Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a plastic and/or paper waste material having steps including collecting a plastic and/or paper waste material, preferably paper, and highly preferably a release coated cellulose or polymeric sheet material. The material already includes a selected new-use additive preferably selected from flame retardant, hydrophobic material, pesticide, herbicides, minerals, nutrients, and/or mixtures thereof. The method includes the step of preparing the collected material by mixing, separating foreign bodies like metals, etc., and feeding it to a grinding station. The method also includes the step of, in one or several grinding stations, shredding and grinding the materials into small pieces.

Abstract: A process for making a solid component out of recycled paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint is provided. The process can include providing paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint and providing a second material. Thereafter, the paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint and the second material are mixed to produce a paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint-second material mixture. The paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint-second material mixture is processed in order to produce a solid component. The processing can include extrusion of the paint sludge, powder coat and/or latex paint-second material mixture.

Abstract: Surface coating composition, method and apparatus for coating a surface. The surface coating composition comprises a recycled rubber product, one or more binding agent and optionally one or more additional agent.

Abstract: A process for forming a vulcanized elastomer composition. An alternating electric field is applied to a first composition comprising vulcanized crosslinked elastomer particles while the composition is compressed to thereby devulcanize the crosslinked elastomer particles and form a second composition comprising devulcanized elastomer particles A crosslinking agent is added to the second composition comprising the devulcanized elastomer particles. The second composition having the crosslinking agent is then vulcanized to form the vulcanized elastomer composition.

Abstract: The invention comprises a composition comprising the extrusion product of synthetic turf and a processing agent, whereby the extrusion product has a moisture content of less than 0.5% by weight. A process for making the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for depolymerization of a mixture comprising oligomeric cyclic ethers resulting from copolymerization of at least one tetrahydrofuran and at least one other cyclic ether to recover tetrahydrofuran monomer.

Abstract: A method for producing expandable pellets can include introducing a vinyl aromatic polymer and an expandable agent to a pelletizer (L). The pelletizer (L) can have a die plate having a holes of large diameter. During the start-up of the production of the expandable pellets, pellets can be produced in the pelletizer (L). When the polymer flow rate is in the operating range of the pelletizer (S), the introduction of the vinyl aromatic polymer and the expandable agent can be switched from the pelletizer (L) to the pelletizer (S). The pelletizer (S) can be operated at conditions effective to produce the expandable pellets. The pelletizer (S) can have a die plate having holes of small diameter. The expandable pellets can be recovered from the pelletizer (S), and the pellets can be recovered from the pelletizer (L).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforced composite and method for recycling the same. The reinforced composite comprises a reinforcement material in a cross-linked polymer matrix, wherein the cross-linked polymer comprises a cross-linking group derived from a curing agent represented by formula (I), Wherein R1 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy alkyl or alkynyl; A is alkyl, alkenyl, alkenene, alkylene-hetero-alkylene, alkylene-heterocyclo-alkylene, alkylene, alkylene-oxy-alkylene, 1,4-alkyl substituted piperazine, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl; B is alkyl, alkenyl, alkenene, alkylene-hetero-alkylene, alkylene-heterocyclo-alkylene, alkylene, alkylene-oxy-alkylene, 1,4-alkyl substituted piperazine, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl; R2 is hydrogen, alkyl, aminoalkyl, alkyl-amino-alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or heteroaryl; and R3 is hydrogen, alkyl, aminoalkyl, alkyl-amino-alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or heteroaryl.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for recycling of plastic waste comprising: segregating plastic waste collected from various sources followed by cleaning of the segregated plastic waste to obtain segregated cleaned waste; grinding of the segregated cleaned waste to obtain grinded waste; introducing the grinded waste into an extrusion line having a venting extruder component as part of the extrusion line, to obtain molten plastic; and removing the impurities by vacuum venting of the molten plastic to obtained recycled plastic free from impurities. The present disclosure further relates to various articles like Industrial Post Recycled (IPR) plastic tubes, blow moulded bottles, pallates, manufactured from the recycled plastic waste.

