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: Degradable polyesters useful in packaging, packing, agricultural, biomedical, and other applications are made by reacting amine-protected glutamic acid with diols or epoxy compounds. The polyesters include a thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester, a thermoset heterochain polyester and a thermoset heterochain aromatic polyester. Each of these polyesters can be hydrolyzed into monomers using a biological catalyst such as the enzyme lipase. The thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester and the thermoset heterochain polyester can be degraded to respiratory gases and biomass with a mixed culture of Rhizopus chinesis, Rhizopus delemar, Penecillium pinophilum, Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganisms. This mixed culture of microorganisms can also be used to degrade other polyesters containing hydrolyzable backbone polyesters.

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: Process for recycling an article based on at least one vinyl chloride polymer, in which: (a) the article is shredded into fragments having an average dimension of 1 cm to 50 cm, should it exceed these dimensions; (b) the fragments of the article, which are substantially dry, are brought into contact with a substantially anhydrous solvent capable of dissolving the vinyl chloride polymer, forming an azeotrope with water; (c) the polymer dissolved in the solvent is precipitated by injecting steam in the solution thus obtained, which moreover leads to the stripping of the water-solvent azeotrope and so leaves behind a mixture essentially consisting of water and of solid polymer particles; (d) the polymer particles are recovered.

Abstract: A method and device for recovering linear polyesters, such as PET and PBT, from polyester waste of the most varied form, in a continuous manner, in which undried or not dried-through waste is melted, the polymer chains being hydrolytically degraded by adhering moisture, and in which diol, corresponding to the basic constitutional unit of the polymer, is added to the melt resulting in glycolytic degradation, and the melt so treated is further condensed to the desired degree of polymerization.

Abstract: A polymer blend of fresh polymer, recycled polymer, polymeric stabilizer, wherein the recycled polymer comprising a carboxyl end group, and the polymeric stabilizer is reactive with such a carboxyl end group; also a yarn or fiber made from such a blend and an industrial fabric, especially a papermaker's fabric, made from such a yarn or fiber; also the process of making such a yarn or fiber.

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 method for recycling a photographic film is provided. The method comprises shredding the photographic film into a plurality of fragments to be processed; swelling the fragments to be processed formed in the shredding step by dipping each of these fragments to be processed into hot water; and drying the fragments to be processed swollen in the swelling step by applying an impact frictional striking force to each of these fragments to be processed, peeling layers other than a resin material base of the photographic film, i.e., a protective coat, an emulsion layer, and a base coat layer, from each fragment to be processed and classifying these layers, and grading the resin material base so as to be resin material to be recovered.

Abstract: A process for recovering suitable polyester feedstock material from recycled polyester includes the steps of depolymerizing the polyester into its component ester monomers and half-esters; separating the monomers and half-esters from other secondary materials; and mixing the component ester monomers and half-esters with additional monomers to produce a low molecular weight polyester. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the recycled polyester is contacted with a component monomer or oligomer thereof to liquefy the polyester before the polyester is depolymerized.The invention further provides an apparatus for carrying out the process. The apparatus includes a first reactor for depolymerizing the recycled polyester, a separator for separating ester monomeric components and half-esters from secondary materials produced in the first reactor, and a second reactor for producing a low molecular weight polyester from the liquefied separator products.

Abstract: Methods of making aromatic polyester polyols that are suitable for use with hydrocarbon and hydrofluorocarbon blowing agents. The polyols are made by reacting polyethylene terephthalate, dissolved in a solution comprising a plurality of glycols, with a natural oil. The natural oil reacts into the polyol backbone at a specific temperature. Aromatic polyester polyols that are suitable for use with hydrocarbon and hydrofluorocarbon blowing agents. The polyols are made from polyethylene terephthalate and a natural oil. The polyols exhibit low hydroxyl numbers and low viscosities, and hydrocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons blowing agents are soluble in these polyols. A method for making foam using the polyols of the present invention. The method includes reacting a polyol of the present invention, mixed with other polyol components, with an isocyanate component.

