Abstract: Polymer are removed from organic solvent-polymer mixtures by preparing a liquid-liquid dispersion of finely dispersed solvent droplets containing polymer in water, adding this liquid-liquid dispersion to a stirred vessel containing water or other suitable liquid and rapidly evaporating the solvent to produce a slurry of the polymer in a liquid from which the solid polymer particles are recovered.

Abstract: A method of depolymerizing a polymer comprises contacting a polymer with a fluid comprising carbon dioxide and at least one component, wherein the fluid plasticizes the polymer and facilitates penetration of the component into the polymer to depolymerize the polymer and form oligomeric units, monomeric units, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming waste cured resins, wherein the components of a decomposition product produced by bringing waste cured resins, which have at least one type of bond selected from the group consisting of oxazolidone bond, urethane bond, amino bond and ester bond, into contact with a decomposition material which decomposes the waste cured resins has an alkenyl compound.

Abstract: A process and resulting product is provided in which a vulcanized solid particulate, such as vulcanized crumb rubber, has select chemical bonds broken by biotreatment with thermophillic microorganisms selected from naturally occurring isolates derived from hot sulfur springs. The biotreatment of the crumb rubber renders the treated crumb rubber more suitable for use in new rubber formulations. As a result, larger loading levels and sizes of the treated crumb rubber can be used in new rubber mixtures.

Abstract: Soluble polymer resins are separated from a solution slurry with the use of a precipitation aid where the slurry contains the polymer resin in both a soluble form and a solid particulate phase. The precipitation aid absorbs onto the surface of the solid polymer resin particulates and is a suitable blend component for formulations of the polymer resin. The solution slurry may be concentrated and heated prior to precipitation of the polymer resin.

Abstract: A method of recycling a thermoset resin is provided, which involves contacting at least a portion of the thermoset resin with a decomposer having at least one functional group capable of reacting at a crosslink site on the thermoset resin, under conditions sufficient to break the crosslink site, to give a fluid thermoset preresin, wherein a plurality of chain ends of the preresin have functional groups thereon; and re-hardening the fluid thermoset preresin by reacting the plurality of chain ends with a rehardener having two or more groups reactive with the chain end functional groups.

Abstract: Rubber compositions such as tire innerliners contain significant amounts of ground, fine size tire curing bladder rubber as a filler. Critical properties such as air retention are not affected and spent or old curing bladder rubber which would otherwise go to a landfill is effectively recycled.

Abstract: A process for removing the coating and any metals from polymeric substrates such as compact discs (CDs) and digital video discs (DVDs) by applying high shear conditions to fluidized particulates of the polymeric substrate optionally in the presence of an accelerant.

Abstract: A process for working up powder lacquer wastes to give re-useable powder lacquers by compacting the powder lacquer wastes, without completely melting them, to give a sintered product, in which mixtures of different types of powder lacquer wastes or mixtures of powder lacquer wastes with different standard powder lacquers are compacted and the compacted products obtained are milled to give powder lacquers without an extrusion treatment.

Abstract: For efficiently recycling a flame retardant resin composition constituted of a flame retardant and a resin, the present invention provides a method for treating a flame retardant resin composition comprising a step of bringing at least part of a flame retardant resin composition containing a resin and a flame retardant into contact with a pressurized fluid constituted of a solvent to reduce the flame retardancy.

Abstract: A method of recycling a molded resin consisting mainly of a thermoplastic resin which comprises adding as a recycle aid agent a rubber-like material (material) which is compatible with the thermoplastic resin as the main component of the molded resin, is moldable after having been mixed with the resin, and has the property of improving impact strength. By this method, impact strength and flame retardancy are recovered or improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing thermosetting paint film using isopropyl alcohol, and more specifically, to a method of removing thermosetting paint film comprising the steps of: adding plastic resin coated with thermosetting paint film into a reactor including a mixed solution of isopropyl alcohol, phenoxy ethanol and alkali at a predetermined temperature; allowing the mixture to react for a short time; and then removing the separated paint film. This invention provides an excellent method to remove thermosetting paint film, prevents heat aging thus enabling to consistently maintain inherent physical properties and secure safety even after removal of the film due to the much lower reaction temperature with a solvent as compared to those in conventional methods, prevents deterioration in physical properties caused by remaining impurities, provides a low cost process with a simplified manufacturing process and enables to effectively recycle a large amount of plastic resin waste.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the recovery of polymeric latices from whitewater. The process of the invention is an ultrafiltration process which utilizes a flat membrane run in the turbulent regime, or a vibrating membrane.

