Process for recovering polymers from commingled materials
US5994417A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/62
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process for recovering polymers from commingled materials is disclosed. In general, the process includes first contacting the commingled materials with a solvent which selectively dissolves the polymer to form a solvent and polymer solution. The solvent and polymer solution is then contacted with an anti-solvent into which the solvent is soluble but into which the polymer is insoluble. When the solvent and polymer solution is contacted with the anti-solvent, the anti-solvent causes the polymer to nucleate and precipitate from the solution. In one embodiment, it has been found that the process of the present invention is particularly well adapted to recovering nylon from commingled materials such as carpet waste.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.