Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Provided herein is a fractionator and related process for separating solubilized rubber from a co-solvent based miscella.

Provided herein is a fractionator and related process for separating solubilized rubber from a co-solvent based miscella.

The present invention relates to an integrated process for processing and utilising every part of the guayule plant (Parthenium argentatum) which comprises the following steps in sequence: separating the stem and branches (3) from the leaves (2) of said plant with a mechanical treatment (1); treating the leaves (100) to produce waxes and essential oils (102), and a fraction (101) containing cellulose, hemicellulose (carbohydrates) and, to a minor extent, salts, organic compounds and lignin; extracting (200) from the stem and branches a liquid phase (4), so forming a first solid woody residue (5), indicated with bagasse in the present text; treating said first solid woody residue (5) to prepare sugars, resin, rubber and lignin.

The present invention relates to an integrated process for processing and utilising every part of the guayule plant (Parthenium argentatum) which comprises the following steps in sequence: separating the stem and branches (3) from the leaves (2) of said plant with a mechanical treatment (1); treating the leaves (100) to produce waxes and essential oils (102), and a fraction (101) containing cellulose, hemicellulose (carbohydrates) and, to a minor extent, salts, organic compounds and lignin; extracting (200) from the stem and branches a liquid phase (4), so forming a first solid woody residue (5), indicated with bagasse in the present text; treating said first solid woody residue (5) to prepare sugars, resin, rubber and lignin.

A method of making a polymer with stable Mooney viscosity and molecular weight is described. A conjugated diolefin is reacted in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an initiator to form a polymer. After forming the polymer, alkoxy silane terminal functionalizing groups are bonded to the polymer. A dialkoxysilane stabilizing agent is then added to the polymer in combination with a base material. The polymer is then desolvatizing, resulting in a polymer with stable Mooney viscosity and molecular weight, even over prolonged periods of time. Compositions and articles containing the polymer are also described.

A method of making a polymer with stable Mooney viscosity and molecular weight is described. A conjugated diolefin is reacted in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an initiator to form a polymer. After forming the polymer, alkoxy silane terminal functionalizing groups are bonded to the polymer. A dialkoxysilane stabilizing agent is then added to the polymer in combination with a base material. The polymer is then desolvatizing, resulting in a polymer with stable Mooney viscosity and molecular weight, even over prolonged periods of time. Compositions and articles containing the polymer are also described.

Brominated styrene-butadiene copolymers are recovered from solution in an organic solvent. The copolymer solution is mixed with a liquid non-solvent in the presence of a suspension stabilizer to form a dispersion. The dispersion is heated to vaporize the organic solvent. This process produces precipitated copolymer particles having useful particle sizes, which can be easily used in downstream applications.

Brominated styrene-butadiene copolymers are recovered from solution in an organic solvent. The copolymer solution is mixed with a liquid non-solvent in the presence of a suspension stabilizer to form a dispersion. The dispersion is heated to vaporize the organic solvent. This process produces precipitated copolymer particles having useful particle sizes, which can be easily used in downstream applications.