Abstract: A composition comprising a binder and a residue wherein the residue comprises a blend of polypropylene, styrene butadiene rubber and calcium carbonate. The residue is a novel material derived as a coproduct from the medium-pressure depolymerization of nylon 6 carpet. The compositions are useful as road asphalt, asphalt roof membranes, molding compounds, and plastic lumber such as palisades and spacers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering nylon from a nylon-containing material by contacting the nylon-containing material with an alkanol-containing solvent at elevated temperature and at a pressure higher than the equilibrium pressure of the alkanol-containing solvent at the elevated temperature, thereby dissolving the nylon in the alkanol-containing solvent, removing the alkanol-containing solvent containing dissolved nylon from any undissolved solids, and decreasing the temperature of the alkanol-containing solvent containing dissolved nylon to precipitate the dissolved nylon.

Abstract: A water absorber for absorbing and removing water remaining on floors resulting from leakage or flooding, and comprising a water-permeable bag-shaped casing made of cotton cloth filled with an antibacterial water-absorbing agent comprised of a modified polymer compound. The water absorber absorbs water to swell. The water absorber is filled with the antibacterial water-absorbing agent, and therefore, even after absorbing water, the water absorber is not under unsanitary conditions such that bacteria propagate. When the water absorber is dried, it regains water-absorbing property and can be reused as a water absorber. The antibacterial water-absorbing agent (modified polymer compound) is produced by subjecting to acid treatment and metal-salt forming treatment a scrap material of typical organic resins, such as an ABS resin, and has a nitrile group, a hydrolysis product of the nitrile group, and an acid group introduced as a substituent in the form of a metal salt.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering polyamide material from post-industrial and post-consumer products containing the polyamide material and insoluble materials. The process includes the steps of: (a) contacting the post-industrial and post-consumer products with a suitable solvent in a reactor; (b) dissolving and partially depolymerizing the polyamide material in the solvent to form a solution by operating the reactor at a predetermined temperature and pressure and for a time sufficient to decrease the average molecular weight of the depolymerized polyamide to less than 90% of the initial molecular weight; (c) separating the insoluble material from the solution; and (d) recovering the depolymerized polyamide from the separated solution. The process may also include the step of repolymerizing the depolymerized polyamide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a resin composition reclaimed from compact disk waste having improved mechanical characteristics. The resin composition in accordance with the present invention comprises (a) compact disk waste comprising polycarbonate (PC) as a primary component; and (b) a coupling agent containing two or more reactive functional groups. Optionally, the resin composition of the present invention may further comprise (c) an impact-resistant thermoplastic resin, engineering plastic grade PC or waste thereof, or recycled bottle grade PC.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of a water-dilutable stone impact protection and of a compensation paint and its use and processes for their production, especially in the automobile industry. The water-dilutable stone impact protection paint contains 20 to 60 wt % binder and 2 to 10 wt % pigments and possibly uncoagulated overspray of water-soluble base paints and the compensation paint contains 40 to 80 wt % binder.

Abstract: An apparatus separates a substantially metallic portion from a substantially non-metallic portion or constituent components of at least one electrical product, comprising a plurality of crushing machines, such as a first crushing machine and a second crushing machine and a separating machine. The first crushing machine crushes the at least one electrical product to create at least one crushed electrical product. The first crushing machine has a first screen affixed thereto to regulate a first flow of the at least one first crushed electrical product from the first crushing machine. The second crushing machine crushes the at least one first crushed electrical product to create at least one second crushed electrical product. The second crushing machine has a second screen affixed thereto to regulate a second flow of the at least one second crushed electrical product from the second crushing machine.

