Abstract: Methods of reclaiming plastic from plastic medical waste containers containing medical waste and manufacturing recycled medical devices are described. Recycled medical devices made from plastic medical waste containers containing medical waste are also described.

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 composition comprising a polytrimethylene terephthalate random copolymer that (1) is derived from polyethylene terephthalate component selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate copolymers and (2) contains at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component. Methods for making such copolymers and articles made from such copolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymers from a polyethylene terephthalate component. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a two step process in which a 1,4-butane diol component reacts with a polyethylene terephthalate component under conditions that depolymerize the polyethylene terephthalate component into a molten mixture and the molten mixture is placed under subatmospheric conditions that produce the modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Preferably, the present invention relates to the substantial recycling of all material forming the WEEE, thus providing substantially zero landfill. In yet another form, the invention relates to an additive and/or method of providing an additive. In still another form, the invention relates to recycling ink, toner, and/or PU foam from imaging consumables, forming part of the WEEE. In another form, the invention relates to the recycling of plastic materials containing flame retardants, including the recycling of plastics materials, such as plastics materials containing brominated flame retardants generally based on styrenics (e.g. PS, HIPS, ABS, PPO/PS, PPE/PS, ABS/PC) and polyamides (Nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 12) and other engineering plastics such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, PET, PBT, liquid crystal polymers.

Abstract: A method for rapidly depolymerizing a polyester and an unsaturated polyester by irradiating the polyester with microwaves in the presence of an alkylene glycol in which a titanium oxide fine powder having a bulk density of not more than 0.3 g/cm3 has been dispersed. Another embodiment comprises irradiating a polyester or an unsaturated polyester with microwaves in the presence of a monohydric alcohol or polyhydric alcohol containing an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal. As a result, raw materials of a polyester, an unsaturated polyester or a polyurethane, such as an alkylene glycol and an unsaturated dibasic acid, can be recovered efficiently.

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 pulverized thermoplastic resin product such as a pulverized thermoplastic product containing a black pigment, a mixture of a pulverized thermoplastic product containing a colored pigment and a pulverized thermoplastic product containing a colored pigment, or a pulverized thermoplastic product containing two or more different colored pigments can be converted into colored reclaimed resin particles by a method comprising the steps of mixing the pulverized resin product with a white pigment and a black pigment, melting the resulting mixture, and converting the molten mixture into solid particles. The colored reclaimed resin products can be utilized in various field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for chemical recycling of PET waste that comprises, among other stages, a saponification reaction stage, wherein PET waste particles are reacted with stoichiometric or excessive amounts of a strong base metal in an alcoholic reaction media, the reaction being brought to the boiling temperature of the alcoholic reaction media, preferably at atmospheric pressure, thereby obtaining as reaction products a salt of terephthalic acid with the base metal and ethylene glycol, the latter being incorporated to the alcoholic reaction media. From this reaction it is possible to afford ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid and salts thereof, which are products with a high commercial value.

Abstract: Method for recovering a polymer from a liquid medium (1) substantially containing the polymer and a solvent for the latter, wherein: (a) this liquid medium (1) is injected into a reactor (2) containing a stirred substantially monophase liquid mixture comprising a major fraction by weight of a non-solvent and a minor fraction by weight of a solvent, the mixture having a composition and temperature such that the polymer precipitates therefrom progressively; (b) the polymer is recovered in the form of particles in suspension (5) in a liquid rich in non-solvent; (c) the polymer particles (9) are separated from the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides, e.g., methods to recycle and/or reduce plastic, non-plastic, or a combination thereof, from a waste stream. The methods of the present invention include contacting the plastic waste with infrared (IR) energy at one or more frequencies and at one or more intensities, over a period of time effective to heat plastic present in the plastic waste.

Abstract: Techniques for creating recycled plastic materials from waste plastic materials are described. A recycled plastic material contains at least a primary polymer, a secondary polymer, and residual additives. Predetermined properties of the recycled plastic material can be controlled by selecting the types of waste plastic materials used in the recycling feed, determining the types and amounts of recycled plastic material recovered from a separation process and blending the recycled plastic material with other materials.

