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 coated fabric with a first fabric layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first fabric layer is comprised of a first polymer, and a first coating layer that is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of the first fabric layer, wherein the first coating layer is comprised of the first polymer is disclosed. Fabricating the coated fabric can comprise providing a fabric, and applying or bonding at least a portion of a polymeric layer onto at least a portion of a first surface. The coated fabrics can advantageously serve as a protective barrier against natural elements with a long service life. One of more coated fabrics can act as a barrier to prevent seepage of water into the ground and/or serve as a surface for printing and decoration. The present coated fabrics can also be tailored to specific applications.

Abstract: Process for devolatilization of a polymer of an aromatic alkylene, such as styrene and, in particular, an improved process using water as a stripping agent (i) in which the total amount of water to be disposed of can be reduced, (ii) which allows at least a portion of the water to be recycled as stripping agent, reducing make-up requirements for the stripping agent, and (iii) which allows at least a portion of the aromatic alkylene monomer in the water to be recycled to the polymerization process (via the devolatilization steps) rather than being disposed.

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 recycled building material such as roof/Geo membrane that comprises (i) a polyolefin, (ii) a polymer containing a carboxyl group or a hydroxyl group, and (iii) a compatabilizer for the components (i) and (ii) which contains an epoxy group or an anhydride group. The present invention also provides a method of recycling building material as well as an article of manufacture such as a TPO membrane using the recycled building material. The TPO membrane has gained better physical properties such as consistent product quality, tensile strength, tear strength, wind resistance, and avoidance of tedious screening processes, among others.

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: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of waste in a reactor (3) comprising the steps of combining the waste to be processed and an aqueous, alkaline solution to form a reaction mixture, heating the reaction mixture to a temperature range between 140° C. to 250° C. and a pressure between 3 bar and 12 bar to produce at least one aqueous, organic phase, a gas phase and optionally a solid phase, removing the gas phase from the reactor (3), separating the organic and aqueous components of the gas phase, in particular by means of a rectification column and feeding the aqueous components of the gas phase back into the reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the pH value and/or for neutralizing acid and/or basic compounds, in particular degradation or decomposition products, as part of the reprocessing and recycling of in particular thermoplastic materials, in the course of which the polymer particles are permanently moved and heated in a reactor, wherein at least one filler is added for neutralization purposes, specifically in a quantity which corresponds at least to the anticipated acid or alkali load.

Abstract: A stone based copolymer substrate includes calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from approximately fifty to eighty-five percent (50-85%) by weight and varying in size generally from 1.0 to 3.0 microns, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from approximately two to twenty-five percent (2-25%) by weight and a biopolymer from approximately two to twenty-five percent (2-25%) by weight. The substrate may include a biodegradation additive from approximately three fourths of a percent to two percent (0.75-2%) by weight. By selectively adjusting the ranges of the substrate's components, various products can be made to replace current tree-based and plastic-based products. The substrate can be configured to be tear proof, water proof, fade resistant and fire retardant while utilizing less energy and producing less waste during its manufacture. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the stone used in the substrate includes limestone.

Abstract: 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. In another embodiment, 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-butane diol under conditions that create a second molten mixture that is subsequently placed under subatmospheric conditions that produce the modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recycling plastic materials which contain at least two polymers, copolymers or blends thereof based on polystyrene. The plastic material is thereby mixed with a solvent for the polymers, copolymers or blends. Subsequently a precipitation is effected by addition of a corresponding precipitant so that then the gelatinous precipitation product can be separated from the further components of the plastic material. The method is used for recycling of any plastic materials, in particular of plastic materials from electronic scrap processing and from shredder light fractions.

Abstract: A flexible polyurethane foam is obtained by making a material containing polyols, a cross-linking agent and a polyisocyanate compound react in the presence of a catalyst, a blowing agent and an auxiliary blowing agent. At this time, the isocyanate index of the polyisocyanate compound is set to 110 to 120. Preferably, a polyol of which the hydroxyl value is 250 mg KOH/g to 650 mg KOH/g and of which the molecular weight is 150 to 500 is used as the cross-linking agent, and concretely, polyethylene glycol can be used. A liquefied carbon dioxide is used as the auxiliary blowing agent with an amount mixed in of 1.5 mass parts to 6.0 mass parts relative to 100 mass parts of the polyols. The load required for compressing to 25% of the initial thickness is 30 N to 70 N, and thus, the flexible polyurethane foam has a low hardness.