Abstract: A differential density alteration (DDA) device to enable the separation and partitioning of particles of one or more selected members of plastics included in a mixture of a plurality of different plastics in which each member of the plurality of different plastics is divided into discrete particles. The DDA device heats the mixture to a temperature for a time that causes the particles of the one or more selected members to alter in such a way that the difference between the apparent density of the particles of the selected one or more members and the apparent density of particles of the other members of the mixture (the differential density), after heating, is different from the differential density before heating, whereby the alteration in differential density produces a differential density alteration (DDA).

Abstract: A system and process for recycling shredder residue, in which separating any polyurethane foam materials are first separated. Then separate a fines fraction of less than about ¼ inch leaving a plastics-rich fraction. Thereafter, the plastics rich fraction is sequentially contacted with a series of solvents beginning with one or more of hexane or an alcohol to remove automotive fluids; acetone to remove ABS; one or more of EDC, THF or a ketone having a boiling point of not greater than about 125° C. to remove PVC; and one or more of xylene or toluene to remove polypropylene and polyethylene. The solvents are recovered and recycled.

Abstract: A material for molded resin articles is provided, which comprises a plastic raw material and a filler used for molded resin articles, wherein a powder obtained by pulverizing waste fiberglass reinforced plastic molded articles is mixed as the filler into said plastic raw material at a concentration of from 10% to 50% by weight. A molded resin article with excellent properties can be formed using the material. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a molded resin article which effectively utilizes natural resources and does not require any special waste disposal treatment.

Abstract: A process for cleaning plastic materials is disclosed, in which foreign materials adhered on and internally intruded into the plastic materials are cleaned to recycle the plastic materials. The process for cleaning plastics to recycle them according to the present invention includes the following steps. (1) A first cleaning is carried out on roughly crushed plastics of a size of 2-3 cm by using a solvent within a dumbler. (2) The solvent is discharged out of the dumbler after the first cleaning. (3) A second cleaning is carried out on the plastics by using a solvent within the dumbler after the first cleaning. (4) The solvent is discharged out of the dumbler after the second cleaning. (5) The plastics are dried after the second cleaning by injecting a heated nitrogen gas into the dumbler. (6) The nitrogen gas is discharged out of the dumbler under a reduced pressure, whereby contamination materials adhered on surfaces and internally intruded are cleaned.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for the recycling and production of plastics, plastics mixtures and plastics materials, using new, reprocessed or used plastics and plastics mixtures or sorted and unsorted plastics wastes, in which a) a carrier material A, which comprises a newly produced plastics material or plastics waste material containing a uniform type-pure plastic or plastics of various types, a material of any or unknown composition X and an additional component Z selected from fatty acids, mixtures containing fatty acid of natural or synthetic origin, fatty acid derivatives which release fatty acid under the process conditions and fatty alcohols are mixed together, A and X together containing, relative to the volume, at least a quantity of plastics such that the non-plastics components are incorporated therein while a homogeneous or partially homogeneous composition is still forming, b) this mixture is conveyed through a conveying device with constant mechanical mixing, kneading or compression, and

Abstract: Old, spent or worn tires are recycled by removing non-rubber components such as belts, beads, and fabric, and grinding the remaining cured rubber into fine sized particles. The ground particles generally replace equivalent amounts of rubber and additives in various tire formulated components such as tire treads. Good physical properties of the end product are retained.

Abstract: A process for removing deleterious surfaces from polymeric regrind particles in which the polymeric regrind particles such as TPO, PC/ABS, PC/PBT, PA/PP or PA/PPO having a surface material deleterious to post-treatment processes is contacted by an aqueous attritive environment for an interval sufficient to accomplish dissociation of the deleterious surface material from contact with the polymeric regrind particulate substrate and removal of less than 10% of the total mass of polymeric regrind particulate substrate. After sufficient contact between the attritive environment and the polymeric regrind particles, the polymeric regrind particulate substrate is separated from the attritive environment and the retained dissociated deleterious surface material.

