Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the chemical conversion of mixtures of materials produced from solid and liquid hydrocarbons into gas/vapor mixtures and carbonaceous materials by thermal actions, catalysis and other processes and a device comprising jacket-heated, vertically and horizontally oriented reactors known per se with conveying devices and further apparatus in a process cycle.

Abstract: A method for recycling vulcanized rubber provided the use of a reactor and a glycerol and hydrochloric acid solution. A quantity of vulcanized rubber is reduced in size, and submerged into a reactor containing the glycerol and hydrochloric acid solution. The quantity of vulcanized rubber is simultaneously heated and agitated to chemically break sulfide bonds within the quantity of vulcanized rubber. A solid residue, byproduct of the reaction, is separated from the quantity of vulcanized rubber, glycerol, and hydrochloric acid mixture. After separation, an additional quantity of hydrochloric acid is added into the aforementioned mixture to wash the mixture and further the reaction to an optimal yield. The quantity of vulcanized rubber, glycerol and hydrochloric acid mixture is reheated and agitated to produce a full quantity of de-vulcanized rubber. The full quantity of de-vulcanized rubber is recovered through a solid-liquid separation process.

Abstract: A system for devulcanizing rubber by contacting vulcanized rubber with a turpentine liquid in a reaction mixture in the absence of an alkali metal.

Abstract: A rubber asphalt and a preparation method thereof are disclosed. The rubber asphalt comprises matrix asphalt and rubber powder modifier in a ratio of 4:1-4, wherein the rubber powder modifier comprises waste tire rubber powder and hexanediol in a ratio of 94-96:6-4. The method comprises the following steps: mixing the hexanediol with the waste tire rubber powder according to the ratio and stirring and wetting to obtain the rubber powder modifier; placing the matrix asphalt into a reaction kettle and heating to 90-170° C.; adding the rubber powder modifier into the reaction kettle according to the ratio; and raising the temperature to 190-210° C. under the stirring state to obtain the rubber asphalt. The rubber asphalt has an extensibility of 13-19 cm at 5° C., a penetration of 68-75 at 25° C. and a softening point of 53-90° C. The asphalt-aggregate ratio of a mixed material on the subsequent work section can be reduced to 6-8 from 8-10.

Abstract: Processes for recovering natural rubber from an aqueous natural rubber latex that contains extractables and one or more additives and that is essentially free of lignocellulosic plant material are described. Natural rubber in the latex is separated from the water. Preferably, the amount of non-rubber extractables in the natural rubber is reduced by one or more extraction steps yielding a dried natural rubber.

Abstract: A system for devulcanizing rubber by contacting vulcanized rubber with a turpentine liquid in a reaction mixture in the absence of an alkali metal.

Abstract: Vulcanized rubber, for example from used tires, can be devulcanized to provide a reaction product that has similar rheological properties to the original un-vulcanized rubber. The vulcanized rubber is processed at a temperature that is less than a critical temperature of a solvent, such as water or water and alcohol. The process is carried out at a pressure that is higher than the vapour pressure of the solvent.

Abstract: A system for devulcanizing rubber by contacting vulcanized rubber with a turpentine liquid in a reaction mixture in the absence of an alkali metal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making shapeable composites in the form of finely divided materials or articles and the materials and articles produced by the methods, the methods comprising forming mixtures by (i) treating an aqueous thermoplastic acrylic or vinyl polymer to increase the particle size thereof to a weight average particle size of 1 ?m or more, and, optionally, dewatering to form a crumb mixture; and (ii) combining a thermoplastic acrylic or vinyl polymer with one or more waste rubber vulcanizate having a sieve particle size ranging from 10 to 600 ?m in the amount of from 15 to 95 wt. %, based on the total weight of polymer and rubber to form a crumb slurry, such that (ii) can take place before, during, after (i) but before any dewatering, or after any dewatering; and (iii) thermoplastic processing the mixture. Thermoplastic processing can directly form articles, like sheets or films. The shapeable composites have excellent adhesion to other materials.