Abstract: A composite formulation consisting of agglomerated industrial/residential sewer sludge and recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or polypropylene (PP) materials. The recycled plastic materials act as a binder for the pozzolan industrial/residential sewer sludge. The composite formulation can be produced in a batching process wherein the sieved dried sewer sludge and the recycled plastic in appropriate small cut pieces is fed into a large plastic extruder, heated and extruded into specific structures. The formulation can also be compounded using a compression mold wherein sieved dry sewer sludge are added to heated chopped recycled plastics and heat mixed to produce pellets or directed into a compression mold to create a structural member of predetermined shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making modified polybutylene terephththalate 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 method of treating a material derived from recovery and shredding, the material comprising a mixture of polypropylene and polyethylene, wherein the material is mixed with 1% to 5% by weight of copolymer of ethylene-?-olefin type.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to mechanically destroy printer toner cartridges and reclaim their constituent materials under a water shielded environment while providing a safer and more environmentally friendly recycling system. The present invention is an economical system that provides greater protection from possible fire or explosion and releases less irritating or possibly harmful airborne contamination than the currently available systems.

Abstract: A system to recycle plastics, which enables a supply of recycled plastics having a stable quality required for the recycled products. A system to recycle a used plastic material as a resin material including (a) means to sort used plastic materials for the purpose of recycling said used plastic materials, (b) means to crush and melt said used plastic material after it has been sorted, (c) reviving means to regain a desired property, and (d) means to measure a physical property of a reclaimed plastic after it has been revived and to indicate said measured physical property for quality assurance.

Abstract: A composite material is produced from carpet waste and a binding agent, in intimate association, and may also include wood fiber or chips and/or other additives. A method of manufacturing a composite material includes shredding carpet waste, coating the carpet waste with a binding agent, and subjecting the shredded, coated carpet waste to elevated heat and pressure. As an additional step, the composite material may be actively cooled to prevent deformation of the material.

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

Abstract: A composite material produced from carpet waste and a binding agent, in intimate association, which material includes 25% and 99% carpet waste and between 1 and 25% binding agent. A method for manufacturing the composite material is also disclosed.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Thermoplastic polymers, rubbery polymeric components and reinforcing fillers are mixed and heated to a range of 380° F. to 440° F. The resulting mixture is then fed into a Banbury mixer, with the resulting mixture fed into a diverter feeding two molds. The velocity of the piston of each mold being filled is controlled to thereby control the density of the molded product along its length. As each mold is filled, it is deposited in a cool water bath (50° F.-60° F.) while the next mold is being filled. The molds are sequentially transferred to an air cooling rack to complete the process. A texture, generally comprising indentations perpendicular to the longitudinal axis on the molded object, provides a frictional surface between the railway crosstie and the ballast beneath the crosstie.

Abstract: A method of producing settable, strong, rigid, durable and machinable compositions including plastics and organic fibres including the steps of: (a) forming a polyolefin source of plastic into particle sizes about 2 mm to 10 mm in diameter; (b) forming a polystyrene source of plastic into particle about 2 mm to 10 mm in diameter; (c) forming a natural organic fibre source into fibres in a size ranges between 0.2 mm and 5 mm; (d) mixing the above in a ratio between 70% to 20% by weight of a), 60% to 20% by weight of b), and 50% to 10% by weight of c) to form a combination until the combination is substantially mixed; (e) drying the combination of d) at a temperature up to 135° C. until the mixture is stable dry; and (f) mixing and drying the combination of e) thermally and/or mechanically to achieve a moisture content below 1% for the combination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reclaiming a multilayered film which comprises a plastic layer including polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) as main components, and an aluminum layer. The method comprises selective dissolution of aluminum, separation using a difference in specific gravity, selective extrusion using a difference in melting point, and selective dissolution using an organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recycling poly(vinyl butyral) resin and incorporating that poly(vinyl butyral) resin into laminated glass and other articles. Poly(vinyl butyral) resin is recovered from discarded laminated glass through a well defined process, as described herein as the present invention, that includes all or most of the steps of granulation of the laminated glass, solvent extraction of plasticizer and impurities, dissolution of poly(vinyl butyral), pre-filtration of insoluble contaminants, color removal via adsorption or bleaching, post-filtration of carbon particles, precipitation of poly(vinyl butyral), and washing, stabilization, and drying of poly(vinyl butyral) resin.

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: A method of treating and recycling solid waste polystyrene packing material by dissolving the solid waste polystyrene packing material in a dimethylbenzene based solvent to obtain a homogenous and viscous fluid which may be used as an adhesive material or a coating material.

