Recovery of glass fibers from solvolysis mixture obtained by neutral hydrolysis of polyhexamethylene adipamide

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide 66 (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1), the process comprising providing a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and a solvent composition (SC) comprising water; preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC); subjecting mixture (M-0) to conditions for depolymerizing the polyamide 66 based polymer (D1) comprising a depolymerization temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C, in particular in the range of from 150 to 250°C, and a depolymerization time t(D1) of at least 0.25 hours, preferably in the range of from 0.25 to 8 hours, in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 200 to 10000 K*h, preferably from 260 to 3700 K*h obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, filler (F1), and insoluble residues; and separating the filler (F1) and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer.

Description

Recovery of glass fibers from solvolysis mixture obtained by neutral hydrolysis of polyhexamethylene adipamideThe present invention relates to a process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide 66 (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1), the process comprising providing a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and a solvent composition (SC) comprising water; preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC); subjecting mixture (M-0) to conditions for depolymerizing the polyamide 66 based polymer (D1) comprising a depolymerization temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C, in particular in the range of from 150 to 250°C, and a depolymerization time t(D1) of at least 0.25 hours, preferably in the range of from 0.25 to 8 hours, in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, more preferable in the range of from 1 to 8 hours, more preferable in the range of from 2 to 8 hours, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 200 to 10000 K*h, preferably from 260 to 3700 K*h obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, filler (F1), and insoluble residues; and separating the filler (F1) and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer.Modern, high resilience composite plastics are often based on reinforced, in particular glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, in particular polyamides.Known recycling or degradation processes of reinforced polyamides often result in the degradation of the fillers as well, which makes them unsuitable for further use.Depolymerization processes for polyamides are in principle known. Depending on the monomers used for the preparation pf the polyamide, the depolymerization processes differ strongly. For example, PA6 is prepared using only one monomer and also in the depolymerization, only one cyclic monomer is obtained. In contrast to this, polyamide 66 is prepared using two monomers. In the depolymerization process, typically oligomers are obtained in a first step which, also results in a different work-up process.DE4219756 describes the alkaline depolymerization of PA66 with potassium hydroxide as a reagent. If the process in DE4219756 is carried out with PA66 containing glass fibers, the conditions would harm the fibers which cannot be reused.WO2023 / 074438 and WO2023 / 074433 disclose the depolymerization of polyamide PA6 at temperatures in the range of from 290 to 350°C. At high temperatures in the range disclosed, many side reactions are observed in the depolymerization of polyamide PA66.US 4605762 describes the neutral aqueous hydrolysis of condensation polymers such as polyamide 66 between 200 and 300°C. Glass fibers and their separation are not mentioned. I N 163270 describes the neutral, aqueous hydrolysis of PA66, but not of PA66 containing glass fibers.The harsh conditions used according to the state of the art do not allow for the reuse of the polymers as well as the fillers. It was an object of the present invention to provide a process which allows recycling of reinforced polyamide engineering plastics.According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide 66 (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1), the process comprising(a) providing a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and a solvent composition (SC) comprising water;(b) preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC);(c) subjecting mixture (M-0) to conditions for depolymerizing the polyamide 66 based polymer (D1) comprising a depolymerization temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C, in particular in the range of from 150 to 250°C, and a depolymerization time t(D1) of at least 0.25 hours, preferably in the range of from 0.25 to 8 hours, in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 150 to 10000 K*h, preferably from 260 to 3700 K*h obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, filler (F1), and insoluble residues;(d) separating the filler (F1) and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer.It was surprisingly found that the process according to the presented invention allows for the recovery of mostly unharmed filler, such as for example glass fibers from PA66 engineering plastics from end-of-life waste-streams. Surprisingly, it was found that by using the specific conditions for the depolymerization according to the present invention, visual degradation of glass fibers can be reduced to a minimum, enabling the reuse of such components without significantly reducing the degree of depolymerization of the used polyamide (PA66). By stepwise depolymerization and separation of the insoluble fraction the filler such as for example glass fibers, carbon black pigments, or carbon fibers can be obtained from the reaction mixture. By applying the identified process conditions of the invention, thedegradation of these glass fiber components can be reduced to a minimum, without significantly reducing the depolymerization yield. The obtained glass fibers can be reused in the manufacturing of novel polymer compounds, thus increasing the overall recycled content of such materials.The unit Kelvin has the same scaling as the unit degrees Celsius. Accordingly, a temperature difference of 1 Kelvin corresponds to a difference of 1 degree Celsius. The temperature of 0 Kelvin corresponds to -273.15 degrees Celsius.The process according to the present invention comprises steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and optionally further steps. According to step (a), a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and a solvent composition (SC) comprising water are provided. According to step (b), a mixture (M-0) is prepared from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC).The polymeric material (PM) comprises a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and may comprise further polymeric materials or additives. Preferably, the polymeric material (PM) comprises the polyamide (PA66) based polymer in an amount of from 5 to 95 % by weight, more preferable in an amount of from 50 to 90 % by weight, in particular in an amount of from 60 to 80 % by weight based on the polymeric material. Preferably, the polymeric material does not comprise polyesters.Regarding the polymeric material (PM) which is provided according to (a), it is preferred that it is provided in solid form, more preferably in the form of particles such as granules. The polymeric material (PM) preferably is an end-of- life material. In a preferred embodiment, the starting polymer or polyamide-containing compositions are mechanically comminuted to an average particle size from 0.1 to 50 mm, preferably from 5 to 20 mm before splitting. The comminution can be carried out in a commercial mill, for example in a cutting mill, or, preferably, in particular when the compositions used contain hard materials such as metal inserts, for example bolts, in a hammer mill.Metal parts present in the material thus comminuted can be removed in a drying separation process using an air table, preferably with subsequent induction separation, using for example a free-fall tube separator, for complete removal of the metal parts, or in a wet separation process.The term "particle” as used in this context of the present invention comprises optionally pre-formed granules, and also comprises shredded pieces.The solvent composition (SC) comprises water and may comprise further solvents. Preferably, the pH value of the solvent composition (SC) is in the range of from 6.0 to 8.0. Suitable further solvents are for example alcohols such as for example monols, diols or triols, preferably alcohols selected from methanol, ethanol, propanol, iso-propanol, ethylene glycol diethylene glycol and glycerol. Also suitable are polar solvents such as for example sulfolan or ethylene carbonate.According to step (c) of the process, mixture (M-0) is subjected to depolymerization conditions (D1) comprising a depolymerization temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C, in particular in the range of from 150 to 250°C, and a depolymerization time t(D1) in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 150 to 10000 K*h, preferably from 260 to 3700 K*h obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, filler (F1 ), and insoluble residues.Suitable methods and conditions for the depolymerization are in principle known to the person skilled in the art. Suitable depolymerization conditions (D1) may be chosen in wide ranges. Suitable is for example a temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C, preferably 200 to 280°C or in the range of from 150 to 250 °C, in particular in the range of from 200 