Abstract: A recovered disc of a structure in which plural disc substrates are bonded together with an adhesive, is to be recycled. To this end, there is provided a recycling method for a recovered disc wherein a recovered disc, containing a material of at least one coating film, out of a reflective film, a recording film, a protective film and an ink film, deposited on a disc substrate in addition to an adhesive used for bonding a plurality of the disc substrates together, is used as a starting material for preparing a flame retardant resin composition or resin molded product.

Abstract: The method for the manufacture of foamed or foamable polymer particles employs a mixture of a polymer melt and a recycled polymer melt produced from recycled, propellant-containing polymer particles. The associated plant for the manufacture of the foamed or foamable polymer particles is provided with an apparatus for the processing of recycled, propellant-containing polymer particles.

Abstract: A molding composition comprising (a) from 5 to 90 wt % of a modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymer that (1) is derived from polyethylene terephthalate component selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate copolymers and (2) at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component, and (b) from 5 to 40 wt % of a polyalkylene terephthalate component; wherein the modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymer, the polyalkylene terephthalate component, and optionally, at least one additive, have a combined weight % of 100 wt %. Methods for making the composition and articles made from the composition.

Abstract: A delinking composition in the form of a combined solid dose comprising: (i) one or more elastomer delinking accelerators selected from the group consisting of zinc salts of thiocarbamates and zinc salts of dialkyl dithiophosphates; and (ii) one or more elastomer delinking accelerators selected from the group consisting of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole or derivatives thereof, thiurams, guanidines, 4,4?-dithiomorpholine and sulpenamides; and (iii) at least one elastomer delinking activator.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a recycled resin, which includes: a first step of decomposing a resin composition containing a thermosetting resin in a supercritical or subcritical solvent having a monomer constituting the thermosetting resin or a derivative thereof as an essential component and a second step of adding a polyfunctional compound thereto to process; a recycled resin or a processed and recovered matter obtained according to the process for producing; a recycled resin composition formed from a recycled resin and/or a processed and recovered matter of the resin composition; and a method for recycling a resin composition, which reuses said recycled resin and/or said processed and recovered matter of a resin composition as a raw material of a recycled resin composition.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a reactive-block-copolymer chain extender and for using the chain extender to couple polymer chains together for increasing the average molecular weight of the polymer chains. The chain extender can be reacted with polymeric materials that have functional groups and low molecular weight to couple polymer chains together and increase the average molecular weight, thereby increasing intrinsic viscosity and improving properties of the polymeric material. The chain extender is particularly useful for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other polymers with functional groups and is also useful as a surface modifier and as a compatibilizer for polymeric materials that do not have reactive functional groups, such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing waste materials and for manufacturing composite materials are disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, the heterogeneous waste includes a plastic component and a non-plastic component, and the non-plastic component includes a plurality of pieces of waste. The heterogeneous waste is heated to melt at least a portion of said plastic component and reducing a volume of said heterogeneous waste, and then mixed (e.g. by rotating a mixing chamber or by stirring) until at least some said pieces are each encapsulated by the melted plastic component. Upon cooling, the mixture optionally sets into a composite material. The presently disclosed invention does not require pre-sorting of the heterogeneous waste and is operative to process “as is” waste. Optionally, the waste is pre-sorted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from fluff. The fluff is added to a solvent having a predetermined cycle starting solvent volume. An energy source is introduced into the solvent for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature and pressure to form a product. The energy source is removed and the product is cooled to a predetermined temperature to produce the fuel. The invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the process described.

Abstract: If an ultraviolet curing resin is colored by contamination by another substance, there have been issues regarding increased cost and the environmental burden of treating the waste solution due to an inability to recycle the resin as it is. The ultraviolet curing resin that is in a colored, uncured state is decolored in the present invention by irradiation of light having a wavelength in the vicinity of the maximum absorption wavelength of the coloring material, and then recycled. As a result, it is possible to reduce costs and contribute to the protection of the environment.