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: A process for producing a synthetic fiber composition with reclaimed post consumer carpet yam, wherein face yam is shaved from post consumer carpet using a shaving device to provide shaved face yam, the shaved face yam is reduced in size, contaminants are removed using mechanical screeners, the shave face yam is melt filtered, and then fiber spun.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foam reduction agent comprising low vapor pressure dibasic esters and a method of using a liquid to contact with polystyrene foam wherein the higher boiling temperature of the low vapor pressure dibasic esters and contact with the liquid provides a volume reduction process and less evaporation loss as well as safer transportation of the chemicals and the polystyrene in its reduced state. The resulting reduced sludge is also recyclable to superior quality raw polystyrene foam beads and the reduction agents are recoverable for future use. The resulting sludge also has unexpected beneficial uses heretofore unknown as a waterproofing agent, a paint stripper, as a graffiti remover, as an extender of the life of concrete, as an adhesive remover, as a stain remover, as a scuff mark remover, and as a general degreaser.

Abstract: A system for recycling plastics, which enables a supply of recycled plastics having a stable quality required for the recycled products. A system for recycling a used plastic material as a resin material, which has (a) means for sorting used plastic materials by purpose of recycling, (b) means for crushing and melting said used plastic material sorted, (c) reviving means for regaining a desired property, and (d) means for measuring a physical property of a reclaimed plastic revived and indicating said measured physical property for quality assurance.

Abstract: A recycled plastic material is made from laser-engraved thermoplastic, metal-containing thermoplastic, thermoplastic used in an inkjet apparatus, or thermoplastic to which an ink or its composition have stuck. This recycled plastic material is manufactured by pulverizing any of these thermoplastics, cleaning the pulverized thermoplastic, removing a cleaning solution from the cleaned thermoplastic to dry it, and removing the dried thermoplastic solid matter other than the thermoplastic.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an improved clarity, low haze, low melt flow rate homopolymer polypropylene and thermoformed parts therefrom using an additive package such that the additive package alone provides the improved qualities, and process adjustments at the thermoforming stage are not required. The additive package does not contain a phosphite antioxidant, and the homopolymer polypropylene is either virgin material or virgin material mixed with at least 25 percent reground homopolymer polypropylene of the improved formulation described herein and combined with the improved clarity additive package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recycling plastic materials which contain at least two polymers, copolymers or blends thereof based on polystyrene. The plastic material is thereby mixed with a solvent for the polymers, copolymers or blends. Subsequently a precipitation is effected by addition of a corresponding precipitant so that then the gelatinous precipitation product can be separated from the further components of the plastic material. The method is used for recycling of any plastic materials, in particular of plastic materials from electronic scrap processing and from shredder light fractions.

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: The present invention is directed to novel polystyrene foam reduction recycling compositions and methods that solve the volume problem of recycling polystyrene foam materials while simultaneously allowing the easy and inexpensive shipment of the foamed materials after reduction in volume by use of one or more dibasic ester compositions in combination with one or more low heat based mechanical extruders. The methods of the present invention are applicable to all types of expanded or foamed polystyrene materials known to those of skill in the art.

Abstract: A method of separating at least one polymer from a mixture of polymers. The method includes adjusting the temperature of the mixture, either by heating or cooling, to bring the temperature to a temperature at which decombination of the polymer mixture occurs. Mechanical energy is also imparted to the mixture, before, during or after temperature adjustment. The temperature adjustment and application of mechanical energy enable at least one polymer to be separated from the other polymers in the mixture.

Abstract: A front cover, a rear cover and a base portion are crushed into a crushed material, and further pelletized into a recycled plastic pellet. The recycled plastic pellet is used as a part of a molding material to produce mold plastic parts for a photosensitive material. When the molding material is melt in heat, a thermoplastic resin is deteriorated by heat or modified. Therefore, properties and qualities of recycled plastic mold parts are less than those of new ones. Further, when the thermoplastic resin is deteriorated by heat, the photosensitive material reacts with the thermoplastic resin to decomposed products having an bad influence on photographic characteristics. In order to prevent the deterioration by heat, oxidation inhibiting materials are added, and in order to absorb the decomposed products, carbon blacks are added.

Abstract: Process for recycling a plastic, according to which the plastic is brought into contact with a solvent capable of dissolving the same and the plastic dissolved in the solvent is precipitated using a non-solvent in the presence of a phase-separating agent, in which the phase-separating agent is compatible with the solvent and incompatible with the non-solvent, and is also present when the plastic is brought into contact with the solvent, and improves the dissolution of the plastic by the solvent.