Abstract: A surfacing composition made of recycled paint, which requires no priming, has a non-reflective “flat” appearance, and is partially composed of dried paint. The composition provides a useful application for used or excess household paint, which would otherwise require special methods of disposal and potentially create future toxic cleanup problems. The composition is made of granular dried paint and a water-based sealer, which can be spread on a surface to repair imperfections. The surface can then be finished, and no priming is required. Due to the composition's flat appearance, the patch does not display any characteristic sheen where the repair has been made. The composition provides a simple means of recycling paint, and provides a simple and inexpensive means of repairing imperfections in walls and other surfaces while saving the step of priming the patch before painting or repainting.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating a sealing compound, in order to recover from the inside of a pneumatic tire the sealing compound that was used for repairing a puncture, the sealing compound including an aqueous solution having at least rubber latex dispersed therein, the method comprising: solid-liquid separating, by injecting a treating agent into the inside of a pneumatic tire into which the sealing compound was injected, the treating agent comprising at least one of a salt that is a reaction compound of an acid and a base and/or a water-soluble organic solvent, mixing the treating agent with the sealing compound inside the pneumatic tire, and aggregating and solidifying the rubber latex in the sealing compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recycling polyesters or polyester mixtures from polyester-containing waste, in which the polyester or the polyester mixture is dissolved in a solvent and subsequently free-flowing particles are precipitated herefrom with a precipitant. The precipitant is thereby chosen such that subsequent separation of precipitant and solvent is made possible in a simple manner.

Abstract: Compositions of matter including articles derived from (a) from 5 to 99.99 wt % of a modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymer that (1) is derived from polyethylene terephthalate and (2) contains a at least one residue derived from polyethylene terephthalate selected from the group consisting of antimony, germanium, diethylene glycol groups, isophthalic acid groups, cis isomer of cyclohexane dimethanol, trans isomer of cyclohexane dimethanol, sodium benzoate, alkali salts, napthalane dicarboxylic acids, 1,3-propane diols, cobalt, cobalt-containing compounds, and combinations thereof, and (b) from 0.01 to 95 wt. % of a member selected from the group consisting of (1) fillers, (2) a carboxy reactive component, (3) polyethyelene terephthalate, (4) a component including a polycarbonate and an impact modifier. The articles may be derived from various conversion processes, e.g., injection molding processes, extrusion processes, thermoforming processes, melt-blown process.

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: Processes for recovering natural rubber from an aqueous natural rubber latex that contains extractables and one or more additives and that is essentially free of lignocellulosic plant material are described. Natural rubber in the latex is separated from the water. Preferably, the amount of non-rubber extractables in the natural rubber is reduced by one or more extraction steps yielding a dried natural rubber.

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: 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 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: [Problems] To produce a resin composition from a waste plastic material composed of a major portion of a thermoplastic resin and a small amount of incompatible solid foreign material. [Means for solving problems] A reclaimed resin composition which is produced by mixing a pulverized waste plastic material containing a major portion of a thermoplastic resin and a small amount of a non-thermoplastic solid foreign material with a light-shielding component and a light-shielding filler to give a mixture and melting the mixture under heating, and a sheet made from which shows a relationship between a lightness and a light transmittance satisfying the following condition: (A×B)?4000 wherein A means a lightness of a sheet of 3 mm thick having been made of the reclaimed resin composition, and B means a total light transmittance (%) of a sheet of 50 ?m thick having been made of the resin composition.

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

Abstract: The object of the present invention resides in providing a method and instrument of polymer processing treatment, wherein a sudden pressure change due to expansion by gasification of a reactant when it is exhausted from a reacting extruder is given in a little amount to a molding machine for a treated substance, and a change in the amount of the material supplied to the molding machine and a variation in molding are little, and hence continuous and uniform molding is possible. That is, the method of the present invention resides in a method of polymer processing treatment, which includes the steps of: reacting a polymer with a reactant under mixing and stirring at a high temperature and a high pressure in the inside of a reacting extruder to produce the treated substance; introducing said treated substance and a remaining reactant into a reactant-separation tank to separate the treated substance and the reactant; and molding the separated treated substance.

