Recycled polymer compositions and methods thereof

By treating cross-linked polymers with a catalyst to form dynamically cross-linked polymers during melt processing, the method addresses the reprocessing challenge of EVA foams, enabling efficient recycling and maintaining material properties.

TWI933878BActive Publication Date: 2026-08-01BRASKEM SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
TW111109277
Authority / Receiving Office
TW · TW
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-09-01
Filing Date
2022-03-14
Publication Date
2026-08-01
Estimated Expiration
2042-03-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Cross-linked polymers, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foams, are difficult to reprocess due to their permanent network structures, leading to significant environmental waste and increased manufacturing costs, as they cannot be melted or dissolved, limiting recycling options.

Method used

A method involving the treatment of cross-linked polymers with a catalyst during melt processing to form dynamically cross-linked polymers, allowing for the incorporation of cross-linked polymers into a thermoplastic polymer composition, which can be reprocessed at temperatures above the processing temperature of the uncross-linked polymer.

Benefits of technology

Enables the reprocessing of cross-linked polymers, reducing waste and maintaining desired properties, such as mechanical strength and durability, by transforming permanent covalent cross-links into adaptive networks that can be processed like thermoplastics.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method comprising treating a crosslinked polymer and a catalyst to form a type of vitrifier during a melt processing operation, the crosslinked polymer comprising at least one monomer selected from vinyl esters, C2-C12 olefins, and combinations thereof. The method may include mixing a crosslinked polymer, a catalyst, and an uncrosslinked polymer at a temperature higher than the processing temperature of the uncrosslinked polymer to form a polymer composition, wherein each of the crosslinked polymer and the uncrosslinked polymer comprises at least one monomer selected from vinyl esters, C2-C12 olefins, and combinations thereof, and wherein the amount of the crosslinked polymer present is at least 15% by weight relative to the total amount of the crosslinked polymer and the uncrosslinked polymer combined.
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