Abstract: PET foam is processed into flakes. The flakes are densified in a pellet mill at between about 300.degree. F. and about 350.degree. F. to produce pellets. The pellets are then dried in a desiccant dryer at about 350.degree. F. for about 6 hours, so that the dew point of the pellets reaches about -40.degree. F. The dried pellets have an intrinsic viscosity about equal to virgin PET and a crystallinity greater than 20%. This material can be reused as if it were virgin PET.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of producing polyester and charging apparatus therefor capable of producing a high quality polyethylene naphthalate usable for photographic purpose from recovered polyethylene naphthalate which comprises subjecting an ester-forming derivative consisting essentially of naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or its lower alkyl ester and a diol compound consisting essentially of ethylene glycol to ester exchange reaction or esterification to produce polyethylene naphthalate, wherein recovered polyethylene naphthalate resin is charged before beginning of effusion of alcohol or water which is a by-product of the ester exchange reaction or esterification, and a charging apparatus comprising a slidable inner pipe capable of penetrating through a supply valve.

Abstract: A process for dereticulating a cross-linked polymeric material, such as cross-linked polyethylene from scraps of electric cable coatings or from unused cable coatings through a mechanical mixing cycle, wherein the cross-linked material is subjected to a specific power per mass unit such as to induce shear stresses in the material itself and temperatures higher than pre-established minimum levels. At the end of this cycle the material goes back to a thermoplastic state that may be substantially regarded as thermoplastic; then, following granulation, cooling, drying and sacking, the material will be ready for re-use, either alone or mixed with virgin polymers, according to usual operating technologies for thermoplastic materials. Eventually, the mechanical mixing cycle may be preceeded by a preliminary crushing cycle of the cross-linked polymeric materials to be treated. Preferably, the mixing cycle is carried out in a twin-screw extruder with special screw and temperature profiles.

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 present invention relates to a process for removing contaminants, which comprises removing contaminants from a contaminant-containing polyester material at a temperature of at least 150.degree. C. in the presence of an equilibrium amount of a polyester reversible side-product.

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 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: Polycarbonates are recycled without the need for chemical modification by dissolution in a solvent followed by removal of any insoluble materials and precipitation by addition of a non-solvent. The precipitation step may be followed by solid state polymerization of the recycled polycarbonate. Particularly when solid state polymerization is to be performed, the use of a combination of solvent and non-solvent which produces a crystalline intermediate is performed, and use of a modifying reagent increasing the hydroxy end group concentration of the polycarbonate may be advantageous.

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: A process for preventing dye redeposition during the washing of a dyed fabric or garment made from natural fibers, which process incorporates as a dye redeposition inhibiting agent, a water-soluble or water-dispersible polyester resin composition comprising a reaction product of 20%-50% by weight of terephthalate polymer or waste terephthalate polymer, 10-40% by weight of at least one glycol and 5-25% by weight of at least one oxyalkylated polyol.

Abstract: Degradable polyesters useful in packaging, packing, agricultural, biomedical, and other applications are made by reacting amine-protected glutamic acid with diols or epoxy compounds. The polyesters include a thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester, a thermoset heterochain polyester and a thermoset heterochain aromatic polyester. Each of these polyesters can be hydrolyzed into monomers using a biological catalyst such as the enzyme lipase. The thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester and the thermoset heterochain polyester can be degraded to respiratory gases and biomass with a mixed culture of Rhizopus, chinesis, Rhizopus delemar, Penecillium pinophilum, Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganisms. This mixed culture of microorganisms can also be used to degrade other polyesters containing hydrolyzable backbone polyesters.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting PET into polyester polyols including a reactor vessel having an interior volume and an inlet and an outlet, a rotation device connected to the reactor vessel for rotating the reactor vessel, and a heater system interactive with the interior of the reactor vessel so as to elevate a temperature of the interior volume of the reactor vessel to at least 175.degree. C. The reactor vessel extends in a generally horizontal orientation. The rotation device includes a roll ring affixed circumferentially around the reactor vessel, a drive roller engaging the roll ring and a motor connected to the drive roller for drivingly rotating the drive roller and the associated roll ring. The heater system includes a plurality of heating pipes extending through the interior volume of the reactor vessel and a heated fluid injector connected to the plurality of heating pipes for passing a heated fluid into the pipes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of continuously producing polyamide 6 using recycled lactam from extraction and melt-demonomerizing stages. According to the invention, the cyclic oligomers present in the recycled lactam owing to the addition of .epsilon.-caprolactam (fresh lactam) are dissolved in the lactam as a function of the concentration of the oligomers in the product in use, at a dissolution temperature of between 120.degree. C. and 180.degree. C. The solution is then passed to a treatment, the solution preferably being introduced into a closed system and hydrolyzed in the fusible phase under pressure, at water contents of between 3 and 15% and temperatures ranging from 220 to 280.degree. C. With a constant low water content being set, the melt is then fed to the polymerization process in a further pressure stage incorporating a gas chamber (polymerizator).