to 250°C. The depolymerization time t(D1) is at least 0.25 hours and may preferably be in the range of from 0.25 to 8 hours, preferably in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, in particular from 1 to 4 hours. The factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 150 to 10000 K*h, preferably in the range of from 260 to 3700 K*h. The depolymerization may for example be carried out at a pH in the range of from 6.0 to 8.0. It has been found that the specific conditions for the treatment according to (c) allow to achieve depolymerization yielding soluble oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer without negative effect on the filler (F1).According to step (d), the filler (F1), and insoluble residues are separated from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer.Suitable methods for separation are in principle known to the person skilled in the art. Suitable methods are for example filtration, centrifugation, or decantation. Suitable methods may also be combined depending on the nature of the filler (F1) and the polyamide (PA66) based polymer or the soluble oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer respectively. Preferably, the filler (F1) is a fibrous filler.According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to a process as disclosed above, wherein the filler (F1) is a fibrous filler, preferably a fibrous filler selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, potassium titanate fibers, fibers composed of liquid-crystal polymers, metal fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, organic fibrous fillers and inorganic fibrous fillers.Particularly suitable separation methods are for example filtration steps. According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the separation according to step (d) is carried out by filtration at a temperature in the range of from 100 to 300°C or by centrifugation.It has been found that separation using filtration at a pressure in the range of from 1 to 30 bar, preferably using filters having a pore size in the range of from 2 to 500 pm is particularly suitable for the separation according to step (d).According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the filtration is carried out at a pressure in the range of from 1 to 100 bar, preferably with a differential pressure in the range of from 1 to 30 bar. According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the separation according to step (d) is carried out using filters having a pore size in the range of from 2 to 500 m.Step (d) may also comprise further washing steps, in particular washing with the solvent composition (SC).According to the process of the present invention, also further additives (F2) may be present in the polymeric material (PM) which may also be separated from the polymer. According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the polymeric composition (PM) comprises a further additive (F2) selected from dyes, pigments, UV absorbers, fillers, flame retardants, antistatic agents, antibacterial agent, and nucleating agents.In step (d), mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer are obtained.Mixture (M-2) may be further treated according to the present invention, in particular to separate the filler (F1) from insoluble residues. Suitable treatment steps might for example include washing steps. Organic residues might also be removed by thermal treatment.According to the present invention, it is also possible to treat mixture (M-3) to obtain the monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer. It is for example possible to remove the solvent composition (SC) partially or completely to recover the monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer. The mixture (M-3) or the treated mixture may also be used for the preparation of polyamides. Suitable conditions for the polymerization are in principle known and are for example disclosed in US4313870, US9534083 or in Uiimann's Encyclopedia of industrial Chemistry, “Polyamides” Herzog, B., Kohan, M.I., Mestemacher, S.A., Pagilagan, R.U., Redmond, K. and Sarbandi, R. (2024). Mixture (M-3) may for example be used together with further monomers. Catalysts and suitable additives may be added.It is also possible according to the present invention to subject mixture (M-3) to a further depolymerization step. It is for example possible to expose the mixture to alkaline or acidic conditions to achieve depolymerization of the oligomers. Suitable methods and conditions for the depolymerization are in principle known to the person skilled in the art.According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the process further comprises(e) subjecting mixture (M-3) to depolymerization conditions (D2) suitable to depolymerize the polyamide 66 based polymer and oligomers obtaining mixture (M-4) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer and optionally insoluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer;(f) optionally separating the monomers obtained in step (e).Suitable depolymerization conditions (D2) may be chosen in wide ranges to achieve a high degree of depolymerization. Preferably, the depolymerization temperature T(D2) is 150°C or more, preferably 160°C or more, preferably 170°C or more, preferably 180°C or more, preferably 190°C or more, preferably 200°C or more. Preferably, the depolymerization temperature T(D2) is 300°C or less, preferably 290°C or less, preferably 280°C or less, preferably 270°C or less, preferably 260°C or less, preferably 250°C or less, preferably 240°C or less, preferably 230°C or less, preferably 220°C or less, preferably 210°C or less, preferably 200°C or less, preferably 190°C or less, preferably 180°C or less.Suitable is for example a temperature T(D2) in the range of from 150 to 300°C, preferably 160 to 250°C, more preferably 160 to 230°C, in particular 160 to 180°C. The depolymerization time t(D2) typically is at least 5 minutes and may be in the range of from 5 to 360 minutes, preferably from 30 to 120 minutes. The obtained product mixture preferably is further processed to yield adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine. Suitable methods are in principle known to the person skilled in the art and are for example disclosed in DE 4219756. Suitable methods include for example electrochemical treatments or neutralization with acid.According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the depolymerization conditions (D2) comprise a depolymerization temperature T(D2) in the range of from 150 to 300°C and a depolymerization time t(D1 ) in the range of from 5 to 360 minutes in the presence of a base, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 50 to 2500 K*h, obtaining a mixture (M-4) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, insoluble monomers and insoluble residues.Suitable conditions for the depolymerization may for example include treatment with a base, preferably in an amount of from 2.0 to 3.0 equivalents of inorganic base per repeating unit, preferably 2.0 to 2.2 equivalents. Bases such as alkali metal hydroxides or earth alkali metal hydroxides, for example sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide may be used in a suitable solvent such as for example a mixture of water and a short-chained aliphatic alcohol, for example methanol or ethanol.Typically, soluble and insoluble monomers are separated according to step (f). Suitable methods are in principle known and may include filtration or centrifugation. The separation step may also be combined with further washingsteps or neutralization steps to obtain adipic acid or a salt thereof. Suitable conditions for the recovery of the monomers are in principle known.The monomers obtained may be reused to prepare a polyamide, in particular to prepare polyamide (PA66). According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, further comprising subjecting the monomers obtained to polyamide (PA66) polymerization conditions, obtaining a recycled polyamide (PA66), in particular subjecting the mixture (M-3) to polyamide (PA66) polymerization conditions, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66.According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the process further comprises(e*) subjecting mixture (M-3) to polymerization conditions suitable to prepare a polyamide 66 based polymer, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66.According to the present invention, it is also possible to prepare a recycled polyamide (PA66) from the monomers obtained by separating the monomers of mixture (M-4) according to step (e) or (f) as disclosed above. According to another embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the process further comprises(g*) subjecting the monomers obtained in step (e) or in step (f) to polymerization conditions suitable to prepare a polyamide (PA66) based polymer, obtaining a recycled polyamide (PA66).In the context of the present invention, it is preferable to reuse the monomers obtained or the dissolved polymer obtained or the isolated polymer obtained, in particular for the preparation of polyamide (PA66). According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to the use of mixture (M-3), obtainable or obtained by a process as disclosed above, for preparing polyamide (PA66). According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to the use of one or more monomers or oligomers, obtainable or obtained by a process as disclosed above, for preparing polyamide (PA66).The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing a polymeric product comprising adding the filler obtainable or obtained by the process as disclosed above to a polymer, in particular a polymer as disclosed in detail in paragraphs

