METHOD OF DISSOLVING AND RECYCLING THERMOPLASTICS

Abstract

A method of modifying a polymer or plastic is provided wherein a polymer system, comprising one or more polymer chains, is amorphous, crystalline, semi-crystalline or a combination thereof. The process including exposing the polymer system in a solid, liquid or gas solvent such that the polymer system changes configuration or said polymer changes morphology. The process further comprises subjecting the polymer system to a thermodynamic mechanism such that the Gibbs Free Energy of the polymer system is lowered, the polymer system's entropy is increased, and its chain orientation or morphology is altered.

Claims

1. A method of modifying a polymer or plastic, wherein a polymer system, comprising one or more polymer chains, is amorphous, crystalline, semi-crystalline or a combination thereof, comprising: exposing the polymer system in a solid, liquid or gas solvent such that the polymer system changes configuration or said polymer changes morphology; subjecting the polymer system to a thermodynamic mechanism such that the Gibbs Free Energy of the polymer system is lowered, the polymer system's entropy is increased, and its chain orientation or morphology is altered.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the solvent is an organic solvent.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymer system is used in connection with oil refining.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymer system is used in connection with catalytic crude cracking.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymer system is used in connection with plastic production.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymer system is used in connection with polymer polymerization.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymer system is used in connection with plastic forming.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the altered polymer system is miscible in other systems of liquids, solvents, polymers, gases and other environments.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanism is heat.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanism is solvency.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanism is theta solvency.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanism is extrusion.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanism is radiation.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanism is solar.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanism is melting.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanism is physical working.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanism is calendaring.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanism is pumping.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein the thermodynamic mechanism alters the polymer chain morphology.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein the thermodynamic mechanism alters the polymer chain mobility.

21. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymer orientation is defined by the polymer's atomic or chemical bonds.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymer orientation is defined by chain to chain polymer interactional structure.

23. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymer orientation is defined by polymer morphology.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein an altered polymer structure allows the polymer chain to be compatible with other molecules.

25. The method of claim 1 wherein an altered polymer structure reduces the polymer system's Gibbs free energy and increases the polymer system's entropy.

26. The method of claim 1 wherein said method causes the polymer to dissolve in other molecules.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein said method causes the polymer to be compatible with other molecules.

28. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the polymer chains is amorphous.

29. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the polymer chains is crystalline.

30. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the polymer chains is semi-crystalline.

31. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the polymer chains comprises a combination of both amorphous and crystalline polymers.

32. A method of modifying a polymer or plastic, wherein a polymer system, comprising one or more polymer chains, is amorphous, crystalline, semi-crystalline or a combination thereof, comprising: exposing the polymer system in a solid, liquid or gas solvent such that the polymer system changes configuration or said polymer changes morphology; subjecting the polymer system to a thermodynamic mechanism that treats the polymer such that the Gibbs Free Energy of the polymer system is lowered, the polymer system's entropy is increased, and its chain orientation or morphology is altered.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the thermodynamic treatment is physical.

34. The method of claim 32 wherein the thermodynamic treatment is mechanical.

35. The method of claim 32 wherein the thermodynamic treatment is melting.

36. The method of claim 32 wherein the thermodynamic treatment is physical working.

37. The method of claim 32 wherein the thermodynamic treatment is calendaring.

38. The method of claim 32 wherein the thermodynamic treatment is physical treatment.

39. The method of claim 32 wherein the thermodynamic treatment is pumping.

40. The method of claim 32 wherein the thermodynamic treatment is solar exposure.

41. The method of claim 32 wherein the treatment increases the polymer's molecular entropy.

42. The method of claim 32 wherein the treatment increase the polymer system's entropy.

43. The method of claim 32 wherein the treatment alters the polymer to polymer chain orientation.

44. A method of changing or maintaining a polymer system's stability comprising using as a baseline the system's Flory Theta temperature.

45. The method of claim 32 comprising transferring a polymer system that is stable and in a solvent or additive into a chemical or mechanical process.

46. The method of claim 45 wherein said process comprises transferring said polymer system into an oil refining process.

47. The method of claim 45 wherein said process comprises transferring said polymer system into a crude catalytic cracking process.

48. The method of claim 45 wherein said process comprises transferring said polymer system into a film production process.

49. The method of claim 45 wherein said process comprises transferring said polymer system into a plastic molding process.

