US 7,321,003 B2
Methods of reducing polystyrene foams using dibasic esters with extruders
Harvey Katz, 1885 SW. 4th Ave., Suite E-3, Delray Beach, Fla. 33444 (US); and Claudia Iovino, 1885 SW. 4th Ave., Suite E-3, Delray Beach, Fla. 33444 (US)
Filed on Aug. 17, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/205,140.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/672507, filed on Apr. 19, 2005.
Prior Publication US 2006/0235093 A1, Oct. 19, 2006
Int. Cl. C08J 11/04 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 521—40.5  [521/47] 18 Claims
 
1. A method of reducing/recycling polystyrene foam comprising the steps of (a) providing polystyrene foam; (b) applying to said polystyrene foam a solution comprising: one or more standard dibasic ester (DBE) compositions selected from the group consisting of dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl adipate, and dimethyl succinate; (c) subjecting the resultant polygel to a low source of heat over a temperature range not to exceed 200-300.degree. C.; (d) subjecting the resultant polygel to one or more extruders over a temperature range not to exceed 200-300.degree. C.; and (e) recapturing the dibasic esters; wherein said recaptured dibasic esters are reused or recycled and the resultant polystyrene foam polygel may be recycled into high quality beaded polystyrene foam.