles Abrasion Resistance of less than 60%, and may in some cases be less than 50% (medium particles passing) according to that test.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of producing nodules from paper pulp. The method includes partially dewatering the paper pulp and tumbling the partially dewatered pulp in an externally heated enclosure until the nodules are formed. Additives may be added to the pulp prior to tumbling.

Abstract: A thickener for liquids is disclosed. The thickener consists of organic polymer fibrid particles with a very small size, a very high aspect ratio, and very low bulk density. The thickener is made by drying newly-coagulated fibrid particles in a way that results in high particulate surface area.

Abstract: Polyimide which is obtained by polymerization and consists essentially of recurring structural units of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X is a single bond or a hexafluoroisopropylidene group, is processed to a form of pellet, followed by heat-treating to obtain crystallinity of 5% or more, and fed to an extruder to obtain articles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the continuation granulation of a mixture containing at least one solid material and at least one liquid exhibiting a tendency to gel formation. In order to make it possible to work with a gel-like intermediate phase and yet continue to granulate, it is proposed that a mixture containing liquid raw materials which, by themselves, do not show any tendency to gel be used as the liquid exhibiting a tendency to gel, this mixture being produced in a static mixer, its average dwell time in the mixer being shorter than the gel time. The liquid is subsequently allowed to gel in a stirrer vessel, the dwell time in the stirrer vessel being longer than the gel time. Only then is the highly viscous mass thus obtained granulated together with the solid material.

Abstract: Ultra-fine polymeric fibers are produced from various polymeric materials by mixing with thermoplastic poly(vinyl alcohol) and extruding the mixture through a die followed by further orientation. The poly(vinyl alcohol) is extracted to yield liberated ultra-fine polymeric fibers. The polymer utilized can include post-consumer polymer waste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a formed structural element of fiber material bonded with synthetic resin such that a fine-grained or flowable synthetic resin bonding agent is sprinkled on or sprayed on a nonwoven fabric made entirely or predominantly of natural fibers. The nonwoven fabric which is permeated with synthetic bonding agent is fragmented, whereupon the parts are stored in a tower on a perforated female mold which belongs to a molding press and are precompressed on the female mold by means of an air stream that is suctioned through the perforations. To produce formed structural elements with a stable shape, the synthetic resin bonding agent, after a similarly perforated male mold has been placed on top and pressed on, is hardened by means of a hot air stream that is conducted through the perforations in the male mold and the female mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing directly compressible granular mannitol, wherein a raw material essentially constituted of powder mannitol is subjected to an extrusion treatment inside an installation comprising a heating zone and an extrusion die, the supply flow rate of the installation with raw material as well as the parameters of the extrusion treatment, namely the temperature existing inside the heating zone, the diameter of the extrusion die and the driving speed of the raw material inside the heating zone being selected so that at the exit of the die and before the exit of the mannitol from the latter, the mannitol is partly fused.

Abstract: A method of processing scrap, single-ply synthetic plastic roof-membrane sheet material comprising a fabric, having warp and weft strands composed of bundles of synthetic plastic fibers, encased in a thermoplastic synthetic plastic envelope. Comminuted pieces of the scrap are stuffed into a heat-applying, continuous mixer-extruder having screw mechanism within an elongate barrel chamber and the compressed material then is heated to plasticizing temperature and subjected to repetitive shear forces as it moves along the barrel chamber to a die discharge. The warp strands are separated from the weft strands via said shear force application and disembodied via said shear forces to provide discrete fibers in the mix of material. Finally, the fibers are randomly dispersed in the mix material and extruded.

Abstract: Method of making selected phases of nanocrystalline ceramic materials. Various methods of controlling the production of nanocrystalline alpha alumina and titanium oxygen phases are described. Control of the gas atmosphere and use of particular oxidation treatments give rise to the ability to control the particular phases provided in the aluminum/oxygen and titanium/oxygen system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for charging a high-viscous material in a material tank into a charging tank. The high-viscous material, namely, putty is used preferably as a material for correcting the dynamic unbalance of a rotary body. When the material is charged from the material tank into the charging tank through a nozzle, the pressure of air in the charging tank is reduced and the pressure of air in the material tank is increased to drop the high-viscous material in droplets without taking air thereinto and air which has permeated into the material in the material tank can be removed.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing pre-expanded particles of a polyolefin resin, wherein polyolefin resin particles are dispersed in water in a pressure vessel, the particles are impregnated with a volatile blowing agent which is butane containing not less than 70 percent by weight of isobutane, the temperature of the mixture of particles in water is elevated to a temperature close to the melting point of the particles under a pressure equal to or higher than the vapor pressure of the blowing agent, and the mixture is released into a low pressure zone. The obtained pre-expanded particles are not fused together or adhered to each other, and are not shrunken. Environmental damage, such as destruction of the ozone layer, is avoided since fluorochlorocarbon is not used as a blowing agent.