50. The method of claim 45 wherein said process comprises transferring said polymer system into a film casting process.

51. The method of claim 45 wherein said process comprises transferring said polymer system into an extrusion process.

52. The method of claim 45 wherein said process comprises transferring said polymer system into a stream of crude oil or other feed stream components.

53. The method of claim 45 wherein said process takes place in a refinery cracker or similar equipment.

54. The method of claim 45 wherein said process takes place in a refinery cracker or similar equipment.

55. The method of claim 54 wherein said refinery or similar equipment produces petroleum products.

56. The method of claim 54 wherein said refinery or similar equipment produces organic based chemicals.

57. The method of claim 54 wherein said refinery or similar equipment produces monomers for polymers.

58. The method of claim 49 where said plastics are mixed, laminated or multi-layer materials.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Process Description (Including Feed Temperatures)

[0030] This process and the steps thereof relate to the use, for example, of high density polyethylene (HDPE) using a solid HDPE material originally at room temperature. The HDPE at room temperature is opaque and appears crystalline or semi-crystalline. No color was added to the HDPE. The solvent used is VGO (vacuum gas oil) that is originated from crude oil. VGO contains hydrocarbon material which is heavier than diesel or 350 IBP to 585 degrees Celsius end point. Its cracking temperature is near to 360 degrees Celsius.

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention comprising a method of modifying a polymer or plastic, wherein a polymer system, comprising one or more polymer chains, is amorphous, crystalline, semi-crystalline or a combination thereof, comprising exposing the polymer system in a solid, liquid or gas solvent such that the polymer system changes configuration or said polymer changes morphology and subjecting the polymer system to a thermodynamic mechanism such that the Gibbs Free Energy of the polymer system is lowered, the polymer system's entropy is increased, and its chain orientation or morphology is altered.

[0032] In an embodiment the method described and claimed herein comprises an organic solvent.

[0033] In an embodiment the method described and claimed herein comprises a polymer system used in connection with oil refining.

[0034] In an embodiment the method described and claimed herein comprises a polymer system used in connection with catalytic crude cracking.

[0035] An embodiment described and claimed herein comprises a polymer system used in connection with plastic production.

[0036] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the method's polymer system is used in connection with polymer polymerization.

[0037] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the method's polymer system is used in connection with plastic forming.

[0038] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the altered polymer system is miscible in other systems of liquids, solvents, polymers, gases and other environments.

[0039] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism is heat.

[0040] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism is solvency.

[0041] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism is theta solvency.

[0042] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism is extrusion.

[0043] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism is radiation.

[0044] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism is solar.

[0045] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism is melting.

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism is physical working.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism is calendaring.

[0048] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism is pumping.

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism alters the polymer chain morphology.

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic mechanism alters the polymer chain mobility.

[0051] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the polymer orientation is defined by the polymer's atomic or chemical bonds.

[0052] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the polymer orientation is defined by chain to chain polymer interactional structure.

[0053] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the polymer orientation is defined by polymer morphology.

[0054] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein an altered polymer structure allows the polymer chain to be compatible with other molecules.

[0055] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein an altered polymer structure reduces the polymer system's Gibbs free energy and increases the polymer system's entropy.

[0056] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein causes the polymer to dissolve in other molecules.

[0057] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein causes the polymer to be compatible with other molecules.

[0058] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein one or more of the polymer chains is amorphous.

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein one or more of the polymer chains is crystalline.

[0060] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein one or more of the polymer chains is semi-crystalline.

[0061] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein one or more of the polymer chains comprises a combination of both amorphous and crystalline polymers.

[0062] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein a method of modifying a polymer or plastic, wherein a polymer system, comprising one or more polymer chains, is amorphous, crystalline, semi-crystalline or a combination thereof, comprises exposing the polymer system in a solid, liquid or gas solvent such that the polymer system changes configuration or said polymer changes morphology; and further comprises subjecting the polymer system to a thermodynamic mechanism that treats the polymer such that the Gibbs Free Energy of the polymer system is lowered, the polymer system's entropy is increased, and its chain orientation or morphology is altered. Variations on this embodiment include wherein the thermodynamic treatment is physical, mechanical, melting, physical working, calendaring, physical treatment, pumping, or solar exposure.

