Processes for recycling carpet and products of such processes
US10376897B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T225/12
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods for the recycling of carpet are disclosed that produce clean face fiber suitable for industrial use. The methods allow the recovery of face fiber material, for example a polyester or a polyamide, from carpets that includes a face fiber material and a backing material, and include the steps of heating the carpet to a temperature lower than the melting point of the face fiber material, but higher than the initial thermal decomposition temperature of the backing material, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to thermally decompose, pyrolyze, or oxidize at least a portion of the backing material, rendering the backing material friable, that is more friable than the untreated backing; and applying mechanical force to the carpet so as to liberate the friable backing material from the face fiber material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.