[2009] and

[2010] of Reference RF1 . The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing a polymeric product as disclosed in detail in paragraphs

[2009] and

[2010] of Reference RF1, the process comprising mixing the filler obtainable or obtained by the process as disclosed above with a polymer, in particular a polymer as disclosed in detail in paragraphs

[2009] and

[2010] of Reference RF1 . The process may also comprise further steps, such as for example treating the filler used or shaping the polymeric product obtained.Also the filler (F1) may be reused according to the present invention. According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to a filler, obtainable or obtained by a process according to the process as disclosed above, exhibiting one or more of the following properties: a diameter of the fibers in a range of from 5 to 35 m, preferably in the range of from 6 to 25 pm, in particular in the range of from 8 to 17 pm; an average length of the fibers dO.5 in the range of from 100 to 600 pm, preferably in the range of from 200 to 500 pm, in particular in the range of from 250 to 450 pm.The length and the diameter of the fibers are determined using optical methods preferably according to the method disclosed in the examples section.Due to the specific process of the present invention the properties of the filler obtained are suitable to reuse the filler. According to the present invention, the filler obtained is suitable to be reused as a filler for the preparation of polymeric materials, such as reinforced polymeric materials, in particular reinforced polyamides. According to a further aspect, the present invention therefore is also directed to the use of the filler obtainable or obtained by a process as disclosed above, for preparing a polymeric product.According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to a process preferably a process as disclosed above, comprising the step: converting the filler and / or monomer and / or oligomer obtainable by or obtained by the process as disclosed above or a chemical material obtainable by or obtained by the process as disclosed above to obtain a product.According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to a process as disclosed above, wherein the product is selected from: i) building block or monomer; or ii) polymer, preferably polymer A, polymer composition, preferably polymer composition A, or polymer product, preferably polymer product A; or iii) cleaning polymer, cleaning surfactant, descaling compound, cleaning biocide or composition or formulation thereof; or iv) agrochemical composition, agrochemical formulation auxiliary or agrochemically active ingredient; or v) active pharmaceutical ingredient or intermediate thereof, pharmaceutical excipient, animal feed additive, human food additive, dietary supplements, aroma chemical or aroma composition; or vi) aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably polyurethane or polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer dispersion, emulsion, binder for paper and fiber coatings, UV-curable acrylic polymer for hot melts and coatings polyisocyanates, hyperbranched polyester polyol, polymeric dispersant for inorganic binder compositions, unsaturated polyester polyol or 100% curable composition; orvii) cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter, further cosmetic ingredient or composition or formulation thereof; or viii) polymer B, polymer composition B, coating composition, other functional composition, foil, molded body, coating or coated substrate.According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to a process as disclosed above, wherein the content of the polymeric material (PM) in the polymer product is 1 weight-% or more, preferably 2 weight- % or more, more preferably 5 weight-% or more, more preferably 15 weight-% or more, more preferably 30 weight-% or more, more preferably 40 weight-% or more, more preferably 60 weight-% or more, more preferably 80 weight-% or more, more preferably 90 weight-% or more, more preferably 95 weight-% or more; and / or wherein the content of the polymeric material (PM) in the polymer product is 100 weight-% or less, preferably 95 weight-% or less, more preferably 90 weight-% or less, more preferably 50 weight-% or less, more preferably 25 weight-% or less, more preferably 10 weight-% or less; and preferably wherein the content is determined based on identity preservation and / or segregation and / or mass balance and / or book and claim chain of custody models, preferably based on mass balance, preferably the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.The publication Prior Art Disclosure; Issue 684; paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] ; ISSN: 2198-4786; published: February 12, 2024 will be regarded as Reference RF1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferably, the product is a product as described in Reference RF1; paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] , Preferably, the process described herein is further a process for the production of a product.The converting step to obtain the product preferably comprises one or more step(s) as described below and can be performed by conventional methods well known to a person skilled in the art. The converting step preferably comprises one or more step(s) selected from: recycling, preferably depolymerizing, gasifying, pyrolyzing, and / or steam cracking; and / or purifying, preferably crystallizing, (solvent) extracting, distilling, evaporating, hydrotreating, absorbing, adsorbing and / or subjecting to ion exchanger; and / or assembling, preferably foaming, synthesizing, chemical conversion, chemically transforming, polymerizing and / or compounding; and / or forming, preferably foaming, extruding and / or molding; and / or finishing, preferably coating and / or smoothing.In addition, the one or more step(s) are described in detail in Reference RF1; paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] ,The term "building block”, as used herein, comprises compounds, which are in a gaseous or liquid state under standard conditions of 0°C and 0.1 MPa. Building blocks are typically used in chemical industry to form secondary products, which provide a higher structural complexity and / or higher molecular weight than the building block on whichthe secondary product is based. The building block is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxid, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycols, syngas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic compounds. The alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic compounds comprise in particular 1 to 12 carbon atoms, respectively.The term "monomer”, as used herein, comprises molecules, which can react with each other to form polymer chains by polymerization. The monomer is preferably selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, salts of (meth)acrylic acid; in particular sodium, potassium and zinc salts; (meth)acrolein and (meth)acrylates. (Methacrylates comprising 1 to 22 carbon atoms are preferred, in particular comprising 1 to 8 carbon atoms. The terms (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrolein or (meth)acrylate relate to acrylic acid, acrolein or acrylate and also to methacrylic acid, methacrolein or methacrylate, where applicable. Further, the monomer can be selected from hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid.The building block can further be an intermediate compound. The term "intermediate compound”, as used herein, comprises organic reagents, which are applied for formation of compounds with higher molecular complexity. The intermediate compound can be selected for example from the group consisting of phosgene, polyisocyanates and propylene oxide. The polyisocyanates are in particular aromatic di- and polyisocyanates, preferably toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and / or diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI).The building block and the monomer and typical converting step(s) to obtain the building block or monomer are described in more detail in paragraphs