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 process for producing polyester articles, which generates little or no polyester waste. The process provides esterification or transesterification of one or more dicarboxylic acids or their dialkyl esters, polycondensation to produce a high molecular weight polyester, and molding or shaping of the polyester for produce the desired product. Scrap produced during the molding process is recycled back to the esterification or transesterification or polycondensation portion of the process. Optionally, the scrap may also be recycled to intermediate steps prior to the molding operation.

Abstract: Polyester is depolymerized by methanolysis and methanol is recovered in a process that uses methyl benzoate and/or p-methyltoluate as an azeotropic agent while the methanol is present.

Abstract: Dicarboxylic acids or esters thereof are recovered from solid phase polyester materials, such as post-consumer products and factory scrap, by subjecting the polyester to at least two hydrolysis stages in at least the first of which the amount of water used is substantially less than needed to effect total conversion of the polyester to the dicarboxylic acid. Also the diol content is controlled in the course of carrying out the hydrolysis. The hydrolysis reactions may be preceded by reaction of the polyester with a diol, the resulting depolymerisation products then being hydrolysed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process of making strap using both post consumer and non-post consumer PET of wide distribution intrinsic viscosity (IV) through direct solid state polymerization in a flaked state to produce PET with increased, heterogenous IV suitable for high performance strap extrusion. The process increases the IV of post-consumer resins, consisting principally of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), by chopping the post-consumer plastic into flakes and chunks, rolling the flakes and chunks, preheating the flakes, and further heating the flakes and chunks in an atmosphere of hot nitrogen gas, thereby increasing the intrinsic viscosity. PET polymers having increased viscosities according to the present invention provide a polymer useful in manufacturing high performance strap.

Abstract: A method of recycling post-consumer polyester to obtain recycled polyester of sufficiently high purity to meet food packaging requirements is disclosed. The method includes cleaning comminuted pieces of post-consumer polyester to remove surface contaminants; melting the surface-cleaned post-consumer polyester pieces; extruding the post-consumer melt; blending the melt of post-consumer polyester with a melt of virgin polyester prepolymer; solidifying and pelletizing the blended melt while the virgin polyester prepolymer remains as prepolymer; and polymerizing the solid blended pellets in the solid state.

Abstract: A method for disposal of a thermosetting resin containing a material, at least part of which is affected by an alkaline aqueous solution, is disclosed. It comprises at least two steps of including a step of immersing the molded product in an alkaline aqueous solution and a subsequent step of immersing the molded product in water. This method does not require a high temperature as required in a thermal decomposition and does not generate any exhaust gas, and consumes only small energy.

Abstract: A process for recovering a polyester, preferably polyethylene terephthalate, from contaminated polyester waste containing non-polyester components, such as polyester blended with cotton or other fibers in fabric or fiber forms, polyester magnetic tapes, coated polyester films and engineering resins, by dissolving the polyester in molten dimethylterephthalate, methyl-p-toluate or dimethylisophthalate as solvent and separating the polyester solution from the non-polyester components. The polyester can subsequently be recovered by crystallization or the polyester solution can be used as a feedstock for methanolysis to form dimethylterephthalate (DMT) and alkylene glycol. The DMT can be subsequently hydrolyzed to recover terephthalic acid (TPA).

Abstract: A PES/PC blend having enhanced properties as virgin material and as recyclate comprises:A) at least one metal oxide or metal salt of a fatty acid; andB) at least one phosphite and at least one sterically hindered phenol orat least one difunctional epoxy resin ora combination of both.

Abstract: A process for making polyetherester resins is disclosed. A glycol ester of an aromatic diacid such as terephthalic acid is reacted with a polyether and a source of a dicarboxylic acid such as maleic anhydride to produce a polyetherester resin, wherein the aromatic diester content may be conveniently adjusted as desired. The process permits the preparation of unsaturated polyetherester resins with relatively high levels of terephthalate repeating units while avoiding the difficulties associated with the direct use of terephthalic acid in previously known procedures. Such unsaturated polyetheresters are useful for making thermoset resins with excellent mechanical and physical properties.