Abstract: Process for recovering at least one polymer in solution in a solvent by precipitation by means of a non-solvent introduced gradually into the solution to form the precipitation medium, whereby: in the course of the introduction of the non-solvent into the precipitation medium, there is first a phase separation (into a continuous phase rich in solvent, in which the polymer is dissolved, and into a disperse phase, consisting of droplets rich in non-solvent) and then there is a phase inversion (the continuous phase then becoming the phase rich in non-solvent, and the disperse phase becoming the phase rich in solvent containing the dissolved polymer) the non-solvent is initially introduced into the precipitation medium in liquid form only and in a quantity (Q?) which is not zero but is less than the quantity (Q) required to bring about the phase inversion, and is subsequently introduced into the precipitation medium at least partly in vapour form.

Abstract: The present invention provides an economic process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from polymeric materials such as, for example, used tires. In a first embodiment, polymeric material is dissolved/suspended/dispersed in biodiesel upon heating to form a product containing between about 10% and about 35% by weight of polymeric material. At least some of the biodiesel is recovered and reused to dissolve/suspend/disperse additional polymeric material to form additional product. After a predetermined number of cycles, the accumulated product is used as a fuel. In a second embodiment, polymeric material is dissolved/suspended/dispersed upon heating in biodiesel to form a mixture containing between about 30% and about 90% by weight of the polymeric material to be used as heavy fuel oil to be burned as is or bulk refined. The present invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the processes described.

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: Medical tubing (T), such as a guidewire, a stent, a catheter or a hollow needle, made of a kinked rigid-rod polyarylene exhibiting a outstanding characteristics including high torqueability, high pushability and high flexibility and which can be easily thin-wall extruded under especially harsh conditions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a recycled polycarbonate raw material for a flame retardant resin composition from discarded and/or recovered optical discs using a polycarbonate resin as a substrate material, and includes (a) a step to identify if 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane as a divalent phenol of the polycarbonate resin raw material is polymerized as the sole raw material in the polycarbonate resin as the substrate material of the discarded and/or recovered optical discs and (b) a step to remove impurities by a chemical treatment by separating only the discarded and/or recovered optical discs, wherein the polycarbonate resin is identified as polymerized by using 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane as the sole raw material.

Abstract: The present invention addresses a problem with conventional techniques for recycling electrical equipment that have a hardened epoxy resin and electroconductive material where a catalyst is degraded to an extent that it can no longer be reused when water is present in a dissolving system. Moisture, when present in the dissolving system for treating electrical equipment including electroconductive material of aluminum, may react with aluminum to produce an aluminate compound which is transformed into aluminum oxide (alumina) under heating, which, in turn, may cause abnormal temperature rise to melt aluminum. This may be accompanied by formation of hydrogen which can cause danger of explosion. The present invention manages moisture content in a dissolving system by drying an object to be treated with a catalyst and a solvent prior to the dissolving treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recycling a recovered polycondensation polymer which comprises a process wherein a recovered polycondensation polymer is supplied in a molten state to a polymerizer having a porous plate, and then after ejecting the polycondensation polymer through pores of the porous plate, the polymerization degree of the polycondensation polymer is increased under a reduced pressure or in a reduced inert gas atmosphere while dropping the polycondensation polymer along a supporting body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for selectively separating mixed synthetic organic materials such as filled or non-filled polymers and/or copolymers that are wastes, particularly used, for recycling in order to upgrade them. These synthetic organic materials result from the destruction by crushing of automobiles and durable consumer goods that have reached the end of their serviceable lives. Said selective separation method acts by separating these materials with regard to a density threshold selected in a dense medium consisting of separating fluid liquid suspensions composed of powdery particles dispersed in an aqueous phase. These suspensions are stabilized by using a dynamic stabilizing means at a density threshold value selected for causing the selective separation of a determined fraction from the mixture of the used materials to be separated.