Abstract: A method of converting stripped roofing material into a useful product comprising feeding roofing material removed during repair or reroofing of a building roof into a shredder introducing particles of material from said shredder together with particles of thermoplastic material and a particulate filler material into a high intensity mixer to form a batch of material to be mixed, intensely mixing said batch of material to produce a heated mass of hot particles of roofing material and filler material coated with molten thermoplastic, then molding said heated mass under pressure into a desired end product. The invention also includes products produced utilizing said stripped roofing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recyclable cold curing aqueous coating composition, comprising (a) an oxidative-polymerizable, modified epoxy resin with an acid value of 25 to 60, comprising 20 to 70 percents by weight of an epoxy resin based on the total weight of said modified epoxy resin, of which a particle size is not more than 200 nm in an aqueous medium, (b) an anticorrosive pigment and/or an ampholytic metal oxide and (c) a drier. The recyclable cold curing aqueous coating composition of the present invention can provide a coating film having improved water resistance and corrosion resistance, and repeatedly reuse by recycling and readjusting. The present invention also provides a method for recycling the cold curing aqueous coating composition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of decomposition treating a waste article having cured thermosetting resin comprising the steps of: (a) bringing the waste article having cured thermosetting resin into contact with a decomposing fluid containing a solvent, which can decompose the resin, in a decomposition bath and (b) heating the fluid at a temperature not lower than 250° C. and lower than the critical temperature of the solvent. Thereby, a waste article containing cured thermosetting resin is easily decomposed and waste resins and other components therein are recycled and reused as resources.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture such as building materials are formed from recycled waste polymeric material including 15 to 50 percent aliphatic polyamide material. The articles are formed by chopping and granulating the waste polymeric material into fragments and extruding them at a temperature that is lower than the lowest melting point of the aliphatic polyamide material.

Abstract: Method and system for recovering polyethylene from a polyethylene-containing scrap material. The recovery method includes the steps of putting the scrap material containing polyethylene into a solvent mixture containing a polyethylene-soluble solvent and a polyethylene-insoluble solvent in a ratio of 1:1˜1:3 based on volume, heating the mixture at a temperature of 60˜145° C. to dissolve the polyethylene from the scrap material, resulting in a mixture of a polyethylene solution and insoluble substances. Then, the resulting mixture is filtered to separate the polyethylene solution and the insoluble substances, and polyethylene is deposited by cooling the separated polyethylene solution. Then, a mixture of the polyethylene deposition and the solvent mixture is filtered to separate the polyethylene deposition.

Abstract: A composition comprising a binder and a residue wherein the residue comprises a blend of polypropylene, styrene butadiene rubber and calcium carbonate. The residue is a novel material derived as a coproduct from the medium-pressure depolymerization of nylon 6 carpet. The compositions are useful as road asphalt, asphalt roof membranes, molding compounds, and plastic lumber such as palisades and spacers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of recovering a polymer from an organic mixture comprising polymer and an organic solvent, the method comprising: a) admixing an aqueous solution and the organic mixture by the application of a combined mechanical and hydraulic shear force, the combined mechanical and shear force being sufficient to form a liquid-liquid dispersion; b) removing the organic solvent from the liquid-liquid dispersion thereby forming a remaining solution; and c) separating the polymer from the remaining solution. In one embodiment the polymer is a polycarbonate prepared by the interfacial method, and the organic solvent is methylene chloride.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for separating polyester, and particularly polyethylene terephthalate, from various contaminants and impurities. In general, the process includes the steps of contacting materials containing polyester with an alkaline composition to form a mixture. The mixture is heated causing some of the impurities to be chemically modified into a more separable form. During heating, a portion of the polyester may also be saponified. After heating, the mixture can be washed with water and the polyester can be easily separated from the remaining impurities. Through the process of the present invention, polyester can be separated and recovered from waste materials containing polyvinyl chloride and aluminum. The process is also effective at removing coatings adhered to the polyester and at removing entrained organic and inorganic compounds contained within the polyester.

