Thermoplastic compositions, methods, apparatus, and uses

A screen comprising a plurality of single-piece injection molded screening elements in combination;

• each screening element comprising a composition including a thermoplastic polyurethane and a modified ester,
• wherein the screen includes openings having a size that is in a range from about 35 μm to about 150 μm, and has an open screening area of from about 10% to about 35% of a total screening area;
• and
• the openings are generated during micro-molding of the single-piece screening elements.

A vibratory screening machine, comprising a screen having screening surface and formed of a plurality of single-piece injection molded screening elements in combination;

• each screening element comprising a composition including a thermoplastic polyurethane and a modified ester,
• wherein the screen includes openings having a size that is in a range from about 35 μm to about 150 μm, and has an open screening area of from about 10% to about 35% of a total screening area;
• and
• the openings are generated during micro-molding of the single-piece screening elements.

A method of separating materials, comprising the steps of:

• providing a vibratory screening apparatus equipped with a screen;
• placing materials to be separated on the screen;
• and
• exciting the screen to separate the materials to a desired level;
• the screen including a plurality of single-piece injection molded screening elements in combination;
• each screening element including a composition including a thermoplastic polyurethane and a modified ester;
• wherein the screen includes openings having a size that is in a range from about 35 μm to about 150 μm and has an open screening area of from about 10% to about 35% of a total screening area;
• and
• the openings are generated during micro molding of the single-piece screening elements.