Abstract: A method for reclaiming bio-based plastic material is disclosed, including providing a bio-based plastic article, the article including an identifier, determining article content information from or via the identifier, and recycling the article based on article content information. Further, a system for reclaiming bio-based plastic material is disclosed, including an apparatus or device configured to obtain or determine a bio-based material content associated with a plastic article, and an apparatus or device configured to sort the plastic article based upon the bio-based material content of the plastic article. A bio-based plastic article comprising recycled bio-based material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a recycling method for industrially, simply and effectively recycling a phenolic body from a phenolic antioxidant which is masked by an organoaluminum compound and contained in an olefin polymer obtained by supplying the masked phenolic antioxidant upon polymerization; and an olefin polymer obtained by this method. In a method for recycling a phenolic antioxidant wherein a phenolic antioxidant which is masked by an organoaluminum compound and contained in an olefin polymer obtained by supplying the masked phenolic antioxidant upon polymerization is recycled to a phenolic body, a nitrogen gas comprising water and/or a proton donor at a volume ratio of 1.0×10?6 to 2.5×10?2 with respect to 1 volume of nitrogen is brought into contact with the olefin polymer.

Abstract: Polyester compositions described herein have properties which are particularly suitable for extrusion blow molding (EBM). These properties relate primarily to the rate of crystallization and melt strength or melt viscosity. Articles prepared from the polyester compositions exhibit good clarity, aesthetics, and other physical properties. The polyester compositions also exhibit broad molecular weight distribution (MWD), resulting in improved processability and melt strength. The crystallization rate allows for good drying characteristics while also enabling the use of regrind. In addition, the compositions exhibit improved recyclability, such as in existing PET recycling streams. In one aspect, articles are prepared in an extrusion blow molding method by combining a dry first polyester copolymer component, a dry second polyester component, and a chain extender to form a feed material suitable for extrusion blow molding.

Abstract: Tire vulcanizing/retreading and de-vulcanization system including an autoclave and heating based on an induction system, which will lead to vulcanization or de-vulcanization of a tire.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions, fibers and articles produced therefrom, and methods for producing same. In a further aspect, the invention relates to homogenized post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to extruded polymer compositions, polymer mixtures, fibers, and/or Bulked Continuous Filament fibers comprising post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to processes for preparing recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions, fibers and articles produced therefrom, and methods for producing same. In a further aspect, the invention relates to homogenized post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to extruded polymer compositions, polymer mixtures, fibers, and/or Bulked Continuous Filament fibers comprising post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to processes for preparing recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Solid-state shear pulverization of semi-crystalline polymers and copolymers thereof and related methods for enhanced crystallization kinetics and physical/mechanical properties.

Abstract: Methods for extracting bisphenols from polymer substrates are described. The methods include contacting the polymer substrate with an aqueous composition which includes a phase transfer agent, a base and optionally an oxidant, whereby the bisphenol is extracted into the aqueous composition. Suitable phase transfer agents are delineated. Also described are compositions which can be used in the present methods.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to solid surface sheets and methods of making solid surface sheets, wherein the method comprises dissolving post-consumer recycled polystyrene in a first liquid resin precursor to form a blend, solidifying the blend via curing, grinding the solidified blend into recycled particles, adding the recycled particles and filler into a second liquid resin precursor to produce a solid surface precursor, and molding and curing the solid surface precursor to produce the solid surface sheet.

Abstract: There are disclosed a regenerated rubber, a method and apparatus for obtaining regenerated rubbers from vulcanized crumb rubber, such as rubber from scrap. The apparatus is a thermokinetic mixer having the particularity to have an air tight stationary chamber with inner non-uniform surface. The method comprises the steps of raising the speed of the rotor shaft in order to increase a temperature of a mixture made of vulcanized crumb rubber and a lubricant, such as oil, until a devulcanizing temperature is reached; and reducing the temperature of the mixture to a lower temperature during a second period of time. The method of the invention is environmentally friendly or “green”, since the regeneration method does not use chemicals, includes a shorter period of treatment at higher temperature avoiding the risks of rubber cracking and spontaneous combustion, and further allowing mass-production of regenerated rubber with lower energy consumption.