Abstract: A method of making polymeric particulates wherein polymeric scrap material, virgin polymeric material and mixtures thereof are supplied to intermeshing extruder screws which are rotated to transport the polymeric material along their length and subject the polymeric material to solid state shear pulverization and in-situ polymer compatibilization, if two or more incompatible polymers are present. Uniform pulverized particulates are produced without addition of a compatibilizing agent. The pulverized particulates are directly melt processable (as powder feedstock) and surprisingly yield a substantially homogeneous light color product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating composition, which is suitable for preparing light fast coatings and contains a cosolvent-free, aqueous, anionic dispersion of polyurethane-ureas, the solids content of which contains the reaction product, present at least partially in salt form, of a) an NCO prepolymer prepared from i) an aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanate, ii) a macrodiol having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 10,000 iii) a 2,2-bis-(hydroxymethyl)alkane monocarboxylic acid and iv) a diol having a molecular weight of 62 to 400, with b) optionally a diamine, c) a monofunctional chain terminating agent, d) water and e) a neutralizing agent, provided that the NCO content of the prepolymer is up to 25% lower than the theoretical value, the entire polyurethane-urea synthesis reaction is performed in the homogeneous phase and no cosolvent having a boiling range of greater than 100° C. is used during the preparation of the dispersion of polyurethane-ureas.

Abstract: A process for decomposing a polymer which is capable of undergoing thermal depolymerization to its monomer or monomers, such as for example poly(methylmethacrylate), and for the recovery of at least one of the monomers, includes the steps of subjecting the polymer in solid, gel, partially molten or molten form to microwave heating for a time and at a temperature sufficient to decompose the polymer to produce the monomer or monomers in gaseous, liquid or solid form, without substantial decomposition of the monomer or monomers, and recovering at least one of the monomer or monomers. The monomer or monomers may then be reused for plymerisation.

Abstract: A method of forming an esterification product Comprises providing (1) a material selected from the group consisting of ester monomers, ester oligomers, ester polymers, and mixtures thereof, and (2) a catalyst selected from the group consisting of: ##STR1## and mixtures thereof. wherein D is selected from the group consisting of carbon and silicon; Q is selected from the group consisting of O, S, and NR; M is selected from the group consisting of sodium, lithium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium; R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R', R", and R'" are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, O, halogen, Si, N, S, P, C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 linear or branched alkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.10 cycloalkyl, and aromatic; and reacting the material in the presence of the catalyst to form an esterification product.

Abstract: A plastic article or plastic container reclamation process if provided in which plastic containers are divided into relatively large pieces, then washed, agitated and separated using an aqueous solvent to remove residual materials. The residual materials such as motor oil are reclaimed for reuse and the aqueous solvent is regenerated for reuse in the process. Residual materials such as dirt, labels and adhesives from the plastic containers is recovered for recycling or passed to waste for disposal or reuse.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of separating a coating from a base plastic in a multilayered structure, comprising the steps of (A) providing the multilayered structure comprising at least a coating and a base plastic; (B) contacting the multilayered structure with a mixture comprising (i) a major amount of water, (ii) at least one basic compound or acid compound, (iii) at least one lifting agent, and (iv) at least one accelerator; and (C) separating the coating from the base plastic. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a separating composition containing a major amount of water, at least one basic compound or acid compound, at least one lifting agent, and at least one accelerator. The inventive methods and compositions overcome numerous problems in the art by enabling the efficient recycling of coated polymer articles whereby clear and/or colorless recycled polymers may be obtained.

Abstract: A method for removing color and extracting dyes from ionically dyeable polymeric materials is provided. The method includes contacting the ionically dyeable polymeric material with a swelling agent for the material under conditions sufficient to effect diffusion of the dye from the material. The process is especially useful for removing colors from ionically dyeable polymeric materials as part of a recycling process for such materials. Also, the extracted dye may be recovered for re-use as the swelling agent and contacting composition are substantially non-reactive with the dye.

