Abstract: A rubber composition obtained by recycling scrap material and adapted for use as raw material for manufacturing products for building, automobile accessory, and footwear industries possibly as a replacement for wood, zinc sheet, fiber cement, plastic and any other rigid or semirigid material. The composition includes from about 66% to about 77% of particles of ground tires having a size between about 18 and about 30 microns, from about 15% to about 22% of particles of ground plastic material having a size between about 18 and about 30 microns, and from about 8% to about 12% of a solution of acid with toluene or methyl isobutyl ketone. The acid may be lactic acid, phosphoric acid or formic acid. The percentage of acid in the solution by volume is from about 12% to about 50% and the percentages of toluene or methyl isobutyl ketone in the solution by volume is from about 50% to about 88%.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reclaiming expanded synthetic resin wastes in a form suitable for subsequent injection molding. The apparatus includes a tank containing a solvent having a pump for pumping dissolved resin wastes to an evaporator. The evaporator comprises an endless belt on which dissolved resin waste is deposited and precipitates in the form of a thin film. A heater is disposed below the belt to expedite separation of solute and solvent by evaporation. A blower disposed within a housing enclosing the endless belt establishes air circulation over the belt, further promoting evaporation. The thin film is wound on a roller and subjected to a heated roller to fuse the many thin film strata into a solid, generally cylindrical mass. The solid mass is then comminuted by a granulator. Evaporated solvent is recovered in a condenser and is reused.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved process for recycling waste polymeric material comprising a mixture of waste polymeric material wherein the waste polymeric material includes from about 0 to 40 percent aliphatic polyamide material; granulating and densifying the chopped mixture into fragments at least about 100 times smaller than the size of the waste polymeric material; and extruding the ground mixture at a temperature that does not exceed the temperature at which the largest portion of polymer based material decomposes.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions containing a polyurethane which contains less than 0.6% by weight, based on the polyurethane, of urea groups ##STR1## are used as adhesives.

Abstract: Cured, thermoset plastic articles derived from scrap polyurethanes are disclosed. The polyurethane is converted to a liquified mixture containing digested polyurethane and cyclic, unsaturated anhydride. A Lewis acid then catalyzes insertion of the cyclic, unsaturated anhydride into the polyether backbone of the polyurethane to give a liquid, unsaturated resin. The unsaturated resin can cured with a vinyl monomer in the presence of a free-radical initiator to give a cured, thermoset plastic.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for liquefying tires is shown in a first form including a plurality of tire modules (12) holding tires which are immersed in and preheated by a slurry located in a tank (22). After preheating, the tire module (12) and tires held thereon are removed from the preheat tank (22) and are immersed in a slurry located in a high temperature tank (28). The temperature of the slurry in the high temperature tank (28) is sufficient to liquify the tires. As the tires liquify, the slurry produced is retained in the high temperature tank (28) to immerse further tires and also overflows from the high temperature tank (28) to the preheat tank (22) and then to a storage tank (36). The slurry from the storage tank (36) can be pumped to the burner (42) of the heat exchanger (48) for heating the slurry in the high temperature tank (28) or can be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A process for recovering polyamide from composite articles that contain polyamide involves (a) subjecting at substantially nondepolymerizing conditions the composite article to a solvent for polyamide for a time sufficient to dissolve substantially all of the polyamide and leaving an insoluble fraction; (b) separating insoluble fraction of the composite article from the dissolved polyamide; and (c) precipitating the dissolved polyamide with appropriate precipitants.

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: Post consumer recyclable plastics are combined with a ethylene-octene copolymer and a polyamide to prepare a resin composition that can be used in conventional molding processes to fabricate new and useful plastic articles of manufacture.

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: A method is disclosed for processing residue-containing packages so as to receive valuable materials, in particular pressure containers for dispensing foams with propellant gases. For that purpose, extraction with a solvent is carried out essentially in atmosphere of propellant gas and/or solvent vapors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously separating polymer from a plastic, and the resulting separated polymer. The plastic is made flowable into a stream through melting or solubilizing. A critical fluid, such as supercritical carbon dioxide, is added to the plastic stream to promote mechanical or thermodynamic separation of the polymer from contaminants and other components of the plastic.