[1000] to

[1012] of Reference RF1.The term "polymer A”, as used herein, comprises thermoplastic, e.g., polyamide or thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoset, e.g., polyurethane, elastomer, e.g., polybutadiene, or a copolymer or a mixture thereof and is defined in more detail in paragraphs

[2001] to

[2007] of Reference RF1.The term "polymer composition A”, as used herein, comprises all compositions comprising a polymer as described above and one or more additive(s), e.g. reinforcement, colorant, modifier and / or flame retardant, and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[2008] of Reference RF1.The term "polymer product A”, as used herein, comprises any product comprising the polymer A and / or polymer composition A as described above and is defined in more detail in paragraphs

[2009] and

[2010] of Reference RF1.The step(s) to obtain the polymer, preferably polymer A, polymer composition, preferably polymer composition A or polymer product, preferably polymer product A is / are described in more detail in paragraph

[2011] of Reference RF1 .The term "industrial use polymer”, as used herein, comprises rheology, polycarboxylate, alkoxylated polyalkylenamine, alkoxylated polyalkylenimine, polyether-based, dye inhibition and soil release cleaning polymers defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3035] to

[3044] of Reference RF1. The term "industrial use surfactant”, as used herein, comprises non-ionic, anionic and amphoteric industrial use surfactants defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3008] to

[3034] of Reference RF1. The term "industrial use descaling compound”, as used herein, comprises non-phosphatebased builders (NPB) and phosphonates (CoP) described in more detail in paragraphs

[3001] to

[3005] of Reference RF1. The term "industrial use biocide”, as used herein, refers to a chemical compound that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth or reproduction defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3006] to

[3007] of Reference RF1. The term "industrial use solvent”, as used herein, comprises alkyl amides, alkyl lactamides, alkyl esters, lactate esters, alkyl diester, cyclic alkyl diester, cyclic carbonates, aromatic aldehydes and aromatic esters defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3045] to

[3055] of Reference RF1. The term "industrial use dispersant”, as used herein, comprises anionic and non-ionic industrial use dispersants defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3056] to

[3058] of Reference RF1 . The term "composition and / or formulation thereof' with reference to the industrial use polymers, industrial use surfactants, descaling compounds and / or industrial use biocides refers to industrial use compositions and / or institutional use products and / or fabric and home care products and / or personal care products defined in more detail in paragraph

[3059] of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the industrial use polymer, industrial use surfactant, descaling compound and / or industrial use biocide are defined in more detail in paragraph

[3060] of Reference RF1. The converting steps to obtain the industrial use composition or formulation of the industrial use polymer, industrial use surfactant, descaling compound and / or industrial use biocide are defined in more detail in paragraph

[3061] of Reference RF1.The term "agrochemical composition”, as used herein, typically relates to a composition comprising an agrochemi- cally active ingredient and at least one agrochemical formulation auxiliary. Examples of agrochemical compositions, active ingredients and auxiliaries are described in more detail in Reference RF1, paragraph

[4001] ,The agrochemical composition may take the form of any customary formulation. The agrochemical compositions are prepared in a known manner, e.g. described by Mollet and Grubemann, Formulation technology, Wiley VCH, Weinheim, 2001; or Knowles, New developments in crop protection product formulation, Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005. The converting step(s) to obtain the agrochemically active ingredients and auxiliaries may be conducted in analogy to the production step(s) of their analogues that are based on petrochemicals or other precursors that are not gained by recycling processes. In addition, conversion to compounds mentioned in sections "Polymer” and "Cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter, further cosmetic ingredient or compositions or formulations thereof' may be performed as described in these sections as well as the respective paragraphs in Reference RF1.The term active pharmaceutical ingredients and / or intermediates thereof, as used herein, comprises substances that provide pharmacological activity or other direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or to affect the structure or any function of the body. Intermediates thereof are isolated products that are generated during a multi-step route of synthesis of an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The term pharmaceutical excipients, as used herein, comprises compounds or compound mixtures used in compositions for various pharmaceutical applications, which are not substantially pharmaceutically active on itself. Active pharmaceutical ingredients and / or intermediates thereof and pharmaceutical excipients are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5001] of Reference RF1.The converting step(s) to obtain the active pharmaceutical ingredients and / or intermediates thereof and pharmaceutical excipients may comprise one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to a person skilled in the art.The terms animal feed additives, human food additives, dietary supplements, as used herein, comprises Vitamins, Pro-Vitamins and active metabolites thereof including intermediates and precursors, especially Vitamin A, B, E, D, K and esters thereof, like acetate, propionate, palmitate esters or alcohols thereof like retinol or salts thereof and any combinations thereof; Tetraterpenes, especially isoprenoids like carotenoids and xanthophylls including their intermediates and precursors as well as mixtures and derivates thereof, especially beta carotene, Canthaxanthin, Citranax- anthin, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, Lycopene, Apo-carotenoids, and any combinations thereof; organic acids, especially formic acid, propionic acid and salts thereof, such as sodium, calcium or ammonium salts, and any combinations thereof, such as but not limited to mixtures of formic acid and sodium formiate, propionic acid and ammonium propionate, formic acid and propionic acid, formic acid and sodium formiate and propionic acid, propionic acid and sodium propionate and formic acid and sodium formiate; glycerides of carboxylic acids and short and medium chain fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acids, such as omega-6 fatty acid (C18:2) methyl ester and 1 ,2-propandiol and beverage stabilizers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone-polymer or polyvinylimidazole / polyvinylpyrrolidone-copolymer. Animal feed additives, human food additives and dietary supplements are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5002] of Reference RF1.The converting step(s) to obtain the animal feed additives, human food additives, dietary supplements may comprise one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to a person skilled in the art.The terms aroma chemical and aroma composition as used herein, comprise a volatile organic substance with a molecular weight between 70-250 g / mol comprising a functional group with a carbon skeleton of C5-C16 carbon atoms comprising linear, branched, cyclic, for example with a ring size of C5-C18, bicyclic or tricyclic aliphatic chains and but not necessarily one or more unsaturated structural elements like double bonds, triple bonds, aromatics or heteroaromatics and preferably the one or more additional functional groups are selected from alcohol, ether, ester, ketone, aldehyde, acetal, carboxylic acid, nitrile, thiol, amine. In one aspect, the aroma chemical is a terpene-based aroma chemical, for example selected from monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpe- noids, diterpenes, triterpenes or tetraterpenes. Aroma chemicals can be combined with further aroma chemicals to give an aroma composition. Aroma chemicals and aroma compositions are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5003] of Reference RF1 .The converting step(s) to obtain the aroma chemical and aroma composition may comprise one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to a person skilled in the art.The term "aqueous polymer dispersion”, as used herein, comprises aqueous composition(s) comprising dispersed polymer(s) and is defined in more detail in the section