Abstract: A process for recovering the resin contained in optical information recording media having either a thin metal film layer or a printed coating film layer, coated on at least one side of a resin substrate,which comprises the following steps of:(1) rolling the recording media,(2) bringing the rolled recording media into contact with hot water,(3) separating the coating film peeled from the recording media,(4) grinding the resulting recording media,(5) bringing the obtained small pieces of the recording media into contact with hot water to detach the thin metal film component, and(6) separating the detached thin metal film component from the small pieces of the recording media to recover and obtain the small pieces of the recording media.With this process, the coating layer can be removed effectively from the optical information recording media and the resin component in the recording media can be selectively recovered advantageously in industry.

Abstract: A method which is capable of manufacturing regenerated synthetic resin products, particularly slide fastener parts of regenerated synthetic resin, with good quality by using as a raw material such waste synthetic resin materials as emanate from the production line of slide fasteners of synthetic resin or arise from waste plastic products.

Abstract: The present invention is a continuous process for preparing formulations useful for making filled polymer carpet backings. The present invention particularly incorporates polyisocyanate as a reactive diluent in a continuous process for preparing filled polyurethane polymers. Use of the present invention allows production of carpet backings that incorporate high loadings of filler materials.

Abstract: A process for recycling colored polyamide material comprises the steps of (a) contacting solid colored polyamide material with an organic solvent composition at a temperature effective to dissolve the polyamide, thereby forming a solution containing colorant and dissolved polyamide; and (b) separating colorant from the polyamide. The process can optionally further comprise the step of recovering the colorant, recovering the polyamide, or recovering both the polymer and colorant. The organic solvent composition preferably is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic ketones, aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, diols, water, and combinations thereof. Solvent compositions comprising at least one alcohol selected from the group consisting of butanediol, butanol, ethanol, and benzyl alcohol are preferred, such as aqueous solutions of 1-butanol or ethanol.

Abstract: A method for recycling discarded articles comprising sorting the discarded articles into thermoplastic, thermosetting, and rubber articles, crushing the discarded articles to form thermosetting granules, thermoplastic granules, and rubber granules, and depositing the granules into a molding tool. The molding tool is heated under pressure such that the thermoplastic granules melt, and the molding tool is abruptly cooled to cause the molting material to assume a shape in the molding tool.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for recycling a cured phenolic resin by (a) heating a cured phenolic resin to form a thermal decomposition product having a residue, (b) separating said residue from said thermal decomposition product, (c) pulverizing said separated residue to obtain a carbide powder and molding said carbide powder alone or in combination with a binder into a molded article, and/or (d) gelling and drying said separated thermal decomposition product thereby molding it into a molded article. By the method, the present invention realizes efficient recycling of a cured phenolic resin which can become a massive waste into a useful material.

Abstract: A process for polymer deformulation by solvent solution filtration begins by including formulated polymers and/or polymer products in a recycle stream. The formulated polymer products include a quantity of soluble polymers and/or insoluble polymers, soluble and/or insoluble colorants, formulations and additives. The recycle stream is placed in a solvent, taking the polymer and formulations into a solvent/polymer solution. Next, the solution is processed through a filtration stage. A quantity of mineral filter aid particles are then added to the solution to adsorb formulations contained in the solution. One of the mineral filter aids must be some form of carbon, preferably activated carbon. Other mineral filter aids may include diatomaceous earth. The solvent/polymer solution is then subjected to an additional polish filtration stage to remove substantially all of the mineral filter agents and associated formulations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions for use as additives in the automotive industry, which compositions contain waste powder prime and a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate, diisoheptyl phthalate, a linear phthalate based upon C7-C9 alcohols, a mixture of esters containing a minimum of 55 percent of diesters and a maximum of 20 percent dibenzoate, a mixture of esters containing a minimum of 60 percent of diesters and a maximum of 30 percent dibenzoate and dipropylene glycol dibenzoate and automotive sealants which contain waste powder prime, a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate, diisoheptyl phthalate, a linear phthalate based upon C7-C9 alcohols, a mixture of esters containing a minimum of 55 percent of diesters and a maximum of 20 percent dibenzoate, a mixture of esters containing a minimum of 60 percent of diesters and a maximum of 30 percent dibenzoate and dipropylene glycol dibenzoate and automotive