Abstract: Recycled resin is produced by a method including a dismantling/recovery step of dismantling products containing resin moldings and recovering the resin moldings, a removal step of removing unwanted matter including metal components from the resin moldings, a sorting step of discriminating the materials of the resin moldings, and a crushing step of crushing the resin moldings. The method further includes, prior to the crushing step, detecting the metal components, and, after the crushing step, separating out and thus removing metal remaining in crushed material.

Abstract: Vulcanized rubber is devulcanized by contacting the vulcanized rubber with a terpentine liquid in a reaction mixture in the absence of an alkali metal.

Abstract: A method of reducing vulcanized rubber is provided. The method comprises the steps of heating the rubber, wherein the rubber includes synthetic rubber, in the presence of a solvent, wherein the solvent includes water to a temperature below a critical temperature of the solvent, providing a pressure that is at least equal to a saturated vapour pressure of the solvent at the temperature and maintaining the temperature and the pressure for a time sufficient to devulcanize the rubber and produce a reaction product that is primarily a solid phase and includes rubber hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for devulcanizing cured rubber into devulcanized rubber that is capable of being recompounded and recured into useful rubber products, said process comprising heating the cured rubber to a temperature which is within the range of about 150° C. to about 300° C. under a pressure of at least about 3.4×106 Pascals in the presence of a mixture of carbon dioxide and 2-butanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to elastomeric compositions and methods including compositions and methods involving the use of aromatic alcohols. The present invention further relates to elastomeric compositions that can include ground reclaimed elastomeric particles. Compositions of the present invention are usable in numerous elastomeric applications including interior and exterior vehicle parts, roofing, asphalt, and any other applications that employ an elastomer as an ingredient thereof, particularly those utilizing rubber or a similar elastomer. The present invention further is directed to asphalt compositions and their methods of manufacture and use.

Abstract: Thermosetting paint film is removed by adding plastic resin coated with thermosetting paint film into a mixed solution of an alcoholic solvent and alkali and heating this mixed solution while stirring. Isopropyl alcohol, phenoxy alcohol and alkali are added in a reactor and heated to a temperature of 50-70° C. while stirring. Plastic resin coated with thermosetting paint film is added and a reaction is performed while maintaining the temperature. The isopropyl alcohol and phenoxy alcohol are added in a mixed ratio of 70-90:30-10.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing fine rubber powders by using waste rubber, comprising the steps of pre-pulverizing waste rubber into particles with a size of 1-4 mm; soaking the particles in a solvent selected from one or more alcohols and/or ethers; and pulverizing the soaked rubber particles into rubber powders with a size of less than 180 &mgr;m. The process according to the invention is an ideal method in industry due to its low costs and without pollution.

Abstract: A moldable heterogeneous composite material has a continuous plastic phase (30) and a discrete phase of unground rubber (20) dispersed in the continuous phase. The composite material can be formed from thermoplastic or thermosetting materials and pieces of rubber from used tires. The composite material of the present invention can be molded in a process having the steps of providing a flowable melt of plastic material (50), providing unground rubber pieces (70), mixing the plastic material with the rubber pieces to form a composite material, and molding the composite material into an article (10) having a desired shape. Molded articles formed from the composite of the present invention have high rigidity and good durability.

