Recovery of glass fibers from solvolysis mixture obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of poly-amide (PA66) engineering plastics

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (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 and optionally a polar solvent; preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC); subjecting mixture (M-0) to depolymerization conditions (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 5 minutes, preferably in the range of from 5 to 120 minutes, in particular in the range of from 5 to 30 minutes, in the presence of a base, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D 1 ) is in the range of from 40 to 2200 K*h, obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer, filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues; separating the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC), and soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer; and optionally separating the filler (F1) from further components of mixture (M-2).

Description

Recovery of glass fibers from solvolysis mixture obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of polyamide (PA66) engineering plasticsThe present invention relates to a process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (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 and optionally a polar solvent; preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC); subjecting mixture (M-0) to depolymerization conditions (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 5 minutes, preferably in the range of from 5 to 120 minutes, in particular in the range of from 5 to 30 minutes, in the presence of a base, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 40 to 2200 K*h, obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer, filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues; separating the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC), and soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer; and optionally separating the filler (F1) from further components of mixture (M-2).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 sodium hydroxide in a solvent mixture of methanol and water for a period of 0.5 to 15h over a temperature range of 100 to 300°C. The reaction products are recovered by distillation and electrodialysis. However, whenapplying the described process conditions on a product with glass fibers, progressing deterioration of the glass fibers can be observed, making them unusable for further applications.EP0875504 describes the depolymerization of polyamides with catalytic amounts of alkali metal hydroxides. US2840606, DE1088063, and FR1070841 describes the depolymerization of PA66 in an aqueous solution of an aliphatic alcohol with alkali hydroxide. Treatment of glass fiber containing compounds is not mentioned.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 (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 and optionally a polar solvent;(b) preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC);(c) subjecting mixture (M-0) to depolymerization conditions (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 5 minutes, preferably in the range of from 5 to 120 minutes, in particular in the range of from 5 to 30 minutes, in the presence of a base, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 40 to 2200 K*h, obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer, filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues;(d) separating the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC), and soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer;(e) optionally separating the filler (F1) from further components of mixture (M-2).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 reducing the reaction time of state-of-the-art alkaline depolymerization technology, 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 successive filtration 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, the degradation 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 (e) and may comprise 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 and optionally a polar solvent 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 65 to 95 % by weight, in particular in an amount of from 70 to 90 % by weight based on the polymeric material.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 becarried 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 preformed granules, and also comprises shredded pieces.The solvent composition (SC) comprises water and optionally a polar solvent. The solvent composition may comprise water in an amount of up to 100 % by weight. Preferably, the content of water in the solvent composition is in the range of from 5 to 25 % by weight, in particular in the range of from 10 to 20 % by weight. Suitable polar solvents are for example aliphatic alcohols. According to a further embodiment, the solvent composition comprises water and a polar solvent. According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the polar solvent is an aliphatic alcohol, preferably an aliphatic alcohol selected from the group consisting of aliphatic monools with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, diols with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and triols with 1 to 6 carbon atoms.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 and a depolymerization time t(D1) of at least 5 minutes, preferably in the range of from 5 to 120 minutes, in particular in the range of from 5 to 30 minutes, in the presence of a base, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 40 to 250 K*h, obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer, filler (F1), insoluble monomers 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 250°C, more preferably 210 to 230°C. The depolymerization time t(D1) may preferably be in the range of from 5 to 30 minutes, more preferably from 5 to 20 minutes, more preferably from 10 to 15 minutes. The factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 40 to 2200 K*h, preferably in a range of from 40 to 1000 K*h, in particular in a range of from 40 to 250 K*h. It has beenfound that the specific conditions for the treatment according to (c) allow to achieve depolymerization yielding monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer without negative effect on the filler (F1). The depolymerization conditions (D1) may also comprise a depolymerization pressure p(D1). According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the depolymerization conditions (D1) further comprise a pressure p(D1) in the range of 1 to 100 bar.The bases used for splitting the polymers are in general alkali metal hydroxides or earth alkali metal hydroxides such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof, preferably a mixture of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.It is preferable to use from 2.0 to 3.0, preferably from 2.0 to 2.2, in particular 2.0 to 2.1 equivalents of alkali metal hydroxide per repeating unit of polymer. If less than 2.0 equivalents of base are used, the result is in general an undesirably high proportion of oligomer.According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the base is an inorganic base selected from alkali metal hydroxides and earth alkali metal hydroxides or mixtures thereof.According to step (d), the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues are separated from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC), and soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) 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 monomers and / or 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 using filtration, centrifugation or decantation.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), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC), and soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer are obtained.According to the present invention, it is 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 Ullmann'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.Mixture (M-2) may also be further treated according to the present invention, in particular to separate the filler (F1) from insoluble monomers, in particular sodium adipate. Suitable methods for the separation according to step (e) are in principle known and may for example comprise washing steps such as washing with water, in particular washing with water at a temperature in the range of from 20 to 100°C, preferably in the range of from 40 to 80°C. Washing also allows to recover the organic monomers, in particular the adipic acid, and reuse it for the preparation of polyamides, in particular polyamide (PA66).According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the process as disclosed above, wherein the separation according to step (e) is combined with a washing step obtaining adipic acid or a salt thereof.In a particularly preferred embodiment, a very concentrated aqueous solution of the dicarboxylate salt can be obtained by dissolving the dicarboxylate salt out of the mixture (M-2) in two or more washing steps. The water-soluble extract, or the combined water-soluble extracts, may be subjected to a distillation with or without reduced pressure in order that any residual alcohols and / or other volatile organic substances present therein may ideally be removed. 