[6001] entitled "aqueous polymer dispersion” of ReferenceRF1. The dispersed polymer(s) may be selected from acrylic emulsion polymer(s), styrene acrylic emulsion poly- mer(s), styrene butadiene dispersion(s), aqueous dispersion(s) comprising composite particles, acrylate alkyd hybrid dispersion(s), polyurethane(s) (including UV-curable polyurethanes) and polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer(s). The term "emulsion polymer”, as used herein, comprises polymer(s) made by free-radical emulsion polymerization. Aqueous polyurethane dispersion(s) are defined in more detail in the section

[6002] entitled "Polyurethane dispersions” of Reference RF1. UV-curable polyurethane(s) is / are defined in more detail in the section

[6017] of Reference RF1. Polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer(s) is / are defined in more detail in the section

[6016] of Reference RF1 .The term "polymeric dispersant”, as used herein, comprises preferably polymer(s) comprising polyether side chain, in particular polycarboxylate ether polymer(s) and polycondensation product(s) defined in more detail in paragraph

[6020] entitled "Polymeric dispersant” of Reference RF1.The converting (polymerization) step(s) to obtain the aqueous polymer dispersion(s) comprising emulsion polymer(s) is / are defined in more detail in the section

[6003] entitled "Emulsion polymerization” of Reference RF1.The converting (polymerization) step(s) to obtain the aqueous polyurethane dispersion(s) is / are defined in more detail in the section

[6014] entitled "Process for the preparation of aqueous polyurethane dispersions” and section [6017)] entitled "Aqueous UV-curable polyurethane dispersions, their preparation and use and compositions containing them” of Reference RF1 .Composition(s) and uses of aqueous polymer dispersion(s) and of polymeric dispersant(s) are defined in more detail in the following sections of Reference RF1 : section

[6004] entitled "Uses of aqueous polymer dispersions”, section

[6005] entitled "Binders for architectural and construction coatings” section

[6006] entitled "Binders for paper coating” section

[6007] entitled "Binders for fiber bonding” section

[6008] entitled "Adhesive polymers and adhesive compositions” section

[6015] entitled "Aqueous polyurethane dispersions suitable for use in coating compositions” section

[6016] entitled "Aqueous polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybride polymer dispersions suitable for use in coating compositions” section

[6017] entitled "Aqueous UV-curable polyurethane dispersions, their preparation and use and compositions containing them” section

[6018] entitled "Inorganic binder compositions comprising polymeric dispersants and their use”

[6019] 100% curable coating compositionsUV-crosslinkable poly(meth)acrylate(s) and its / their uses are defined in more detail in section

[6009] entitled "UV- crosslinkable poly(meth)acrylates for use in UV-curable solvent-free hotmelt adhesives and their use for making pressure-sensitive self-adhesive articles” of Reference RF1.Polyisocyanate(s), composition(s) comprising them and their uses are defined in more detail in section

[6010] entitled "Polyisocyanates” of Reference RF1.Hyperbranched polyester polyol(s) and its / their uses are defined in more detail in section

[6011] entitled "Organic solvent based hyperbranched polyester polyols suitable for use in coating compositions” of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the hyperbranched polyester polyols is / are defined in more detail in the section

[6012] entitled "Preparation of organic solvent based hyperbranched polyester polyols” of Reference RF1 . Coating compositions) comprising hyperbranched polyester polyol(s), polyisocyanate(s) and additive(s) and substrate(s) coated therewith are defined in more detail in section

[6013] entitled "Organic solvent based two component coating compositions comprising hyperbranched polyester polyols and polyisocyanates” of Reference RF1.Unsaturated polyester polyol(s), solvent-based coating composition(s) comprising said unsaturated polyester pol- yol(s) and substrate(s) for coating with said coating composition(s) are defined in more detail in section

[6018] entitled "Organic solvent based coating composition comprising unsaturated polyester polyols” of Reference RF1. 100% curable coating composition(s) is / are defined in more detail in section

[6019] of Reference RF1.Polymeric dispersant(s) for inorganic binder compositions is / are defined in more detail in section

[6020] of Reference RF1. The inorganic binder composition(s) comprising the polymeric dispersants and their use are defined in more detail in section

[6021] of Reference RF1 . The converting step(s) to obtain the polymeric dispersant(s) are defined in more detail in section

[6020] of Reference RF1. The term "inorganic binder composition” comprising the polymeric dispersant(s), as used herein, comprises preferably in particular hydraulically setting compositions and compositions comprising calcium sulfate and is defined in more detail in section