Abstract: A degradable copolymer obtained by heat-dehydration reaction of aromatic polycarbonate and aliphatic polyester in the presence of a catalyst, has degradability which cannot be exhibited by common aromatic polycarbonate, transparency equal to polycarbonate, thermal resistance which cannot be exhibited by common aliphatic polyester, melt flowability superior to common aromatic polycarbonate and other excellent characteristics, and thus can be widely used for processed articles which require severe properties.

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: Organic contaminants are removed from RPET flakes by a process that includes steam-stripping the contaminants out from the matrix of the RPET flakes. In an alternative embodiment, the RPET flakes are first comminuted to prepare RPET particles, and the RPET particles are thereafter steam-stripped.

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: An increase in the molecular weight of virgin polycondensates and polycondensate recyclates can be achieved by heating to above the melting point or glass transition temperature and by the addition of diphosphonite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the molecular weight of polycondensates, which comprises heating a polycondensate in the temperature range below the melting point and above the glass transition temperature in the solid phase of the polymer with additionof at least one sterically hindered hydroxyphenylalkylphosphonic ester or monoester.

Abstract: A method which can recycle waste by chemically treating cured unsaturated polyester resin waste and obtaining industrially useful raw material is provided. The cured unsaturated polyester resin waste is decomposed with a decomposition component such as dicarboxylic acid or diamine, to obtain resin raw material. Unsaturated polyester resin is re-synthesized with this resin raw material, to chemically recycle the same.

Abstract: There is described a process and apparatus for the depolymerization of polyester resins, such as polyethylene terephthalate into component monomers using a countercurrent or crossflow reactor.

Abstract: A process for recovering glycols produced during recycling of polyester comprising the step of extracting aromatic contaminants from the glycols. Extracting the aromatic contaminants is accomplished by: providing a glycol rich stream from a process to recycle polyester. The glycol rich stream comprised glycols, water, and aromatic contaminants. A solvent is added to the glycol rich stream to form a mixture. The mixture is resolved to form a glycol rich component and an aromatic contaminant rich component. The glycols are recovered from the glycol rich component.

Abstract: A water-based synthetic adhesive is composed of the thermosetting acrylic resin and the thermoplastic resin, which are bonded together by an interfacial agent in the presence of water. The adhesive is further composed of an acidic swelling agent capable of causing the adhesive to form a number of air-permeable pores when the adhesive is subjected to heat. The adhesive is still further composed of a consistency promoting agent to facilitate the application of the adhesive. A method for making the water-based synthetic adhesive includes a step in which a mixture containing water and the thermoplastic resin powder is formed. An interfacial agent and the thermosetting acrylic resin are added to the mixture before the mixture is stirred slowly at a predetermined temperature under at least one atmospheric pressure for a predetermined time so that the mixture becomes a paste, which is then subjected to a high-speed grinding at a low temperature for a predetermined period.

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: The invention relates to a radiation curable binder composition for powder paint formulations. The binder composition comprisesa) a polymer having a degree of unsaturation between 300 and 1800 grams per mole of unsaturated group (WPU), having a molecular weight Mn between 800 and 6800 and a viscosity between 1 dPas and 800 dPas andb) a crosslinking agent having vinyl ether, vinyl ester or (meth)acrylate functional groups.The polymer is an unsaturated polyester and/or an unsaturated polyacrylate.The binder composition can be used in the preparation of powder paint formulations which can be applied to heat-sensitive substrates such as wood and plastic and which can be cured with UV or electron beam radiation.

Abstract: New copolymers of recycled polyesters having improved properties are disclosed. The copolyesters are produced by a reaction of recycled polyalkylene terephthalate and a dicarboxylate moiety.

Abstract: A photographic material comprising a polyester support and an undercoat and/or backcoat layer applied thereto is treated with an alkaline aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide. The polyester support can be recovered for reuse without quality degradation like foreign matter contamination and transmittance losses.

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 process is disclosed for increasing the molecular weight of polyesters, polyester copolymers or polyester blends, which comprises heating a polyester blended with a tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and a sterically hindered hydroxyphenylalkylphosphonic acid ester or half-ester to above the melting point (glass transition temperature) of the polyester.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a textile substrate and a coating being a polymer comprising a non-aromatic unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic ester monomer and an aliphatic conjugated diene monomer. An unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid monomer or a monomer based on the half esters of the dicarboxylic acid monomer can also be included. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preparing a textile substrate comprising applying to a surface of the textile substrate a coating, the coating being a polymer comprising a non-aromatic unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic ester monomer and an aliphatic conjugated diene and heating the surface of the textile substrate to dry the coating.