Abstract: Method for the recycling of polyvinyl butyral based on the obtaining of recycled polyvinyl butyral (PVB) from laminated glass which is then shattered and the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is separated. The sheet obtained is cut into pieces, then proceeding to a surface cleaning process eliminating the dirt and foreign matter, which comprises: a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) purification stage by way of a chemical treatment by means of a reagent; a subsequent final chemical treatment stage supplementary to the first stage by means of a reagent, the purification treatment being carried out on the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in solid state and obtaining totally purified polyvinyl butyral read to be used again in the manufacture of laminated glass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for selectively separating synthetic organic materials such as polymers and/or reinforced or non-reinforced copolymers in the form of wastes, in particular domestic wastes recyclable in order to be reused. Said synthetic organic materials are recuperated from broken used cars and obsolete consumer durable products. The inventive method for selective separation consists in separating materials which have an identical density threshold value and are selected from a dense medium comprising separate liquid fluid suspensions which consist of powdery disperses particles in an aqueous phase and are stabilized with respect to the density threshold value selected in such a way that a selective separation of a determined fraction of the mixture of separable used material is initiated.

Abstract: There are provided a bottle which has a laminate structure including a glycolic acid polymer layer showing good gas-barrier property in addition to a principal resin layer and is yet provided with excellent recyclability, and also an efficient method of recycling the bottle. More specifically, a bottle having a laminate structure including at least one layer of glycolic acid polymer in addition to a principal resin layer, is obtained. After breaking the bottle, the broken pieces are washed with alkaline water, water or acidic water to remove the glycolic acid polymer layer, thereby recovering the principal resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides, e.g., methods to recycle and/or reduce plastic, non-plastic, or a combination thereof, from a waste stream. The methods of the present invention include contacting the plastic waste with infrared (IR) energy at one or more frequencies and at one or more intensities, over a period of time effective to heat plastic present in the plastic waste.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymers from a polyethylene terephthalate component. The invention relates to a three step process in which a diol component selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and combinations thereof reacts with a polyethylene terephthalate component under conditions sufficient to depolymerize the polyethylene terephthalate component into a first molten mixture; and where the first molten mixture is combined with 1,4-butanediol under conditions that create a second molten mixture that is subsequently placed under subatmospheric conditions that produce the modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymers. The invention also relates to compositions made from the process.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (1) from 50 to 99 wt % of a modified, random copolyetherester containing: (i) a modified, random polybutylene terephthalate copolymer block that is derived from a polyethylene terephthalate component selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate copolymers and combinations thereof; and that contains at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component; and (ii) a polyalkylene oxide copolymer block that is derived from a polyethylene terephthalate component and polyalkylene oxide glycol, and contains polyalkylene oxide and at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component; and (2) from 1 to 50 wt % of a polyester; wherein the copolyetherester, the polyester, and optionally any additives, are present in a total amount of 100 wt %.

Abstract: A process for making a carbonous residue from scrap tires is disclosed. Tires are digested in an oil product. Steel and glass fibers are separated. A product enhancing additive comprising halogen based organic or inorganic compounds is added. The resulting carbonaceous material is then cured to create the final product. The produced carbonous residue is well suited for capture of mercury. The present invention has the benefits of providing a use for scrap tires that would otherwise require disposal in a landfill, and also produces a product useful for capturing a harmful element, thereby providing multiple environmental and economic benefits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a modified, random copolyetherester containing a modified, random polybutylene terephthalate copolymer block that is derived from a polyethylene terephthalate component selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate copolymers and combinations thereof; and contains at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component; and a polyalkylene oxide copolymer block that is derived from a polyethylene terephthalate component and polyalkylene oxide glycol, and contains polyalkylene oxide and at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, polystyrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process for recovering at least one polymer in solution in a solvent by precipitation by means of a non-solvent fluid, whereby the precipitation takes place in a precipitation medium comprising two dispersants of which one [dispersant(I)] has a greater affinity for the non-solvent and the other [dispersant (II)] has a greater affinity for the solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the pretreatment, reprocessing or recycling of thermoplastic material, wherein the plastic material to be treated is heated in at least one receptacle or reactor while undergoing constant mixing or movement and/or comminution at a temperature below the melting temperature of the plastic material, and as a result is at the same time crystallized, dried and/or purified, wherein at least one rotatable comminuting or mixing tool, with working edges that act on the material with a comminuting and/or mixing effect, is used for the mixing and/or heating of the plastic material, the heating taking place in particular by applying mechanical energy.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydrolysis of nylon polymer is herein disclosed using ionic liquids and optionally one equivalent of sulfuric acid per amide residue of the polymer. The process provides for a simplified means for separation of the hydrolyzed polyamide constituent monomers.