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) and / or mixture (M2) to polyamide (PA66) polymerization conditions, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66.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, obtainable or obtained by a process as disclosed above, for preparing polyamide (PA66).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 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 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 pmThe 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.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.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; orvi) aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably polyurethane or polyurethane - poly(meth)acry- late 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 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 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 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 / orforming, 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 which the 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. (Meth)acrylates 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, alkox- ylated 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 nonphosphate based 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, industrialuse 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 agrochemically 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, palmi-tate 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, Canthaxan- thin, Citranaxanthin, 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 polyvinylpyrroli- done-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 sesquiterpenoids, 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 Reference RF1. The dispersed polymer(s) may be selectedfrom acrylic emulsion polymer(s), styrene acrylic emulsion polymer(s), styrene butadiene dispersions), aqueous dispersion(s) comprising composite particles, acrylate alkyd hybrid dispersions), 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 produces) 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 composition(s) 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 polyol(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 dispersants), 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 cosmetic ingredient 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 (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 and optionally a polar solvent;(b) preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC);(c) subjecting mixture (M-0) to depolymerization conditions (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 5 minutes, preferably in the range of from 5 to 120 minutes, in particular in the range of from 5 to 30 minutes, in the presence of a base, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D 1 ) is in the range of from 40 to 2200 K*h, obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer, filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues;(d) separating the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC), and soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer;(e) optionally separating the filler (F1) from further components of mixture (M-2).2. The process according to embodiment 1 , wherein the base is an inorganic base selected from alkali metal hydroxides and earth alkali metal hydroxides or mixtures thereof.3. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the polar solvent is an aliphatic alcohol, preferably an aliphatic alcohol selected from the group consisting of aliphatic monools with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, diols with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and triols with 1 to 6 carbon atoms.4. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the separation according to step (d) is carried out using filtration, centrifugation or decantation.5. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the separation according to step (e) is combined with a washing step obtaining adipic acid or a salt thereof.6. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the depolymerization conditions (D1) further comprise a pressure p(D1) in the range of 1 to 100 bar.7. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, 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, basalt.8. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, 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.9. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising subjecting the mixture (M-3) and / or mixture (M2) to polyamide (PA66) polymerization conditions, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66.10. Use of mixture (M-3), obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, for preparing polyamide 66.11. Filler, obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, exhibiting one or more of the following properties:12. Use of the filler obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, for preparing a polymeric product.13. Process, preferably according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, for preparing a product comprising adding a filler obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9 to a polymer to obtain the product.14. Process, preferably according to any one of the embodiments 1 to 9, 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 9 or a chemical material obtainable by or obtained by the process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9 to obtain a product. Process according to embodiment 14, 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; 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. Process according to any one of embodiment 14 or 15, 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 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; andpreferably 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.Brief description of the figuresFigure 1 : shows SEM images of glass fibers obtained by depolymerization of Ultramid A3WG6 BK564 with 2.18 eq. of NaOH per repeating unit at 220°C for 10 min (1a) and 4 h (1 b) as obtained according to example 1.Figure 2: shows a comparison of the size distribution of glass fibers obtained according to the present invention (blue) and virgin glass fibers (black).The invention is further illustrated by the following examples.ExamplesExample 1 : Depolymerization of Ultramid A3WG6A mixture of 40 g PA66 (Ultramid A3WG6 BK564, containing 12 g of glass fibers), methanol (40 g), water (34 g) and sodium hydroxide (10.8 g) was filled in an autoclave equipped with a mechanical stirrer. The reaction vessel was inertized with 30 bar nitrogen and kept under pressure. The stirrer was set to 60 RPM and the reaction temperature was increased to 220°C. After the temperature was reached, the reaction was stirred at 220°C for 10 min and then immediately cooled to ambient temperature. The reaction mixture was filtered and washed with methanol (2x20 ml) and freed of all volatiles in vacuo to yield 11.1 g of hexamethylenediamine (77% yield). The filter cake was further washed with water (3x50 ml) to yield 11 .6 g of glass fibers (97% yield), which were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The aqueous washing solvent was removed in vacuo to yield 17.6 g of sodium adipate (75%). As a comparison, the same reaction conditions were applied to a second reaction batch with 4 h of reaction time at 220°C (Figure 1).Furthermore, the size distribution of the obtained glass fibers was analyzed in comparison to a virgin reference glass fiber sample, revealing no significant impact on the fiber size (Figure 2).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. 1 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 citedDE4219756EP0875504US2840606DE1088063FR1070841Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, “Polyamides” Herzog, B., Kohan, M.I., Mes-te- macher, S.A., Pagilagan, R.U., Redmond, K. and Sarbandi, R. (2024)