Abstract: This invention relates to a granular phenolic resin forming material. Grains are obtained by pulverizing a hardened phenol resin or epoxy resin, particularly a waste, having aromatic rings. The grains are heated to react with a phenolic substance, to solubilize at least surfaces thereof, whereby the grains are made formable again. The pulverized, hardened grains and the phenolic substance, preferably a phenol, are mixed in the ratio of 100/10 to 100/90. An acid catalyst may be used, as necessary, in a quantity not exceeding 9 parts. A preferred reaction temperature is 80.degree. to 180.degree. C. at atmosphere pressure. The forming material of this invention may be formed with hexamine compounded therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recycling waste polymeric material comprising a mixture of waste polymeric material wherein the waste polymeric material includes from about 15 to 50 percent aliphatic polyamide material; granulating the chopped mixture into fragments at least about 100 times smaller than the size of the waste polymeric material; and extruding the ground mixture at a temperature of less than about the T.sub.g of the lowest melting waste aliphatic polyamide polymeric material.

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 C.sub.7 -C.sub.9 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 C.sub.7 -C.sub.

Abstract: Coating is removed from polyester film which is formed into flakes by use of an alkali stripping solution containing surfactant wherein the surfactant is not optimized in a stripping step to remove redeposited coating but rather is optimized to aid in rinsing based on residual surfactant present on the stripped flake.

Abstract: A method of treating a polymer involves contacting the polymer with a supercritical fluid under conditions of temperature and pressure to incorporate the supercritical fluid in the polymer and thereby effectuate an increase in plasticity and/or elasticity of the polymer. In a particular embodiment, the treated polymer is a biocompatible polymer which is fabricated into a medical device or part thereof.

Abstract: The invention manufactures mechanical strong objects from a mixture of a plurality of fractions, which together have a high filling grade by accommodating them in plastic, preferably a thermosetter of the low viscosity type. The plastic is preferably resistant against leaching as defined in the Concept Bouwstoffenbesluit, when pollutions in the fractions are present. Finally the invention gives objects with good mechanical properties at low cost price, because of the relatively small use of plastic (to only 8 volume % or less) and the favorable mechanical properties of strongly densified waste, residual or filler materials. Coloring of the objects is possible and the surface can be very smooth. Fibres or residues of fibres containing waste materials can improve the obtained products still further.

Abstract: A new process is described for recycling polyesters. In accordance with the described process, postconsumer or scrap polyester is reacted with glycol to produce a monomer or low molecular weight oligomer by depolymerization of the polyester. The monomer or oligomer, as the case may be, is then purified using one or more of a number of steps including filtration, crystallization, and optionally adsorbent treatment or evaporation. The monomer or oligomer thus produced is particularly suitable as a raw material for acid or ester based polyester production of packaging grade polyester material. Because the process includes purification steps, specifications for the previously used polyester material need not be strict.

Abstract: Adhesive is removed from polyester film which is initially formed into a flake followed by a series of removal and separating steps. In a preferred mode a clarified liquid which results from stripping solution is recycled for further use in adhesive removal.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from material containing polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") which has been embrittled by mixing material containing PET with ethanediol having a temperature at or about the boiling point of ethanediol for a predetermined period of time, the process including the steps of:(a) transesterifying the PET by reacting ethanediol having a temperature at or about the boiling point of ethanediol with the PET for a predetermined period of time to form a solution containing soluble short chain PET polymers and/or his (hydroxy ethyl) terephthalate ester ("BHT");(b) recovering short chain PET polymers and/or BHT and ethanediol; and(c) hydrolysing the recovered short chain PET polymers and/or BHT at elevated pressure and temperature for a predetermined period of time to form an ethanediol solution and crystals of terephthalic acid.