[0063] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic treatment increases the polymer's molecular entropy.

[0064] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic treatment increases the polymer system's entropy.

[0065] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein the thermodynamic treatment alters the polymer to polymer chain orientation.

[0066] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises transferring a polymer system that is stable and in a solvent or additive into a chemical or mechanical process.

[0067] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises transferring said polymer system into an oil refining process.

[0068] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises transferring said polymer system into a crude catalytic cracking process.

[0069] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises transferring said polymer system into a film production process.

[0070] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises transferring said polymer system into a plastic molding process.

[0071] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises transferring said polymer system into a film casting process.

[0072] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises transferring said polymer system into an extrusion process.

[0073] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises transferring said polymer system into a stream of crude oil or other feed stream components.

[0074] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein said processes take place in a refinery cracker or similar equipment.

[0075] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein said processes take place in a refinery cracker or similar equipment.

[0076] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein said processes take place take place in refinery or similar equipment that produces petroleum products.

[0077] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein said processes take place in refinery or similar equipment produces organic based chemicals.

[0078] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein said processes take place in refinery or similar equipment that produces monomers for polymers.

[0079] In an embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein said plastics are mixed, laminated or multi-layer materials.

[0080] An embodiment of the invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises a method of changing or maintaining a polymer system's stability comprising using as a baseline the system's Flory Theta temperature.

[0081] The plastics (a mixture of polymers either of the same or different type polymers) are received from a source as mentioned above. The plastic is then size reduced if needed by shredding, grinding, milling or size reducing methods. The plastics are melted through either an extruder, calendar, melt pump or other heat source. The molten plastic is then mixed with one of the solvents mentioned below, either through a mix tank, or in-line mixing system. The percent of plastic added for the ratio of plastic to solvent can range from 0-80 percent, depending on the type of polymer and type of solvent. The system of the solution containing both plastics and solvent should be maintained at a temperature above theta temperature (or Flory temperature) or degree of supercooling temperature which should be above the polymer's glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer/s.

Once the polymer is in the solvent creating a single solution, this solution can be:

[0082] a.) Pumped into a Cat Cracker (Fluid Catalytic Cracker—FCC) and turned back into monomer or other refinery products.

[0083] b.) The pure polymer can be separated from the multi-polymer mixture. This can be achieved by precipitating the polymer from the solution using the Theta Flory temperature conditions for individual polymer and solvents.

[0084] c.) The polymer can be separated through precipitation using the degree of supercooling temperatures or theta temperatures.

[0085] d.) The polymer can be separated by introducing a different solvent or combination of solvents and using Theta Flory temperature or super cooling temperatures.

[0086] e.) The polymers can be purified by the means outlined in section (d) [CHECK] to create a virgin polymer.

[0087] f.) The solvent-polymer system can be cast, spun, pumped, extruded or molded to produce a final product using temperature techniques, such as reducing the temperature of the mixture until one or any polymer precipitates out of the solution.

Solvent Types

[0088] Generally, solvents that would allow an amorphous or semi/crystalline polymer molten or solid polymer to be dissolved within should be used and considered. The mixture can be miscible meaning clear, or compatible meaning cloudy but good enough for blending. Solvents of non-polar type/natural would be better; non polar solvents contain bonds between atoms with similar electronegativities, such as carbon and hydrogen (most hydrocarbons, such as gasoline).

Solvent Types for Use in the Present Invention

[0089] Generally, solvents that would allow an amorphous or semi/crystalline polymer to be dissolved in. The mixture can be miscible meaning clear, or a compatible cloudy mixture that is good enough for blending. [0090] Solvents of non-polar type/natural are advantageous. Non polar solvents contain bonds between atoms with similar electronegativities, such as carbon and hydrogen (for example, hydrocarbons, such as gasoline). [0091] Specific solvent examples: [0092] Crude oil. [0093] Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO): a feedstock purchased by refineries of lighter molecular weights to feed the FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracker—referred as Cat Cracker. [0094] Pyrolysis gas oil (PGO) [0095] Light fuel oil (LFO) [0096] Organic feedstocks: xylene, toluene, napthalene, benzene, and other solvents.