Abstract: A thermoset composite material that my used in the fabrication of structural components including railroad ties comprise a substantially homogeneous blend of an amount of vulcanized rubber particles including a predetermined ratio of different particles sizes, and a thermoset elastomeric binding agent added to the vulcanized rubber particles. The blend may comprise about 30% to about 97% by weight of the vulcanized rubber particles, and the blend is subjected to compression molding at a predetermined temperature and pressure for a resident time period forming the composite material. The ratio of different rubber particle sizes is selected so that the composite material has a desired density or is within a range of desired densities.

Abstract: A thermoset cross-linked elastomer material, such as scrap tire rubber, is devulcanized by subjecting the material to a mechanical mixing process in the presence of 0.5 to 2% by wt. of an organic catalyst having a thiol terminus.

Abstract: Backings for carpet and carpet tiles are formed from various post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric waste materials, for example, post-consumer textile waste material (e.g., carpet and carpet tiles), post-industrial textile waste material (e.g., carpet and/or carpet tiles), and/or other post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric materials.

Abstract: A method of depolymerizing formulated rubbers and polymer solids is described. The method utilizes a solvent at or above the solvent's critical pressure and critical temperature with a low ratio of solvent to the solid material. The resulting depolymerized material in either substantially solid or highly viscous liquid form can be repolymerized with the addition of more monomer.

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 is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion prepared using recycled material, including but not limited recycled rubber or other polymeric materials. The articles may incorporate the recycled materials in a granulated form. In specific embodiments, the article comprises an article of footwear (i.e., a shoe). Particularly, all or part of the shoe sole may be formed using the granulated material, the granules specifically being joined together using a binder material, such as a polyurethane, preferably a moisture cure, single component polyurethane binder. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles formed of granulated materials. The inventive methods are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, and environmental benefits.

Abstract: In a method and equipment for conditioning low-metal scrap high in plastics, which contains at least partially scrap high in plastics from shredder processes, especially of scrap vehicles, the method includes: splitting up ferromagnetic components from the scrap that is high in plastics; separating a first raw sand fraction from the scrap high in plastics that has been reduced in metals; reducing in size the fraction high in plastics that remains after the isolation of the first raw sand fraction; separating a second raw sand fraction after reducing in size the remaining fraction high in plastics; and splitting up the remaining fraction, that is high in plastics, into a light fraction and a heavy fraction. The equipment has the appropriate device for carrying out the individual method steps.

Abstract: A process for making a solid component out of recycled powder coat is provided. The process can include providing a powder coat material and providing a second material. Thereafter, the powder coat and the second material are mixed to produce a powder coat-second material mixture. The powder coal-second material mixture is processed in order to produce a polymer containing precursor. The processing can include granulating or densifying the powder coat-second material mixture. After the precursor has been produced, it can be placed within a molding machine and a solid component is molded. The molding machine can be an injection molding machine, an extrusion molding machine or a blow molding machine.

Abstract: The cross-linked polyphosphonate composition for the removal of metal ions from wastewater is a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer having the formula: The cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte is made by cyclocopolymerizing diallylaminomethylphosphonic acid and 1,1,4,4-tetraallylpiperazinium dichloride (a cross-linker) to form a cross-linked polyzwitterionic acid (CPZA). The CPZA is then treated with a base, such as sodium hydroxide, to form a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer having the above formula. The composition may be used to remove heavy metal ions, such as Cu2+ and Pb2+, from wastewater.