Abstract: A close loop thermoplastic recycling process includes the step of testing particulated processed plastic material to determine the properties thereof. The tested properties are compared with targeted near virgin properties of the processed plastic material to determine any difference(s) therebetween. Additives based on the property differences determined during testing are admixed with the particulates in a twin screw extruder. During extruding, volatile constituents are simultaneously withdrawn from the fused particulates. The twin screws of the extruder are provided with a number of screw sections, each having a thread with predetermined degrees of chamfer and pitch length. Kneading blocks are mounted on certain screw sections prior to a vacuum vent port disposed along the feed path of the melt stream in the extruder. The extruded material is tested to determine if any property differences exist.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for recycling resin scrap including a thermosetting resin paint film and a thermoplastic resin substrate as its major components, wherein the resin scrap is supplied into a passage of a cylinder, melted, and delivered by delivering means from an upstream side to a downstream side of the passage of the cylinder, and hydrolyzed by a hydrolyzing agent while forming a highly packed region with a resistor. The resistor restricts the resin scrap to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side in a short period of time, and forms the highly packed region where a contact efficiency is enhanced between the resin scrap and the hydrolyzing agent.

Abstract: The invention is a recycling process for forming a thermoformable polymer blend comprising:A) from 9 to 90 parts by weight of a monovinylidene aromatic polymer or an impact modified monovinylidene aromatic polymer, comprising from 1 to 25 weight percent of a rubber and 75 to 99 weight percent of a monovinylidene aromatic polymer matrix having a weight average molecular weight (M.sub.w) from 50,000 to 400,000, said weight percents being based on the total weight of said impact modified, monovinylidene aromatic polymer;B) from 9 to 90 parts by weight on an olefin polymer, selected from the group consisting of homopolymers of ethylene or propylene and copolymers of ethylene with one or more C.sub.

Abstract: A process for recycling waste from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is disclosed herein. The process comprises the following steps: A waste stream from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is provided. The waste stream includes tobacco, filter tips comprising cellulose ester polymer, and paper. A substantial portion of the filter tips is separated from this waste stream. The filter tips are washed with a sufficient volume of water to liberate bound tipping paper and to remove contaminants from the cellulose ester polymer. Oxidizers may be added to improve tip color and/or serve as a pretreatment. The cellulose ester polymer may then be dried, resolutioned, and processed into useful articles of commerce.

Abstract: A process for recycling waste from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is disclosed herein. The process comprises the following steps: A waste stream from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is provided. The waste stream includes tobacco, filter tips comprising cellulose ester polymer, and paper. A substantial portion of the filter tips is separated from this waste stream. The filter tips are washed with a sufficient volume of water to liberate bound tipping paper and to remove contaminants from the cellulose ester polymer. The cellulose ester polymer may then be dried, resolutioned, and processed into useful articles of commerce.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from PET components by depolymerising poly ethylene terephthalate ("PET") comprising transesterifying material containing PET by reacting ethanediol having a temperature at or about the boiling point of ethanediol with the material for a predetermined period of time to form a solution containing soluble short chain PET polymers and/or bis (hydroxy ethyl) terephthalate ester ("BHT"); recovering short chain PET polymers and/or BHT and ethanediol; and hydrolysing the recovered short chain PET polymers and/or BHT at elevated pressure and temperature for a predetermined period of time to form an ethanediol solution and crystals of terephthalic acid.

Abstract: A process for reusing a plastic article having a plastic body and a coating layer is discloses which includes the following steps: peeling the coating layer, formed on the plastic body, away from the plastic body by using a high pressure water jet stream; and pulverizing the plastic body for reuse. Hot water may be also used. Instead of the water, it is possible to use high pressure steam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for reprocessing plastic wastes, in which the plastic wastes filled into vessels are autoclaved as coherent, porous bundles with high water absorption capacity in a steam atmosphere at approximately 150.degree. to 220.degree. C., preferably 165.degree. to 190.degree. C., and melted by this means, at the end of the autoclaving process, the resulting bodies of molten plastic are at least partly dried by re-evaporating the water contained therein and are cooled.

