Process technology for recovering brominated styrenic polymers from reaction mixtures in which they are formed and/or converting such mixtures into pellets or into granules or pastilles

US8450429B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ablemarle Corporation · US

Inventors

• Charles H. Kolich · Baton Rouge, US
• John F. Balhoff · Baton Rouge, US
• Douglas W. Luther · Walker, US
• Robert C. Herndon, Jr. · Baton Rouge, US
• Ronny W. Lin · Sugar Land, US
• Bruce C. Peters · Baton Rouge, US
• Arthur G. Mack · Gonzales, US
• David A. Lee · Fremantle, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 14, 2012
• Grant date: May 28, 2013
• Expiry date: Sep 14, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/2982
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Brominated styrenic polymer is recovered from solution in a vaporizable solvent by converting the solution in a devolatilization extruder into a brominated styrenic polymer melt or flow and a separate vapor phase comprised predominately of vaporizable solvent, recovering the melt or flow from the devolatilization extruder, and allowing or causing the melt or flow to solidify. The solidified brominated styrenic polymer can be subdivided into a powder or pelletized form. Pellets so made have improved hardness and/or crush strength properties along with reduced formation of fines. Brominated anionic styrenic polymer is preferably used in the process.