Claims

Claims1 . Process for treating a polymeric material (PM) comprising a polyamide (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 and optionally a polar solvent;(b) preparing a mixture (M-0) from the polymeric material (PM) and the solvent composition (SC);(c) subjecting mixture (M-0) to depolymerization conditions (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 5 minutes, preferably in the range of from 5 to 120 minutes, in particular in the range of from 5 to 30 minutes, in the presence of a base, wherein the factor F(D1)=T(D1) x t(D1) is in the range of from 40 to 2200 K*h, obtaining a mixture (M-1) comprising the solvent composition (SC), soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer, filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues;(d) separating the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues from mixture (M-1) obtaining mixture (M-2) comprising the filler (F1), insoluble monomers and insoluble residues, and mixture (M-3) comprising the solvent composition (SC), and soluble monomers and / or oligomers of the polyamide (PA66) based polymer;(e) optionally separating the filler (F1) from further components of mixture (M-2).

2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the base is an inorganic base selected from alkali metal hydroxides and earth alkali metal hydroxides or mixtures thereof.

3. The process according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the polar solvent is an aliphatic alcohol, preferably an aliphatic alcohol selected from the group consisting of aliphatic monools with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, diols with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and triols with 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

4. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the separation according to step (d) is carried out using filtration, centrifugation or decantation.

5. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the separation according to step (e) is combined with a washing step obtaining adipic acid or a salt thereof.

6. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the depolymerization conditions (D1) further comprise a pressure p(D1) in the range of 1 to 100 bar.

7. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 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, basalt.

8. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 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.

9. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising subjecting the mixture (M-3) and / or mixture (M2) to polyamide (PA66) polymerization conditions, obtaining a recycled polyamide 66.

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

11. Filler, obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of claims 1 to 9, 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 9, for preparing a product comprising adding a filler obtainable or obtained by a process according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to a polymer to obtain the product.

13. Process, preferably according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, 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 9 or a chemical material obtainable by or obtained by the process according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to obtain a product.

14. Process according to claim 13, 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; 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.

15. 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 product is 100 weight-% or less, preferably 95 weight-% or less, more preferably 90 weight-% or less, more preferably 50weight-% 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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