Polymer Solvent Roles and Characteristics

[0097] Most, if not all, research takes solid polymer/s and dissolves them into a room temperature solvent. If needed, heat can be added to the solution of polymer and solvent to enhance the dissolving. However, there appears to be no research for adding melted polymer to a solvent. By way of example, the literature shows: [0098] Semi/Crystalline polymers are difficult to get into solution since the solvent must get into—attack the crystalline lattice structure [0099] Role of the solvent: it has been known but not widely studied that polymer/solvent solutions have varied solubilities at different temperatures. [0100] Polymer solutions occur in two stages. Initially, the solvent molecules diffuse through the polymer matrix to form a swollen, solvated mass called a gel. In the second stage, the gel breaks up and the molecules are dispersed into a true solution. Not all polymers can form true solution in solvent. [0101] For a polymer to dissolve into a solvent the system needs a high Entropy. [0102] For a polymer to dissolve in a solvent the system needs a negative Gibbs Free Energy. [0103] A melted polymer is amorphous and free to move since it is a liquid yielding higher Entropy and negative Gibbs Free Energy than when in the solid phase. [0104] Since a melted polymer is flowable it is easy to process by pump, eliminating dust. [0105] Solubility properties vary with temperature in a given solvent. For a given solid polymer which is dissolved in a solvent, the lowest temperature at which the solution is stable is called the theta temperature (or Flory temperature), and the solvent is then called a theta solvent. Additionally, the polymer is said to be in a theta state. In the theta state, the polymer is on the brink of becoming insoluble; in other words, the solvent is having a minimal solvation effect on the dissolved molecules. Any further diminishment of this effect (example decrease in temperature or lower solvent concentration in the solution) causes the attractive forces among polymer molecules to predominate, and the polymer precipitates, meaning the polymer chains prefers its own chemical structure instead of the solvent and then collapses onto itself and forms a solid that precipitates.

Polymer Examples

[0106] There are a number of polymer examples for use in the present invention: [0107] Polyethylene [0108] Polypropylene [0109] Poly-ethylene-terephthalate [0110] Poly-Styrene [0111] Poly-vinyl chloride [0112] Poly-Carbonate [0113] Nylon [0114] Polyesters [0115] Rubber [0116] All thermoplastic polymers

Sources of Feedstocks

[0117] There are a number of example feed stocks: [0118] Post consumer [0119] Post industrial [0120] Waste [0121] Garbage from curbside [0122] Garbage from trash transfer stations [0123] Ocean debris [0124] Landfills [0125] Plastic recycling centers [0126] Haulers of waste containers [0127] From individual homes [0128] All other sources of plastic material either waste or other [0129] Materials Recycling Facility (MRF)

Types of Materials for Recycling In the Present Invention

[0130] Plastic bottles [0131] Plastic films [0132] Plastic garbage bags [0133] Plastic shopping bags [0134] Multi-layer bottles, films and bags [0135] Mixed household plastics [0136] Packaging from items such as [0137] Fruit containers [0138] Plastic from pretzels, potato chip, other bags/packages [0139] Juice containers single and multi-layer plastic [0140] Pouches: plastic film, Capri Sun, Baby food, others [0141] Wraps from meats [0142] Foam shipping materials (Styro-foam) [0143] Bubble packaging [0144] Amazon, US Postal, and other padded envelopes [0145] Shrink film from commercial, industry, home [0146] Freezer plastic wrap films (meats, fish, etc.) [0147] Cosmetic containers and packaging [0148] Household cleaner packaging and bottles [0149] Health and beauty aids; bottles, packaging and containers [0150] Packages of laminated plastic to paper (TetraPak juice/milk cartons) [0151] Labels from packages of plastic or plastic and paper [0152] Possibly cotton-polyester blends, for example, mattresses, clothing, bedding, towels, etc.