Abstract: A method for producing a polypropylene blend from a plastic packaging materials containing high molecular weight polypropylene, other high molecular weight polymers such as polyethylene, low molecular weight polymers and other contaminants. The method includes extraction, solid-liquid separation and liquid-liquid phase separation using various organic solvents. The polypropylene blend has a purity of 95% and has favorable melt flow characteristics, while retaining satisfactory mechanical properties.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that cured rubber can be devulcanized by heating it to a temperature of at least about 150° C. under a pressure of at least about 3.4×106 Pascals in the presence of a solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohols and ketones having a critical temperature within the range of about 200° C. to about 350° C. The molecular weight of the rubber can be maintained at a relatively high level if the devulcanization is carried out at a temperature of no more than about 300° C. This devulcanization technique does not significantly change the microstructure of the rubber. In other words, the devulcanized rubber can be recompounded and recured into useful articles in substantially the same way as was the original rubber.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for devulcanizing the surface of reclaimed rubber crumb into surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb that is suitable for being recompounded and recurred into high performance rubber products, said process comprising the steps of (1) heating the reclaimed rubber crumb to a temperature within the range of about 150° C. to about 300° C. under pressure of at least about 3.4×106 Pascals in the presence of 2-butanol to devulcanized the surface of the rubber crumb thereby producing a slurry of the surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb in the 2-butanol, wherein the reclaimed rubber crumb has a particles size which is within the range of about 325 mesh to about 20 mesh, and (2) separating the surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb from 2-butanol.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for devulcanizing the surface of reclaimed rubber crumb into surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb that is suitable for being recompounded and recured into high performance rubber products, said process comprising the steps of (1) heating the reclaimed rubber crumb to a temperature which is within the range of about 150° C. to about 300° C. under a pressure of at least about 3.4×106 Pascals in the presence of a solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohols and ketones, wherein said solvent has a critical temperature, which is within the range of about 200° C. to about 350° C., to devulcanize the surface of the rubber crumb thereby producing a slurry of the surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb in the solvent, wherein the reclaimed rubber crumb has a particle size which is within the range of about 325 mesh to about 20 mesh, and (2) separating the surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb from the solvent.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for devulcanizing the surface of reclaimed rubber crumb into surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb that is suitable for being recompounded and recurred into high performance rubber products, said process comprising the steps of (1) heating the reclaimed rubber crumb to a temperature which is within the range of about 150° C. to about 300° C. under a pressure of at least about 3.4×106 Pascals in the presence of 2-butanol to devulcanize the surface of the rubber crumb thereby producing a slurry of the surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb in the 2-butanol, wherein the reclaimed rubber crumb has a particle size which is within the range of about 325 mesh to about 20 mesh, and (2) separating the surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb from the 2-butanol.

Abstract: The present invention is a recipe and method for combining Gilsonite and other asphaltites with curative elastomers that are powder granular form and which are added to asphalt. Second recipe and method is disclosed to create a dry liquid concentrate comprised of cured elastomers in combination with tall oil or other fatty acids and may also include Gilsonite to be added to asphalt.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing fine rubber powders by using waste rubber, comprising the steps of pre-pulverizing waste rubber into particles with a size of 1-4 mm; soaking the particles in a solvent selected from one or more alcohols and/or ethers; and pulverizing the soaked rubber particles into rubber powders with a size of less than 180 &mgr;m. The process according to the invention is an ideal method in industry due to its low costs and without pollution.

Abstract: A mixer and method of using the mixer is disclosed in which a closed chambered vessel capable of both holding pressure and vacuum is charged with a mixture of elastomer and materials taken from the group of tall oil, fatty acids and residues of tall oil production. The charge mixture is heated under pressure without excessive friction heat. After the heating cycle, the mixer atmosphere is evacuated under vacuum, and then the mix is discharged.

Abstract: An acidic substance is added to a mixture containing a compound having epithio structures and a catalyst for curing the compound and the mixture is solidified. The mixture containing a compound having epithio structures and a catalyst for curing the compound can be mildly solidified for disposal.

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: The invention relates to a method for the recycling of trim components of vehicles. The method comprises the steps of shredding manufacturing scrap and post-consumer scrap from vehicle headliners into small particles to produce fluff. This fluff is then combined with water and a binder reagent composed of either polyisocyanates, or polyisocyanates combined with various polyols. The solution of fluff, binder reagent and water are mixed, and then placed in a mold where the mixture is formed into a pre-preg sheet. Subsequently, the pre-preg sheet is subjected to compression molding at elevated temperatures to produce a finished composite trim panel. As part of the final compression molding step, a decorative coverstock can be included to produce a finished trim panel having a decorative cover.

Abstract: Compositions and techniques useful to effectively recycle crosslinked (i.e., vulcanized or cured) fluoroelastomers are disclosed. The invention utilizes an additive system that includes a cure-enhancing additive, a crosslinking agent, and an accelerator.