[6021] of Reference RF1 entitled "Inorganic binder compositions comprising the polymeric dispersant and their use”. Specific building material formulation(s) comprising polymeric dispersant(s) or building product(s) produced by a building material formulation comprising a polymeric dispersant are disclosed in more detail in section

[6021] of Reference RF1.The term "cosmetic surfactant”, as used herein, comprises non-ionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7002] of Reference RF1. The term "emollient”, as used herein, refers to a chemical compound used for protecting, moisturizing, and / or lubricating the skin and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7003] of Reference RF1. The term "wax”, as used herein, comprises pearlizers and opacifiers and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7004] of Reference RF1. The term "cosmetic polymer”, as used herein, comprises any polymer that can be used as an ingredient in a cosmetic formulation and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7005] of Reference RF1. The term "UV filter”, as used herein, refers to a chemical compound that blocks or absorbs ultraviolet light and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7006] of Reference RF1 . The term "further cosmetic ingredient”, as used herein, comprises any ingredient suitable for making a cosmetic formulation. Several sources disclose cosmetically acceptable ingredients. E. g. the database Cosing on the internet pages of the European Commission discloses cosmetic ingredients and the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, edited by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), discloses cosmetic ingredients. The term "composition and / or formulation thereof' with reference to the cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter and / or further cosmeticingredient refers to personal care and / or cosmetic compositions or formulations defined in more detail in paragraph

[7007] of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter or further cosmetic ingredient is / are defined in more detail in paragraph

[7008] of Reference RF1 .The terms "polymer B”, "polymer composition B”, "coating composition”, "other functional composition”, "foil”, "molded body”, "coating” and "coated substrate” are well known to the person skilled in the art and are defined in more detail from paragraph