Properties of Polymers for Dissolution In the Present Invention

[0153] Glass Transition Temperature: Tg, the temperature below which a polymer is brittle or glass-like; at this temperature the polymer chain has no molecular motion. [0154] Melt Temperature: the temperature at which the solid plastic melts into a liquid and is processible. In the literature this may be called the Semi/or Crystalline melt temperature, where the crystal melts into the amorphous molten state. [0155] Morphology: the polymer chain orientation/structure such as crystalline, semi crystalline, amorphous—can be solid or molten (random polymer chains no order). [0156] Crystalline/Semi-Crystalline Solid Polymer): the structure (morphology) in the solid crystalline polymers are generally semi-crystalline, examples: Polyethylene, PolyPropylene, PET, Nylons, and polymers that exhibit a region of crystallinity [0157] Amorphous in Solid Polymer: Polymers with no crystallinity or no order; examples: PolyStyrene, PVC, Poly-Carbonate, Styrene-Acrylonitrile, Acrylohitrile-Butadiene-Stryrene, Poly-Methyl-Methacrylate, Poly-butadiene, and other polymers that have no long range order. [0158] Crystalline Melt Temperature: The temperature a semi/crystalline polymers melts and its morphology changes to amorphous (also the liquid melt temperature) from semi/crystalline. [0159] Amorphous structure in melt phase: most polymers in the melted, free flowing phase are amorphous, totally random, meaning they have no polymer structure. An exception would be special liquid crystal polymers for special uses, and very expensive.

Process Description

[0160] The plastics (a mixture of polymers either of the same or different) are received from a source as mentioned above, the plastic is then size reduced if needed by shredding, grinding, pulverizing, milling, size reducing. [0161] The plastics are melted through either an extruder, calendar, melt pump or heated tank. [0162] The molten plastic is then mixed with one of the solvents mentioned above. Either through a mix tank, or in-line mixing system. [0163] The percent of plastic added for the ratio of plastic to solvent needs to be determined for each mixture and application from 1 to 80 percent. [0164] The system of the solution containing both plastics and solvent should be maintained at a temperature above theta temperature (or Flory temperature) which should be above the polymer's glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer/s [0165] Once the polymer is in the solvent creating a single solution, this solution can be pumped into a Cat Cracker (Fluid Catalytic Cracker—FCC) and turned back into monomer or other refinery products. [0166] One can separate the pure polymer from the multi-polymer mixture. This can be achieved by precipitating the polymer from the solution using the Theta Flory temperature conditions for individual polymer and solvents. [0167] The polymer can be separated through precipitating using the degree of supercooling temperatures. [0168] The polymer can be separated introducing a different solvent or combination of solvents and using Theta Flory temperature or super cooling temperatures. [0169] The polymers can be purified by these means to create a virgin polymer. [0170] The solvent-polymer system can be cast, spun, pumped, extruded or molded to produce a final product using the temperature techniques.

EXAMPLES

[0171] The following examples are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope and content of the claims or the specification.

Example 1

Poly-Propylene

[0172] This Example comprises a process and the steps thereof that relate to the use of polypropylene using a solid polypropylene material originally at room temperature. The polypropylene at room temperature is opaque and appears crystalline or semi-crystalline. The solvent used is VGO (vacuum gas oil) that is originated from crude oil. VGO contains hydrocarbon material which is heavier than diesel or 350 IBP to 585 degrees Celsius end point. Its cracking temperature is near to 360 degrees Celsius.

[0173] The following is an example of the method used in practicing a recovery and recycling process: [0174] 1. The polypropylene is heated to 176 degrees Celsius and melted. [0175] 2. The melted polypropylene appears clear. [0176] 3. The clear appearance of the polypropylene confirms no crystallinity. [0177] 4. The clear appearance exhibits the polymer is amorphous. [0178] 5. This exhibits the polymer has increased its available special configurations increasing the Entropy and decreasing the Gibbs Free Energy. [0179] 6. The VGO is heated to 125 degrees Celsius. [0180] 7. The VGO is stirred. [0181] 8. The molten polypropylene is added to the VGO. [0182] 9. At various concentrations of 0-40 percent polypropylene goes into or is dissolved in the VGO. [0183] 10. This exhibits a furthering of the available polymer configurations and therefore greater increasing the Entropy and further reducing the Gibbs Free Energy.

Example 2

Poly-Ethylene High Density—(HDPE)

[0184] The following is an example of the method used in practicing this recovery and recycling process:

[0185] 1.) The HDPE is heated to 255 degrees Celsius and melted.

[0186] 2.) The melted HDPE appears clear.

[0187] 3.) The clear appearance of the HDPE confirms no crystallinity.

[0188] 4.) The clear appearance exhibits the polymer is amorphous.

[0189] 5.) This exhibits the polymer has increased its available special configurations increasing the Entropy and decreasing the Gibbs Free Energy.

[0190] 6.) The VGO is heated to 125 degrees Celsius.

[0191] 7.) The VGO is stirred.

