Method for purification of depolymerized polymers using supercritical fluid extraction
US10723858B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/62
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for purifying polymers made from depolymerization of plastic can include selecting a polymer for purification, adding the polymer to a reaction vessel with a solvent, heating the mixture to promote migration of contaminants from the polymer to the solvent, performing an extraction technique to remove contaminants, depressurizing the reaction vessel to isolate a purified polymer, and allowing the purified polymer to cool. In some embodiments, the polymer is a polyethylene polymer. In other embodiments, the polymer is a polypropylene polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer is a polystyrene polymer. In some embodiments, the extraction technique is supercritical fluid extraction using supercritical CO2 as a solvent. Parameters including temperature, pressure, duration, agitation rate, starting solvent volume, and co-solvent addition for supercritical fluid extraction can be selected based on the properties of the polymer to be purified. The method can remove contaminating organic and inorganic compounds from the polymers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.