Abstract: There is provided a method for obtaining an aqueous solution of an alkali metal salt of an aromatic dihydroxy compound by decomposing a waste aromatic polycarbonate by an alkali metal hydroxide aqueous solution. The method comprises (1) a dissolution step of dissolving a waste aromatic polycarbonate in a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent, (2) a decomposition step of adding an alkali metal hydroxide aqueous solution to this solution to decompose the aromatic polycarbonate, (3) a re-dissolution step of adding water to this decomposed solution to dissolve a solid, (4) a two phase formation step of leaving the treated solution obtained in the step (3) to stand to form an organic solvent phase (organic phase) and an aqueous solution phase (aqueous phase), and (5) a separation/collection step of separating the aqueous phase from the organic solvent phase and collecting the aqueous phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of dialkyl carbonates as solvents for expanded polystyrene and to a new process for the recycling of expanded polystyrene. Said process comprises the volume reduction of expanded polystyrene by dissolution with a dialkyl carbonate, or a blend of dialkyl carbonates, the removal of the insoluble components by filtration, the selective precipitation of polystyrene with a non-solvent or a blend of non-solvents, the separation, drying and extrusion of the precipitated polystyrene. This process allows the recovery of pure polystyrene without altering its properties.

Abstract: A process and resulting product is provided in which vulcanized rubber crumb has selected chemical bonds broken and sulphur removal by biotreatment with hydrophobic bacteria, such as mycolic acid containing actinomycete bacteria of ‘mycolata’, without significant degradation of the hydrocarbon polymer. The products obtained from the use of these bacteria may be processed alone or in blends with virgin rubber and revulcanized to yield products of much higher quality than conventional reclaimed rubber 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 conventional techniques for recycling an electrical equipment including a hardened epoxy resin and electroconductive material has involved conventional problems that a catalyst is degraded to an extent that it can be no longer reused when a water is contained in a dissolving system. Moreover, moisture, when present in the dissolving system for treating an electrical equipment including an electroconductive material of aluminum, may react with aluminum to produce an aluminate compound which is transformed into aluminum oxide (alumina) under heating, which, in turn, may cause abnormal temperature rise to melt aluminum. This may be accompanied by formation of hydrogen which can cause danger of explosion. The present invention manages moisture content in the dissolving system by drying an object to be treated, a catalyst and a solvent prior to the dissolving treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enhanced process for the recycling of expanded polystyrene. Said process essentially comprises the reduction in volume of expanded polystyrene by means of dissolution in a solvent, separation of the insoluble components, selective precipitation of the polystyrene with an anti-solvent, separation, drying and extrusion of the precipitated polystyrene, recovery by distillation and recycling of the solvent. The process is characterized in that the anti-solvent is a butanol selected form n-butanol, iso-butanol or sec-butanol and the solvent is dimethyl carbonate, alone or in a mixture containing up to 25% by weight of butanol.

Abstract: It is possible to provide a shape-memory molded product having excellent shape-memory properties and recycling efficiency by using a shape-memory resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) within the range of 40° C. to 200° C. and a dissociation temperature (Td) of a thermo-reversible reaction within the range of 50° C. to 300° C. and satisfying the relationship: Tg+10° C.?Td, wherein the resin is deformed at a temperature of Tg to less than Td, and cross-linked through a thermo-reversible reaction in which a covalent bond is formed by cooling and dissociated by heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recycling fuel cell components containing fluorine-containing and precious metal-containing constituents: in this process, the fluorine-containing constituents are separated off from the precious metal-containing constituents by treatment with a medium present in the supercritical state. Preference is given to using water as supercritical medium. After the fluorine-containing constituents have been separated off, the precious metal-containing residues can be recovered in a recycling process without harmful fluorine or hydrogen fluoride emissions. The fluorine-containing constituents can likewise be recovered. The process is used in the recovery of precious metals and/or fluorine-containing constituents from membrane fuel cells, electrolysis cells, batteries, sensors and other electrochemical devices.

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.