Abstract: Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: A product and method for repairing holes and cracks in roads, parking lots, sidewalks and other similar surfaces using a mixture of powder coating (i.e. dry paint) and a filler. The first step is to obtain the powder coating material. Any suitable powder coating material may be used, however, it is preferable to use the excess or waste powder coating material obtained from a powder coating operation. The next step is to mix the powder coating material with a filler, such as sand, pea gravel, or another suitable material. After the components are mixed together, it is applied to a surface needing repair such as a pothole in a road or a crack in a sidewalk. The mixture is cured by heating the mixture to the point where the powder coating melts and binds the powder coating with the filler and the surface needing repair. It may be cured before or after it is applied to the surface needing repair. After the mixture cures, the result is a high quality patched surface.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a composition suitable for stretch hood, method of producing the same, and articles made therefrom. The article according to the present invention comprises a multi-layer film according to the present invention has a thickness of at least 3 mils comprising at least one inner layer and two exterior layers, wherein the inner layer comprises at least 50 weight percent polyethylene copolymer having a melt index less than 2 grams/10 minutes, a density less than or equal to 0.910 g/cm3, a total heat of fusion less than 120 Joules/gram and a heat of fusion above 115° C. of less than 5 Joules/gram, the total heat of fusion of the inner layer less than the heat of fusion of either of the two exterior layers, and wherein the multi-layer film has an elastic recovery of at least 40% when stretched to 100% elongation.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wood composite material and to a method for making it. In accordance with the invention, the wood composite material is formed of adhesive laminate waste comprising adhesive material, glue and release material and having been arranged into chaff, the chaff being arranged into the wood composite material.

Abstract: A method for preparing contaminated plastics ground into flakes, such as RPET or such polymers, having at least decontamination and SSP treatment steps, with at least one reactor, with heating to the process temperature taking place essentially outside the reactor. Also, a device for carrying out the method, and having at least one decontamination reactor and at least one SSP reactor, a device for heating plastic flakes to the process temperature being arranged upstream of the decontamination reactor. Also an SSP reactor having at least two individual reactors, and preferably between 3 and 7 individual reactors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of solubilizing expanded polystyrene (EPS), in which the EPS is brought into contact with at least one initial solvent, enabling the transition of the EPS from an expanded solid state to the gel state. The aforementioned gel is subsequently treated with at least one complementary solvent that is different from the initial solvent, enabling the solubilization thereof such as to produce a true solution. The invention also relates to the product thus obtained and to the use of said product.

Abstract: A method comprises forming a reaction mixture comprising a terephthalate polyester, a glycol comprising 2 to 5 carbons, and an amidine organocatalyst; and heating the reaction mixture at a temperature of about 120° C. or more to depolymerize the terephthalate polyester, thereby forming a terephthalate reaction product comprising a monomeric dihydroxy terephthalate diester; wherein the terephthalate reaction product contains terephthalate oligomers in an amount less than the amount of terephthalate oligomers that would result from i) substituting the amidine organocatalyst with an equimolar amount of a guanidine catalyst and ii) depolymerizing the terephthalate polyester under otherwise identical reaction conditions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermal insulation sheets fashioned from certain unseparated mixtures of post-consumer plastic articles is disclosed. The mixtures of such articles contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) and optionally also articles made of high density polyethylene (HDPE). An unseparated mixture of such articles is provided. This mixture is crushed and shredded to form plastic flakes, and these plastic flakes are then homogenized. Homogenization of the flakes can be carried out either by melt-blending them or by further comminution to produce very fine particles of the mixed plastics. The resulting homogenized mixture of plastic types is then compression molded into sheets.

Abstract: Compositions containing a turpentine liquid and methods are disclosed for dissolving, dissolving via melting, selectively dissolving via melting, decomposing plastic comprising a chlorine-containing polymer or thermosetting polymer, and/or co-dissolving plastic with fossil fuel for purifying, separating, recovering or recycling plastic-containing material.

Abstract: Method for the recycling of polyvinyl butyral based on obtaining recycled polyvinyl butyral (PVB) from laminated glass which is shattered and the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is separated. The sheet obtained is cut into pieces and cleaned to eliminate dirt and foreign matter. The solid state PVB is subjected to a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) purification stage with a chemical treatment with a first reagent and a final chemical treatment with a second reagent. The obtained purified polyvinyl butyral is suitable to be used in the manufacture of laminated glass.