[0192] 8.) The molten HDPE is added to the VGO.

[0193] 9.) At various concentrations of 0-38 percent HDPE goes into or dissolves in the VGO.

[0194] 10.) This exhibits a furthering of the available polymer configurations and therefore greater increasing the Entropy and further reducing the Gibbs Free Energy.

Example 3

Polypropylene (Solid) Mixed with Polyethylene (HDPE) Solid; 50/50 (PP-HDPE)

[0195] This process and the steps thereof relate to the use of PP-HDPE using a solid PP-HDPE material originally at room temperature. The PP-HDPE at room temperature is opaque and appears crystalline or semi-crystalline. The two polymers are physically mixed. The solvent used is VGO (vacuum gas oil) that is originated from crude oil. VGO contains hydrocarbon material which is heavier than diesel or 350 IBP to 585 degrees Celsius end point. Its cracking temperature is near to 360 degrees Celsius.

[0196] The following is an example of the method used in practicing this recovery and recycling process:

[0197] 1.) The PP-HDPE solid mixture is heated to 270 degrees Celsius and melted.

[0198] 2.) The melted PP-HDPE appears clear.

[0199] 3.) The clear appearance of the PP-HDPE confirms no crystallinity.

[0200] 4.) The clear appearance exhibits the polymer is amorphous.

[0201] 5.) This exhibits the polymer has increased its available special configurations increasing the Entropy and decreasing the Gibbs Free Energy.

[0202] 6.) The VGO is heated to 125 degrees Celsius.

[0203] 7.) The VGO is stirred.

[0204] 8.) The molten PP-HDPE is added to the VGO.

[0205] 9.) At various concentrations of 0-47 percent of total polymers of a mixture of high density polyethylene and poly-propylene goes into or dissolves in VGO.

[0206] 10.) This exhibits a furthering of the available polymer configurations and therefore greater increasing the Entropy and further reducing the Gibbs Free Energy.

Example 4

Poly-Propylene with Polyethylene Laminated Film (PP-HDPE Film)

[0207] This process and the steps thereof relate to the use of PP-HDPE film using a solid PP-HDPE material originally at room temperature. The PP-HDPE at room temperature appears crystalline or semi-crystalline. The solvent used is VGO (vacuum gas oil) that is originated from crude oil. VGO contains hydrocarbon material which is heavier than diesel or 350 IBP to 585 degrees Celsius end point. Its cracking temperature is near to 360 degrees Celsius.

[0208] The following is an example of the method used in practicing this recovery and recycling process:

[0209] 1.) The PP-HDPE is heated to 280 degrees Celsius and melted.

[0210] 2.) The melted PP-HDPE appears clear.

[0211] 3.) The clear appearance of the PP-HDPE confirms no crystallinity.

[0212] 4.) The clear appearance exhibits the polymer is amorphous.

[0213] 5.) This exhibits the polymer has increased its available special configurations increasing the Entropy and decreasing the Gibbs Free Energy.

[0214] 6.) The VGO is heated to 125 degrees Celsius.

[0215] 7.) The VGO is stirred.

[0216] 8.) The molten PP-HDPE is added to the VGO.

[0217] 9.) At various concentrations of 0-40 percent total polymers of a mixture of high density polyethylene and poly-propylene go into or dissolve in the VGO.

[0218] 10.) This exhibits a furthering of the available polymer configurations and therefore greater increasing the Entropy and further reducing the Gibbs Free Energy.

Example 5

Polypropylene Dissolved in Xylene and Added to VGO

[0219] This process and the steps thereof relate to the use of poly-propylene using a solid poly-propylene material originally at room temperature. The polypropylene at room temperature is opaque and appears crystalline or semi-crystalline. The first solvent used is Xylene. The second solvent used is VGO (vacuum gas oil) that is originated from crude oil. VGO contains hydrocarbon material which is heavier than diesel or 350 IBP to 585 degrees Celsius end point. Its cracking temperature is near to 360 degrees Celsius.