Abstract: A method of making a shaped thermoplastic article includes the following steps: mixing plastic filler particles of a maximum size of 0.7 mm to a thermoplastic material in a maximum percentage of about 15 weight percent for affecting a surface roughness of the article; processing the mixture resulting from the mixing step to obtain the shaped thermoplastic article; and maintaining the temperature of the mixture during the performance of the mixing and processing steps at a level below the melting temperature of the plastic filler particles.

Abstract: Adhesive resin particles of adhesive resin having a plasticizing range between 60.degree. and 120.degree. C., as well as a method of producing the particles. To prevent the particles from sticking together or caking during storage, they are in the form of coated particles, with at least one polyethylene hard wax having a solidification point of .gtoreq.90.degree. C. being added to the adhesive resin to coat the same.

Abstract: A process for forming mixtures of short fibers of varying lengths, diameters and aspect ratios composed of an anisotropic polymer.

Abstract: A polyvinyl chloride venetian blind is provided which has a number of corrugated, translucent slats. The slats have staple fibers in their composition that gives them a sand or granite textured appearance and feel, so that the venetian blind has more natural and aesthetic appeal. The slats are formed by an extrusion process utilizing a mixture of polyvinyl chloride, titanium dioxide, plasticizer, tribasic lead sulfate, stearic acid and dyed staple fibers having a length of less than about 2 mm.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent granulate of paper, with or without additives, includes mechanically comminuting paper into irregular and/or strip-shaped fragments, crumpling and interlacing the fragments with attendant development of internal spaces (cavities) in the interlaced and crumpled fragments, rough pressing the interlaced and crumpled fragments into prepressed formations (e.g., into tubes having a diameter of up to or even in excess of 10 mm), and converting the prepresssed formations into particles, particularly into granules or pellets. The crumpling and interlacing step can include agitating the fragments in one or more streams of a gaseous fluid and/or kneading the fragments.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making a compacted, redispersible, aramid pulp fiber product wherein aramid pulp is opened using the forces of a turbulent air grinding mill and then the opened pulp is compacted to the extent desired for shipping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy saving process for preparing concentrated or condensed surfactant granules. High active surfactant paste is chilled and granulated using fine dispersion mixing. The product surprisingly provides discrete, uniform (200-2,000 micron) granular particles. The granules of the present invention are preferably pure surfactant to be used as an intermediate in a final detergent formulation.

Abstract: Polyimide which is obtained by polymerization and consists essentially of recurring structural units of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X is a single bond or a hexafluoroisopropylidene group, is processed to a form of pellet, followed by heat-treating to obtain crystallinity of 5% or more, and fed to an extruder to obtain articles.

Abstract: A phenol resin toothed wheel having a toothed portion formed of meta-aromatic polyamide fiber spun cloth impregnated with phenol resin blended with epoxy resin.

Abstract: A magnetic material melt is solidified by cooling the material from two opposing surfaces while deforming the material by applying compressive pressure to the two opposing surfaces. Twin roller quenching is a preferred method for producing the flakes. The flakes exhibit strong texture normal to their surface, that is, there is a high degree of alignment of the magnetically easy axes of the crystals within the polycrystalline flake. The strong crystal orientation appears to result both from directional solidification in a thermal gradient and uniaxial deformation of the solid phase in the twin rollers. Magnetization studies on individual flakes show intrinsic coercivities of 14 kOe and a nearly 50% higher remanance for field normal to the flake surface than in the flake plane. Splat quenching is another suitable technique for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making thermoplastic polymeric fibrils by passing an aqueous suspension of powdered thermoplastic polymeric material at high pressure through a two-stage valve assembly of the type conventionally used in liquid homogenization.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing lightweight shapes from polyimide foam in which density discontinuities such as cavities, varying cell size, or swirl marks are substantially eliminated. A block or bun of polyimide foam is prepared in a conventional manner which results in a high density rind and other discontinuities. The foam is chopped into fine flakes in a chopper with a continuous flow of air to prevent electrostatic attachment of the flakes to the chopper and ducting. The flakes are mixed with a quantity of polyimide precursor and then heated to cause the precursor to bond the flakes into a uniform mass having highly uniform and predictable density. This is a very economical process since portions of the original bun may be used which would ordinarily be discarded. An alternative method is described whereby the flakes can be bonded together by using the precursor in the form of a partially cured foam either as a binder, or by making the flakes of partially cured foam.