Abstract: A process for recovering waste latex material from a manufacturing plant, treating the recovered waste latex material, and subsequently utilizing the recovered and treated waste latex material in a manufacturing plant. Waste latex material is recovered and treated to provide a fine, sand-like material that is suitable for reintroduction into a latex adhesive manufacturing process.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and materials useful for depolymerizing a polymer. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosure provides a method for depolymerizing a polymer containing electrophilic linkages, wherein the method comprises contacting the polymer with a nucleophilic reagent in the presence of a guanidine-containing compound. The methods and materials of the disclosure find utility, for example, in the field of waste reclamation and recycling.

Abstract: A process is described for recycling superabsorbent polymer fines into a process that includes treating the superabsorbent polymer fines with caustic and a polymerization step for making the superabsorbent polymer gel. The process requires treating the superabsorbent polymer fines with a caustic, followed by mixture with polymerizable monomer solution, and polymerizing the mixture of the superabsorbent polymer fines and monomer to form the aqueous fluid absorbent polymer. In the process, the fines are incorporated into the new polymer gel and become indistinguishable there from. The gel may then be comminuted into a particulate dried and then separated into a portion having a desired minimum particle size in a fines portion having less than the desired size. The particulate may then be coated with a surface crosslinking agent and surface additives and heated for surface conversion.

Abstract: A device for reprocessing used plastic containers including a system for analyzing the degree of contamination of the plastic, a system for determining decontamination process parameters as a function of the degree of contamination thus detected, and a system for controlled decontamination of the plastic according to the decontamination process parameters thus determined. The system for determining decontamination process parameters provides determined decontamination process parameters to corresponding decontamination control elements that are automatically adjusted depending on the degree of contamination.

Abstract: A process for devulcanizing crosslinked elastomer particles comprising applying an alternating electric field to a composition comprising crosslinked elastomer particles under compression. The alternating electric field preferably has a frequency between 1 and 100 MHz and a voltage between 1000 and 10,000 V, and may be applied between an apparatus that continuously conveys the particles through the field.

Abstract: A process for recovering rubber from a tire, the tire including a rubber tread block, steel belting, and an inner liner that serves to hold the air pressure in the tire. The bead and sidewall may be removed from the tire leaving a loop of tread material. Next, the loop is placed on a rubber-separating machine to hold the loop in place. One or more cutting blades are lowered into position at the tread portion of the tire. Once the blades are in place, the tread loop is placed in motion around the rollers. As the blades contact the steel belts, the cutting blades separate the tread rubber from the reinforced rubber at the interface between the tread rubber and the steel belts.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recovery and purification of solid salt compositions from an organic liquid containing epoxy resin and at least one of epihalohydrin and solvent to obtain purified salt and/or brine compositions that may be useful in industrial processes.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to carpet and methods of making and recycling carpet. In one aspect, the carpet includes: a primary backing which has a face and a back surface; a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing; an adhesive composition backing; and an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing. The method of making carpet includes extrusion coating the adhesive composition onto the back surface of a primary backing to form the adhesive composition backing. The method of recycling carpet can recover one or more polymeric carpet components.

Abstract: In a tire constituted with a thermoplastic material and a material different from the thermoplastic material, the thermoplastic material and the material different from the thermoplastic material are easily and efficiently separated. While a tire 10 formed of a thermoplastic material is being turned, heated air is ejected from a nozzle 46 of a heating apparatus 44, and the surface of a crown portion 16 is melted. An end portion of a cord 26 embedded in a helical arrangement, which is formed of a material different from the thermoplastic material, is extracted from the melted region, and is sequentially wound onto a reel 58.

Abstract: A thermoset cross-linked elastomer material, such as scrap tire rubber, is devulcanized by subjecting the material to a mechanical mixing process in the presence of 0.5 to 2% by wt. of an organic catalyst having a thiol terminus.