Abstract: A method of processing used tires and the recovery of the products thereof. The process includes adding shredded automobile tire to a bath containing a combination of isocyanide, polyurethane, latex, and soybean oil. The resultant mixture is then heated at approximately 700.degree. F. for a period of 10 minutes. The process allows the recovery of the following products, including but not limited to: oil, steel, vinyl chloride, carbon, and carbon black. The addition of soybean oil to the bath mixture provides a safer and more economical process. The current process does not require the use of a special atmosphere nor does it require the use of a high pressure system.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that cured rubber can be devulcanized by heating it to a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. under a pressure of at least about 3.4.times.10.sup.6 Pascals in the presence of 2-butanol. The molecular weight of the rubber can be maintained at a relatively high level if the devulcanization is carried out in the presence of the 2-butanol at a temperature of no more than about 300.degree. C. This devulcanization technique does not significantly change the microstructure of the rubber and it can accordingly be used in the same types of applications as was the original rubber. In other words, the devulcanized rubber can be recompounded and recurred into useful articles in substantially the same way as was the original rubber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the recovery of secondary polyols from paint sludge coagulate, formed from paint overspray which has first been dewatered by mass action, by chemical treatment in a manner such that the recovered product can be reused in the manufacture of paints. According to the recovery method, the organic components contained in the paint coagulate are glycolytically split at an elevated temperature into reusable polyols. Preferably, a mixture of different glycols is used, preferably in an amount of about 20 to 50% by weight based on the dewatered paint coagulate. The addition of glycol dilutes the paint coagulate and makes it flowable. The water contained in the paint coagulate is evaporated and removed during the glycolytic splitting because of the increase in temperature. The impurities contained in the paint coagulate, such as pigments, coagulants or flocculants, can be comminuted and finely dispersed by intensive shearing of the paint coagulate.

Abstract: A method of processing used tires and the recovery of the products thereof. The process includes adding shredded automobile tire to a bath containing a combination of isocyanide, polyurethane, latex, and soybean oil. The resultant mixture is then heated at approximately 700.degree. F. for a period of 10 minutes. The process allows the recovery of the following products, including but not limited to: oil, steel, vinyl chloride, and carbon. The addition of soybean oil to the bath mixture provides a safer and more economical process. The current process does not require the use of a special atmosphere nor does it require the use of a high pressure system.

Abstract: Method of manufacture of paint and adhesive of rubber from vulcanized rubber that is reclaimed, becoming a product that provides impermeability, flexibility and resistance to the pellicle by process of reduction to small particles through cracking beater mills, immersed in adequate solvents and recovered in ball mills to which is added products such as dyeing, pigments, asphalts, oils, accelerators, resins, etc., which give to the paint or adhesive its final characteristics.

Abstract: A dry liquid concentrate mixture is disclosed comprising crumb rubber particles and tall oil, tall oil derivatives or other fatty acids, which may be enhanced by other components, such as modifiers, for use to enhance the properties of parent materials, such as thermoplastic compounding and coatings and elastomers and recycles and asphalt and epoxies and aliphatic urethane.

Abstract: A method to work-up waste material of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in solid form and having a high initial viscosity for multivalent reuse and to recondense it to a high viscosity. The method includes the chemical regeneration and conversion of the recyclate in a mixture with a primary component in continuous and batchwise systems to form a homogenous product. The material to be reprocessed is heated in a stream of gas, crystallized, and dried. The solid-phase condensation is concluded in a stream of gas at high temperature. A transformation process is carried out by mixing the recycling material after treatment with a second component containing hydroxyl end groups.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining an elastomer product capable of absorbing petroleum and its by products including the steps of forming a mixture of waste vulcanized rubber, resin and organic solvent, grinding the mixture in a mill in the presence of manganese to produce a slurry of very small particles of a reclaimed rubber, and drying the slurry which results in porous elastomer particles which are capable of absorbing petroleum and its by-products.

Abstract: A composition containing reclaimed vulcanized rubber particles and capable of being recycled by melting is disclosed. A thermoplastic substrate is first melted, and an acid or base deflocculant and emulsifier for the rubber particles is added and mixed. The rubber particles are then added and heated with the substrate under high shear forces to redo the size of the particles, cause them to swell, and to emulsify the surface. The acid or base deflocculant is then neutralized to its isoelectric point, with the surfaces of the altered rubber particles in phase with the thermoplastic substrate.