Abstract: A method of mixing filled thermoplastic resins containing particles of resin and filler. The method comprises preheating to about 150 degrees to 250 degrees F., at least the resin particles, and thereafter mixing until plasticized. The filler may also be preheated between 150 degrees and 350 degrees F. This method reduces the mixing time and improves the characteristics of the product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing lightweight shapes from polyimide foam in which density discontinuities such as cavities, varying cell size, or swirl marks are substantially eliminated. A block or bun of polyimide foam is prepared in a conventional manner which results in a high density rind and other discontinuities. The foam is chopped into fine flakes in a chopper with a continuous flow of air to prevent electrostatic attachment of the flakes to the chopper and ducting. The flakes are mixed with a quantity of polyimide precursor and then heated to cause the precursor to bond the flakes into a uniform mass having highly uniform and predictable density. This is a very economical process since portions of the original bun may be used which would ordinarily be discarded. An alternative method is described whereby the flakes can be bonded together by using the precursor in the form of a partially cured foam either as a binder, or by making the flakes of partially cured foam.

Abstract: An improved roll and method for mixing, shearing and pelletizing materials utilizing a pair of conical-shaped rollers positioned adjacent to one another with one of the rollers having a plurality of perforations in its narrow end and the other of the rollers, in one embodiment, heated, with material positioned in the nip at the wider end of the rollers moving during operation of the rollers to the narrow end where the material is forced through the perforations and cutt off inside the roller forming pellets.

Abstract: A superconductor comprised of a polycrystalline metal oxide such as YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-X (where 0<.times.<0.5) is capable of accommodating very large current densities. By aligning the two-dimensional Cu--O layers which carry the current in the superconducting state in the a- and b-directions, i.e., within the basal plane, a high degree of crystalline axes alignment is provided between adjacent grains permitting the metal oxide material to accommodate high current densities. The orthorhombic crystalline particles have a tendency to lie down on one of the longer sides, i.e., on the a- or b-direction. Aligning the crystals in this orientation is accomplished by mechanical working of the material such as by extrusion, tape casting or slip casting, provided a single crystal powder is used as a starting material, to provide a highly oriented, e.g., approximately 90% of the crystal particles have a common orientation, superconducting matrix capable of supporting large current densities.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing extruded or molded objects from waste containing plastic materials. The process includes the following steps: preliminary physical treatment, optional drying, preheating to a temperature of from 80.degree. to 160.degree. C., mixing at a temperature of from 120.degree.-250.degree. C., and injection molding or extrustion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming discrete granules from a flow of molten plastic material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tube having an end surface through which the molten material flows and a discharge plate having an opening therethrough disposed adjacent the tube. The discharge plate is movable with respect to the end surface of the tube. A pressure medium accumulating region is disposed adjacent the end surface of the tube. In operation, the molten material flows through the tube and into the opening of the discharge plate. The end surface of the tube and the discharge plate move into and out of contact on a periodic basis such that the tube and discharge plate function as a valve.

Abstract: In a method for preparing caseinates, including the introduction of casein, alkaline solutions or basic salts and water into an extruder, the constituents being thoroughly mixed together and then subjected to an increase in pressure and temperature under the influence of return elements, it is provided, to achieve a finished basic product while avoiding a separate comminuting stage following the extrusion process, that the pressure built-up under the influence of return elements or kneading units takes place directly in front of the discharge end of the extruder and the product be discharged freely through this end of the extruder. An apparatus is used to carry out the method, this apparatus being characterised in that the return elemnts or return kneading units are arranged directly in front of the discharge end of the extruder and the discharge end of the extruder is open essentially without any reduction in cross-section relative to the free cross-section of the extruder.

Abstract: A metallic, gold colored composition comprising an olefin polymer, a mica-based gold pigment, a mica-based bronze pigment, carbon black, and optionally, a yellow pigment is provided. Additionally, a process to produce a glossy, metallic, gold colored polyolefin product in a grit blasted mold is provided.

Abstract: A process for producing high performance, metallic coated staple fibers and nonwoven insulating webs made up of such fibers includes providing a nonwoven substantially two-dimensional web of fibers wherein at least a portion of 50 percent of the fibers are exposed to one or the other side of the web. This web is metallized with a low emissivity metal(s) and/or alloy(s) to produce a coated web wherein at least 50 percent of the surface area of the web fibers are coated with metal and or alloy. The coated web is shredded into individual, staple fibers which are thereafter united to produce a nonwoven, lofty three-dimensional insulating web having a density of between about 0.02 to 2 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy saving process for preparing condensed detergent granules. Dry detergent builders and a high active surfactant paste are finely dispersed into a uniform dough. The dough is chilled and granulated using fine dispersion mixing to surprisingly provide discrete, uniform (300-1200 micron) free flowing, granular particles. The granules of the present invention are preferably formulated to be fully formulated.

Abstract: A process for the production of homogeneous flat articles of thermoplastic synthetic resins wherein a starting mixture based on thermoplastic synthetic resins is processed into agglomerate or granulated material by a thermal pretreatment above the softening temperature and subsequently, optionally after additional intermediate steps, is mechanically comminuted to a mixture of particles having a random grain size distribution. The mixture of particles is piled continuously onto a conveyor belt to form a uniform layer and is sintered, under the action of heat up to the plasticization of the thermoplastic synthetic resin, into a coherent flat articles and is then press-molded under the effect of pressure and heat.