[0220] The following is an example of the method used in practicing this recovery and recycling process: [0221] 1. The polypropylene is at room temperature. [0222] 2. The Xylene is heated to 125 degrees Celsius. [0223] 3. The polypropylene is added to the Xylene. [0224] 4. The clear appearance of the solution of xylene-polypropylene confirms no crystallinity. [0225] 5. The clear appearance exhibits the polymer is amorphous and random in the solution. [0226] 6. This exhibits the polymer has increased its available special configurations increasing the Entropy and decreasing the Gibbs Free Energy. [0227] 7. The VGO is room temperature. [0228] 8. The VGO is stirred. [0229] 9. The solution of the xylene and polypropylene are added to the VGO. [0230] 10. At various concentrations of 0-25 percent poly-propylene go into or dissolve in the VGO. [0231] 11. This exhibits a furthering of the available polymer configurations and therefore greater increasing the Entropy and further reducing the Gibbs Free Energy.
The procedures of the Examples were repeated with VGO at room temperature using molten polymers as described above. All repeated Examples worked substantially the same with substantially the same results achieved at first.

Example 6

Poly-Propylene

[0232] This process and the steps thereof relate to the use of polypropylene using a solid polypropylene material originally at room temperature. The polypropylene at room temperature is opaque and appears crystalline or semi-crystalline. The solvent used is VGO (vacuum gas oil) that is originated from crude oil. VGO contains hydrocarbon material which is heavier than diesel or 350 IBP to 585 degrees Celsius end point. Its cracking temperature is near to 360 degrees Celsius.

[0233] The following is an example of the method used in practicing this recovery and recycling process:

[0234] 1.) The polypropylene is heated to 176 degrees Celsius and melted.

[0235] 2.) The melted polypropylene appears clear.

[0236] 3.) The clear appearance of the polypropylene confirms no crystallinity.

[0237] 4.) The clear appearance exhibits the polymer is amorphous.

[0238] 5.) This exhibits the polymer has increased its available special configurations increasing the Entropy and decreasing the Gibbs Free Energy.

[0239] 6.) The VGO is heated to 125 degrees Celsius.

[0240] 7.) The VGO is stirred.

[0241] 8.) The molten polypropylene is added to the VGO.

[0242] 9.) At various concentrations of 0-40 percent poly-propylene goes into or dissolves in the VGO.

[0243] 10.) The mixture of dissolved polymer and solvent are kept above the Flory Theta temperature and pumped as a Newtonian fluid.

[0244] 11.) This exhibits a furthering of the available polymer configurations and therefore greater increasing the Entropy and further reducing the Gibbs Free Energy.

Example 7

Poly-Ethylene High Density—(HDPE)

[0245] This process and the steps thereof relate to the use of high density polyethylene (HDPE) using a solid HDPE material originally at room temperature. The HDPE at room temperature is opaque and appears crystalline or semi-crystalline. No color was added to the HDPE. The solvent used is VGO (vacuum gas oil) that is originated from crude oil. VGO contains hydrocarbon material which is heavier than diesel or 350 IBP to 585 degrees Celsius end point. Its cracking temperature is near to 360 degrees Celsius.

[0246] The following is an example of the method used in practicing this recovery and recycling process: [0247] 1. The HDPE is heated to 255 degrees Celsius and melted. [0248] 2. The melted HDPE appears clear. [0249] 3. The clear appearance of the HDPE confirms no crystallinity. [0250] 4. The clear appearance exhibits the polymer is amorphous. [0251] 5. This exhibits the polymer has increased its available special configurations increasing the Entropy and decreasing the Gibbs Free Energy. [0252] 6. The VGO is heated to 125 degrees Celsius. [0253] 7. The VGO is stirred. [0254] 8. The molten HDPE is added to the VGO. [0255] 9. At various concentrations of 0-38 percent HDPE go into or dissolve in the VGO. [0256] 10. The mixture of dissolved polymer and solvent are kept above the Flory Theta temperature and pumped as a Newtonian fluid. [0257] 11. This exhibits a furthering of the available polymer configurations and therefore greater increasing the Entropy and further reducing the Gibbs Free Energy.

Example 8

Polypropylene (Solid) Mixed with Polyethylene (HDPE) Solid; 50/50 (PP-HDPE)

[0258] This process and the steps thereof relate to the use of PP-HDPE using a solid PP-HDPE material originally at room temperature. The PP-HDPE at room temperature is opaque and appears crystalline or semi-crystalline. The two polymers are physically mixed. The solvent used is VGO (vacuum gas oil) that is originated from crude oil. VGO contains hydrocarbon material which is heavier than diesel or 350 IBP to 585 degrees Celsius end point. Its cracking temperature is near to 360 degrees Celsius. [0259] The following is an example of the method used in practicing this recovery and recycling process:

[0260] 1. The PP-HDPE solid mixture is heated to 270 degrees Celsius and melted.