Abstract: A method for recovering a synthetic waste material contaminated with other materials, particularly waste optical disks, wherein the loose, uncrushed waste is chemically treated by impregnating said other materials with a chemical solution which attacks these materials but is substantially neutral for the synthetic material, and mechanically treated by tumbling said waste in a sealed rotary drum to dislodge the contaminated and chemically attacked materials from said synthetic material.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the fluid bed cracking of polyether polyols to volatile lower molecular weight products.

Abstract: Polyamide is recovered by an improved solution process and with minimal polyamide degradation.

Abstract: A method is provided for effecting the removal of cured polyurethane paint from the surface of aromatic polycarbonate blend surfaces. Effective removal of thermally cured polyurethane paint from aromatic polycarbonate blend surface can be achieved by immersing the painted aromatic polycarbonate blend in an aqueous bath containing organic solvent, an alkali metal hydroxide and a surfactant.

Abstract: This invention is a low cost styrene-soluble unsaturated polyester resin made using recycled or virgin polyethylene terephthalate. The PET is first glycolyzed using inexpensive glycols and then reacted with maleic anhydride and dicyclopentadiene, forming polyesters containing cyclopentadiene added by Diels-Alder reaction and/or norbornyl-terminated polyesters.

Abstract: The method of reprocessing cured polysulfide and polymercaptan elastomers includes reacting an 0.5 to 400 percent-by-weight portion of a polysulfide and/or polymercaptan elastomer with at least one liquid di- or polymercapto compound, with a plasticizer and with a filling material and with an binding agent to form a polysulfide sealing material-base component. Then a polysulfide sealing material curing agent is added to the polysulfide sealing material-base component to form the reprocessed cured polysulfide sealing material with a Shore-A-Hardeness>40 and a tensile strength>1 MPa.

Abstract: A novel composition for use in reducing and recovering metals, such as silver, and for use in stripping adhesive polymer layers from various polymer bases, such as polyester, and processes for using same are provided. The composition and variations thereof can be useful in separating an adhesive polymeric layer from the film for recovery of either. The composition comprises a reducing sugar/alkaline solution that is particularly useful for recovering silver from polyester photographic film where a silver halide light-sensitive emulsion layer is adhered to the polyester film by a polymeric adhesive resin, such as resins containing copolymers of polyvinylidene chloride and polyvinyl chloride. Processes for separation and recovery are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Cured aminoplast resins are recycled by a process in which said resins, which may contain fillers, are treated with an aqueous sulfite, hydrogen sulfite or disulfite solution and the resulting low molecular weight degradation products are used in chemical processes. The resulting low molecular weight degradation products of cured aminoplast resins are used for coating moldings, for tanning leather and skins and for the production of moldings which contain cured aminoplast resins or consist thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for salvaging organic thermoplastic values from discarded shaped organic thermoplastic substrate which has been surface treated with a protective or decorative organic coating can be salvaged and recycled. The discarded shaped organic thermoplastic substrate, such as a polycarbonate substrate can be granulated, treated with an aqueous alkaline solution which can contain a water miscible organic solvent, such as methanol and thereafter washed until neutral and dried.

Abstract: Improved cold-applied asphalt compositions for use as sealants, cements, coatings and the like, including recycled asphalt roofing wastes, and asphalt. Recycled roofing wastes provide an excellent, although unexpected, source of temperature-stable asphalt, stabilizing filler, and reinforcing fiber, which provides compositions having exceptional performance characteristics as well as the reduction or elimination of asbestos from such compositions. Use of asphalt roofing wastes allows for recycling of a non-renewable resource and provides an environmentally-safe alternative to landfill disposal of such materials.

Abstract: A barrier foam tray contains recycled reclaim of barrier foam. The tray comprises a sheet of foamed polystyrene (PS) having laminated to it a flexible barrier film. The foamed polystyrene part can have admixed therein from 0.0001% up to 30% by weight of the flexible barrier film. The barrier film contains a barrier polymer such as ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). The tray is made by grinding laminate scrap and extruding reclaim therefrom with virgin polystyrene.