[8000] to

[8005] of Reference RF1.The present invention is further illustrated by the following set of embodiments and combinations of embodiments resulting from the dependencies and back-references as indicated. In particular, it is noted that in each instance where a range of embodiments is mentioned, for example in the context of a term such as "The process of any one of embodiments 1 to 3", every embodiment in this range is meant to be explicitly disclosed for the skilled person, i.e. the wording of this term is to be understood by the skilled person as being synonymous to "The process of any one of embodiments 1, 2 and 3". Further, it is explicitly noted that the following set of embodiments represents a suitably structured part of the general description directed to preferred aspects of the present invention, and, thus, suitably supports, but does not represent the claims of the present invention.1 . Process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide 66 (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1), the process comprising(a) providing a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and a solvent composition (SC) comprising water;(b) preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC);(c) subjecting mixture (M-0) to conditions for depolymerizing the polyamide 66 based polymer (D1) comprising a depolymerization temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C and a depolymerization time t(D1) of at least 0.25 hours, preferably in the range of from 0.25 to 8 hours, in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 150 to 10000 K*h, preferably from 260 to 3700 K*h obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, filler (F1), and insoluble residues;(d) separating the filler (F1) and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer.2. The process according to embodiment 1 , wherein the separation according to step (d) is carried out by filtration at a temperature in the range of from 100 to 300°C or by centrifugation.3. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the filtration is carried out at a pressure in the range of from 1 to 100 bar, preferably with a differential pressure in the range of from 1 to 30 bar.4. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the separation according to step (d) is carried out using filters having a pore size in the range of from 2 to 500 m, preferably with having a pore size in the range of from 5 to 100 pm.5. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the process further comprises(e) subjecting mixture (M-3) to depolymerization conditions (D2) suitable to depolymerize the polyamide 66 based polymer and oligomers obtaining mixture (M-4) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer and optionally insoluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer;(f) separating the monomers obtained in step (e).6. The process according to embodiment 5, wherein the depolymerization conditions (D2) comprise a depolymerization temperature T(D2) in the range of from 150 to 300°C and a depolymerization time t(D1) in the range of from 5 to 360 minutes in the presence of a base, wherein the factor F(D1 )=T(D1 ) x t(D1 ) is in the range of from 50 to 2800 K*h, obtaining a mixture (M-4) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, insoluble monomers and insoluble residues.7. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the process further comprises(e*) subjecting mixture (M-3) to polymerization conditions suitable to prepare a polyamide 66 based polymer, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66.8. The process according to embodiment 5 or 6, wherein the process further comprises(g*) subjecting the monomers obtained in step (e) or (f) to polymerization conditions suitable to prepare a polyamide 66 based polymer, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66.9. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the fibrous filler (F1) is selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, potassium titanate fibers, fibers composed ofliquid-crystal polymers, metal fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, organic fibrous fillers and inorganic fibrous fillers. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the polymeric composition (PM) comprises a further additive (F2) selected from dyes, pigments, UV absorbers, fillers, flame retardants, antistatic agents, antibacterial agent, and nucleating agents. Process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide 66 (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1), the process comprising(a) providing a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and a solvent composition (SC) comprising water;(b) preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC);(c) subjecting mixture (M-0) to conditions for depolymerizing the polyamide 66 based polymer (D1) comprising a depolymerization temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C and a depolymerization time t(D 1) of at least 0.25 hours, preferably in the range of from 0.25 to 8 hours, in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 150 to 10000 K*h, preferably from 260 to 3700 K*h obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, filler (F1), and insoluble residues;(d) separating the filler (F1) and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer:(e) subjecting mixture (M-3) to depolymerization conditions (D2) suitable to depolymerize the polyamide 66 based polymer and oligomers obtaining mixture (M-4) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer and optionally insoluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer. Process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide 66 (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1), the process comprising(a) providing a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and a solvent composition (SC) comprising water;(b) preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC);(c) subjecting mixture (M-0) to conditions for depolymerizing the polyamide 66 based polymer (D1) comprising a depolymerization temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C and a depolymerization time t(D1) of at least 0.25 hours, preferably in the range of from 0.25 to 8 hours, in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 200 to 10000 K*h, preferably from 260 to 3700 K*h obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, filler (F1), and insoluble residues;(d) separating the filler (F1) and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer:(e) subjecting mixture (M-3) to depolymerization conditions (D2) suitable to depolymerize the polyamide 66 based polymer and oligomers obtaining mixture (M-4) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer and optionally insoluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer;(f) separating the monomers obtained in step (e). Process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide 66 (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1), the process comprising(a) providing a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and a solvent composition (SC) comprising water;(b) preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC);(c) subjecting mixture (M-0) to conditions for depolymerizing the polyamide 66 based polymer (D1) comprising a depolymerization temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C and a depolymerization time t(D 1) of at least 0.25 hours, preferably in the range of from 0.25 to 8 hours, in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 200 to 10000 K*h, preferably from 260 to 3700 K*h obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, filler (F1), and insoluble residues;(d) separating the filler (F1) and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer;(e*) subjecting mixture (M-3) to polymerization conditions suitable to prepare a polyamide 66 based polymer, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66. Process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide 66 (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1), the process comprising(a) providing a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and a solvent composition (SC) comprising water;(b) preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC);(c) subjecting mixture (M-0) to conditions for depolymerizing the polyamide 66 based polymer (D1) comprising a depolymerization temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C and a depolymerization time t(D1) of at least 0.25 hours, preferably in the range of from 0.25 to 8 hours, in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 200 to 10000 K*h, preferably from 260 to 3700 K*h obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, filler (F1), and insoluble residues;(d) separating the filler (F1) and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer;(e) subjecting mixture (M-3) to depolymerization conditions (D2) suitable to depolymerize the polyamide 66 based polymer and oligomers obtaining mixture (M-4) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer and optionally insoluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer;(f) separating the monomers obtained in step (e).(g*) subjecting the monomers obtained in step (e) or (f) to polymerization conditions suitable to prepare a polyamide 66 based polymer, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66.Use of mixture (M-3), obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, for preparing polyamide 66. Use of one or more monomers, obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of embodiments 5 to 6, for preparing polyamide 66. Fillers obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, exhibiting one or more of the following properties: a diameter of the fibers in a range of from 5 to 35 m, preferably in the range of from 6 to 25 pm, in particular in the range of from 8 to 17 pm; an average length of the fibers d0.5 in the range of from 100 to 600 pm, preferably in the range of from 200 to 500 pm, in particular in the range of from 250 to 450 pm. Use of the filler obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of embodiments 1 14, for preparing a polymeric product. Process, preferably according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, for preparing a product comprising adding a filler obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14 to a polymer to obtain the product. Process, preferably according to any one of the embodiments 1 to 14, comprising the step: converting the filler and / or monomer and / or oligomer obtainable by or obtained by the process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14 or a chemical material obtainable by or obtained by the process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14 to obtain a product. Process according to embodiment 20, wherein the product is selected from: I) building block or monomer; or ii) polymer, preferably polymer A, polymer composition, preferably polymer composition A, or polymer product, preferably polymer product A; or ill) cleaning polymer, cleaning surfactant, descaling compound, cleaning biocide or composition or formulation thereof; or iv) agrochemical composition, agrochemical formulation auxiliary or agrochemically active ingredient; or v) active pharmaceutical ingredient or intermediate thereof, pharmaceutical excipient, animal feed additive, human food additive, dietary supplements, aroma chemical or aroma composition; or vi) aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably polyurethane or polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer dispersion, emulsion, binder for paper and fiber coatings, UV-curable acrylic polymer for hotmelts and coatings polyisocyanates, hyperbranched polyester polyol, polymeric dispersant for inorganic binder compositions, unsaturated polyester polyol or 100% curable composition; or vii) cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter, further cosmetic ingredient or composition or formulation thereof; or viii) polymer B, polymer composition B, coating composition, other functional composition, foil, molded body, coating or coated substrate.22. Process according to any one of embodiment 20 or 21 , wherein the content of the polymeric material (PM) in the product is 1 weight-% or more, preferably 2 weight- % or more, more preferably 5 weight-% or more, more preferably 15 weight-% or more, more preferably 30 weight-% or more, more preferably 40 weight-% or more, more preferably 60 weight-% or more, more preferably 80 weight-% or more, more preferably 90 weight-% or more, more preferably 95 weight-% or more; and / or wherein the content of the polymeric material (PM) in the polymer product is 100 weight-% or less, preferably 95 weight-% or less, more preferably 90 weight-% or less, more preferably 50 weight-% or less, more preferably 25 weight-% or less, more preferably 10 weight-% or less; and preferably wherein the content is determined based on identity preservation and / or segregation and / or mass balance and / or book and claim chain of custody models, preferably based on mass balance, preferably the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.ExamplesAccording to the method described, 40 g (0.1238 mol) of the polymer compound is weighed into the reaction vessel, of which 30 %, corresponding to 12 g, contains glass fibers, which are referred to below as GF NEG T249H. Subsequently, 77 g (4.277mol) of water is added to the reaction vessel. The amount of water is 35 molar equivalents to the polymer. After filling the reaction vessel, it is clamped into the autoclave head and sealed tightly with clamping jaws. Before the reaction begins, the reaction autoclave is inerted in three successive purging cycles using nitrogen. The reaction is initiated by raising the target temperature to 250 °C for hydrolysis, using a temperature ramp of 45 min. After reaching the target temperature of 250 °C, the reaction vessel is pressurized with nitrogen to a total pressure of 100 bar. Hydrolysis is then carried out for 4 hours while stirring at 1000 revolutions per minute (RPM). After the 4- hour reaction time has elapsed, the reaction is cooled down to a predetermined target temperature and rapidly cold- released by opening a valve through a 10 piM frit via a riser tube into a second autoclave.The temperature of the flash autoclave rises to approx. 60 °C. After cold decompression, the reaction autoclave is cooled down to 50 °C and the pressure is released via the exhaust gas line to allow the reaction autoclave to beopened. After cooling down, the flash autoclave is depressurized with a valve to open it. The results of the depolymerization using different parameters regarding temperature and pressure are summarized in Table 1.Table 1The more energy-efficient and technically feasible optimization of the process was achieved at a temperature of 230°C and an internal pressure of 26 bar. The cooling time from the reaction temperature of 250°C to 230°C is about 10 minutes. During the subsequent cold decompression and filtration in the second autoclave, the temperature drops from 230°C to 183°C in 1 minute and 30 seconds. The cooling time from 183°C to 50°C is then around 1 hour and 40 minutes before the autoclave can be reopened.Measurement of the glass fiber length distributionBefore measuring the glass fiber length distribution, the polymer samples were incinerated at 650°C for 1-2 hours.The glass fiber length distribution was determined using the following method:Carefully remove a spatula tip from the glass fibers (otherwise fiber breakage and frit abrasion are possible!) and transfer it to the glass bottle.Add 1-2 drops of glycerine (as a dewetting agent) and fill up with deionized water (usually up to approx. 100 mL).Shake the jar well. In the meantime, visually check for homogeneous distribution of the fibersQuickly transfer the solution to the Petri dish in the scanner support so that the bottom is covered with sufficient liquid (approx. glass). (Caution: Do not fill the Petri dish more than halfway up with liquid!) If possible, fill without adding more liquid, as mainly small fibers are transferred during the second pouring and the fiber distribution pattern changes.Wait approx. 1 minute before taking the picture until all fibers have really settled.Visual inspection of fiber distribution and quantity by SEM: Those were recorded on a Phenom Pharos table top SEM (from Thermo Fisher Scientific). For the preparation a few milligrams of the fibers were powdered onto an electrically conductive, double sided adhesive tab fixed to a common SEM sample holder stub. The measurements were conducted with acceleration voltages from 10-15 kV, a working distance around 8 mm and a pressure around 60 Pa.Literature citedDE4219756US4605762IN 163270US4313870 US9534083Uilmann's Encyclopedia of industrial Chemistry, “Polyamides” Herzog, B., Kohan, M.I., Mestemacher, S.A., Pagi- lagan, R.U., Redmond, K. and Sarbandi, R. (2024)