[0261] 2. The melted PP-HDPE appears clear.

[0262] 3. The clear appearance of the PP-HDPE confirms no crystallinity.

[0263] 4. The clear appearance exhibits the polymer is amorphous.

[0264] 5. This exhibits the polymer has increased its available special configurations increasing the Entropy and decreasing the Gibbs Free Energy.

[0265] 6. The VGO is heated to 125 degrees Celsius.

[0266] 7. The VGO is stirred.

[0267] 8. The molten PP-HDPE is added to the VGO.

[0268] 9. At various concentrations of 0-47 percent of the total combine polymers of high density polyethylene and poly-propylene goes into or dissolves in VGO.

[0269] 10. The mixture of dissolved polymer and solvent are kept above the Flory Theta temperature and pumped as a Newtonian fluid.

[0270] 11. This exhibits a furthering of the available polymer configurations and therefore greater increasing the Entropy and further reducing the Gibbs Free Energy.

Example—9

Poly-Propylene with Polyethylene Laminated Film (PP-HDPE Film)

[0271] This process and the steps thereof relate to the use of PP-HDPE film using a solid PP-HDPE material originally at room temperature. The PP-HDPE at room temperature appears crystalline or semi-crystalline. The solvent used is VGO (vacuum gas oil) that is originated from crude oil. VGO contains hydrocarbon material which is heavier than diesel or 350 IBP to 585 degrees Celsius end point. Its cracking temperature is near to 360 degrees Celsius.

[0272] The following is an example of the method used in practicing this recovery and recycling process: [0273] 1. The PP-HDPE is heated to 280 degrees Celsius and melted. [0274] 2. The melted PP-HDPE appears clear. [0275] 3. The clear appearance of the PP-HDPE confirms no crystallinity. [0276] 4. The clear appearance exhibits the polymer is amorphous. [0277] 5. This exhibits the polymer has increased its available special configurations increasing the Entropy and decreasing the Gibbs Free Energy. [0278] 6. The VGO is heated to 125 degrees Celsius. [0279] 7. The VGO is stirred. [0280] 8. The molten PP-HDPE is added to the VGO. [0281] 9. At various concentrations of 0-40 percent total polymers of a mixture of high density polyethylene and poly-propylene into goes into or dissolves in the VGO. [0282] 10. The mixture of dissolved polymer and solvent are kept above the Flory Theta temperature and pumped as a Newtonian fluid. [0283] 11. This exhibits a furthering of the available polymer configurations and therefore greater increasing the Entropy and further reducing the Gibbs Free Energy.

Example 10

Polypropylene Dissolved in Xylene and Added to VGO

[0284] This process and the steps thereof relate to the use of polypropylene using a solid polypropylene material originally at room temperature. The polypropylene at room temperature is opaque and appears crystalline or semi-crystalline. The first solvent used is Xylene. The second solvent used is VGO (vacuum gas oil) that is originated from crude oil. VGO contains hydrocarbon material which is heavier than diesel or 350 IBP to 585 degrees Celsius end point. Its cracking temperature is near to 360 degrees Celsius.

[0285] The following is an example of the method used in practicing this recovery and recycling process: [0286] 1. The polypropylene is at room temperature. [0287] 2. The Xylene is heated to 125 degrees Celsius. [0288] 3. The polypropylene is added to the Xylene. [0289] 4. The clear appearance of the solution of xylene-polypropylene confirms no crystallinity. [0290] 5. The clear appearance exhibits the polymer is amorphous and random in the solution. [0291] 6. This exhibits the polymer has increased its available special configurations increasing the Entropy and decreasing the Gibbs Free Energy. [0292] 7. The VGO is room temperature. [0293] 8. The VGO is stirred. [0294] 9. The solution of the xylene and polypropylene are added to the VGO. [0295] 10. At various concentrations of 0-25 percent polypropylene goes into or dissolves in the VGO. [0296] 11. The mixture of dissolved polymer and solvent are kept above the Flory Theta temperature and pumped as a Newtonian fluid. [0297] 12. This exhibits a furthering of the available polymer configurations and therefore greater increasing the Entropy and further reducing the Gibbs Free Energy.