Abstract: A process for recycling waste from the manufacture filtered cigarettes is disclosed herein. The process comprises the following steps: A waste stream from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is provided. The waste stream includes tobacco, cellulose ester polymer, and paper. A substantial portion of the cellulose ester polymer is separated from this waste stream. This cellulose ester polymer is contacted with a sufficient volumne of fluid to extract contaminants therefrom. The fluid is under pressure and temperature conditions, such that the fluid is a supercritical or a near supercritical fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of salts of sulphonic acids, phosphonic acids and/or carboxylic acids in combination with halogenated phthalimides for additional processing of glass fibre-containing polycarbonate moulded members.

Abstract: Recycled mixed plastics from domestic and commercial waste can be stabilized against thermal oxidative degradation by adding a combination of a sterically hindered phenol with a phosphite or phosphonite.

Abstract: A process of recovering components such as ethylene glycol and dimethylterephthalate from scrap polyester. The process steps are: (a) introducing oligomers of ethylene glycol and terephthalate acid or dimethyl terephthalate to a first vessel and heating the oligomers; (b) introducing scrap polyester to the first vessel and forming a startup melt with the oligomers; (c) transferring melt from the first vessel to a second vessel; (d) passing super-heated methanol through the melt in the second vessel to form a final melt comprising low molecular weight polyesters and monomers; (e) transferring final melt from the second vessel to the first vessel; and (f) recovering components from the second vessel.

Abstract: Laminated scrap produced by a reaction injection molding process, comprising a thermoplastic resin substrate and a vinyl skin, together with a polyurethane foam layer disposed therebetween, is ground with cryogenic coating. Thereafter, the granulated particles of the scrap lamination are passed serially through density-based separators to separate the laminated layers. The method and apparatus of the invention permit the separation of the layers of such scrap parts, such that one or more of the constituent parts may be recovered.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby water is used to transfer labels onto containers in automatic high-speed labeling machines thereby leaving no glue residue on a container's surface, and making them amenable for recycling. The method further provides for adjustment of water's surface tension if necessary by surfactants to cause wettability of a variety of surfaces undergoing labeling, but said label is permanently attached to the container by friction, rather than by glue, after evaporation of the water.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating waste contaminated polystyrene involves dissolving the contaminated product in liquid styrene monomer at about room temperature and recovering the contaminant-free solution. The solution can be used as part of styrene feed stock for polymerization of styrene.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous ultrasonic method for breaking the carbon-sulfur (C--S), sulfur-sulfur (S--S), and if desired, carbon-carbon (C--C) bonds in a vulcanized elastomer. It is well known that vulcanized elastomers having a three-dimensional chemical network, cannot flow under the effect of heat and/or pressure. This creates a huge problem in the recycling of used tires and other elastomeric products. Through the application of certain levels of ultrasonic amplitudes in the presence of pressure and optionally heat, the three-dimensional network of vulcanized elastomer can be broken down. As a most desirable consequence, ultrasonically treated cured rubber becomes soft, thereby enabling this material to be reprocessed and shaped in a manner similar to that employed with uncured elastomers.

Abstract: A waste plastic material, e.g. hard plastic waste constituted of vinyl chloride, polyethylene, and foamed polystyrene, soft plastic waste, or other plastic waste containing metal fragments, is immersed in a vegetable or mineral oil heated to 110.degree. to 180.degree. C. for melting in to a saturation of the plastic waste, the proportion of the plastic waste added to the oil being sufficient to saturate the oil. The melted plastic material, in which quantities of the oil are entrapped is mixed with a given dose of a neutralizing agent, e.g. calcium hydroxide, at a temperature of 220.degree. to 300.degree. C. Then, the resultant mixture, in which a quantity of the oil is entrapped is shaped into a solid fuel product, or into a predetermined form disposable in a landfill.

Abstract: A process for the purification of waste of thermoplastic resins containing at least one member selected from among aromatic polycarbonates, aromatic polyester carbonates and aromatic polyesters and at least one of aluminum, lacquers and dyes which waste accumulates in the production of optical moldings is disclosed. The process which entails size reduction of the waste, chemical wash and filtering steps yields purified resins suitable for thermoplastic processing.