Claims

Claims1 . Process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide 66 (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1), the process comprising(a) providing a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (PA66) based polymer and at least one filler (F1) and a solvent composition (SC) comprising water;(b) preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC);(c) subjecting mixture (M-0) to conditions for depolymerizing the polyamide 66 based polymer (D1) comprising a depolymerization temperature T(D1) in the range of from 150 to 300°C, in particular in the range of from 150 to 250°C, and a depolymerization time t(D1) of at least 0.25 hours, preferably in the range of from 0.25 to 8 hours, in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 8 hours, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 200 to 10000 K*h, preferably from 260 to 3700 K*h obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer, filler (F1), and insoluble residues;(d) separating the filler (F1) and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1) and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC) and soluble oligomers and optionally monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer.

2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the separation according to step (d) is carried out by filtration at a temperature in the range of from 100 to 300°C or by centrifugation.

3. The process according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the filtration is carried out at a pressure in the range of from 1 to 100 bar, preferably with a differential pressure in the range of from 1 to 30 bar.

4. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the separation according to step (d) is carried out using filters having a pore size in the range of from 2 to 500 pm.

5. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the process further comprises(e) subjecting mixture (M-3) to depolymerization conditions (D2) suitable to depolymerize the polyamide 66 based polymer and oligomers obtaining mixture (M-4) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer and optionally insoluble monomers of the polyamide 66 based polymer;(f) separating the monomers obtained in step (e).

6. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the process further comprises(e*) subjecting mixture (M-3) to polymerization conditions suitable to prepare a polyamide 66 based polymer, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66.

7. The process according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the process further comprises(g*) subjecting or the monomers obtained in step (e) or (f) to polymerization conditions suitable to prepare a polyamide 66 based polymer, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66.

8. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fibrous filler (F1) is selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, potassium titanate fibers, fibers composed of liquidcrystal polymers, metal fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, organic fibrous fillers and inorganic fibrous fillers.

9. Use of mixture (M-3), obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, for preparing polyamide 66.

10. Use of one or more monomers, obtainable or obtained by a process according to claim 5, for preparing polyamide 66.11 . Fillers obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of claims 1 to 8, exhibiting one or more of the following properties: a diameter of the fibers in a range of from 5 to 35 pm, preferably in the range of from 6 to 25 pm, in particular in the range of from 8 to 17 pm; an average length of the fibers d0.5 in the range of from 100 to 600 pm, preferably in the range of from 200 to 500 pm, in particular in the range of from 250 to 450 pm.

12. Process, preferably according to any one of claimsl to 8, for preparing a product comprising adding a filler obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to a polymer to obtain the product.

13. Process, preferably according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, comprising the step:converting the filler and / or monomer and / or oligomer obtainable by or obtained by the process according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or a chemical material obtainable by or obtained by the process according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to obtain a product.

14. Process according to claim 13, wherein the product is selected from:I) building block or monomer; orII) polymer, preferably polymer A, polymer composition, preferably polymer composition A, or polymer product, preferably polymer product A; or ill) cleaning polymer, cleaning surfactant, descaling compound, cleaning biocide or composition or formulation thereof; or iv) agrochemical composition, agrochemical formulation auxiliary or agrochemically active ingredient; or v) active pharmaceutical ingredient or intermediate thereof, pharmaceutical excipient, animal feed additive, human food additive, dietary supplements, aroma chemical or aroma composition; or vi) aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably polyurethane or polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer dispersion, emulsion, binder for paper and fiber coatings, UV-curable acrylic polymer for hot melts and coatings polyisocyanates, hyperbranched polyester polyol, polymeric dispersant for inorganic binder compositions, unsaturated polyester polyol or 100% curable composition; or vii) cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter, further cosmetic ingredient or composition or formulation thereof; or viii) polymer B, polymer composition B, coating composition, other functional composition, foil, molded body, coating or coated substrate15. Process according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the content of the polymeric material (PM) in the product is 1 weight-% or more, preferably 2 weight- % or more, more preferably 5 weight-% or more, more preferably 15 weight-% or more, more preferably 30 weight-% or more, more preferably 40 weight-% or more, more preferably 60 weight-% or more, more preferably 80 weight-% or more, more preferably 90 weight-% or more, more preferably 95 weight-% or more; and / or wherein the content of the polymeric material (PM) in the polymer product is 100 weight-% or less, preferably 95 weight-% or less, more preferably 90 weight-% or less, more preferably 50 weight-% or less, more preferably 25 weight-% or less, more preferably 10 weight-% or less; and preferably wherein the content is determined based on identity preservation and / or segregation and / or mass balance and / or book and claim chain of custody models, preferably based on mass balance, preferably the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.

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