Polymer Sciences Open Access

Low Air Permeability Flexible Polyurethane Foam with Recycled Polyol Obtained Using Ester-Type Foam Waste Gylcolysed in Autoclave

7^th Edition of International Conference on Polymer Science and Technology

April 12-13, 2021 Webinar

Gabriel Kiss

Politehnica University of Timisoara, Romania

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Polym Sci

Abstract:

Ester polyurethane foam waste was reacted in autoclave, with diethylene glycol at different ratios in the presence of catalyst, to find the glycolysis conditions allowing improved recovery of the polyurethane foam waste and enable recycling of the whole glycolysis product in foam formulation suitable to produce low air permeability foam. The recycled polyol was characterized by dynamic viscosity, hydroxyl number, water content and density, while thermal stability was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis. 5% of the glycolyzed material was successfully reused in polyurethane foam formulation. It has been observed that this amount of recycled polyol enables the generation of low air permeability foam without shrinkage, whereas standard polyols used in that application cannot afford feature. Low air permeability foams can be used in applications as sealed foams. The results open the way of further optimization studies of industrial polyurethane foam formulations using a glycolysis process to recover the foam waste.

Biography :

Gabriel Kiss is PhD student at Politehnica University of TimiÈ?oara in Romania. He also works in the polyurethane field since more than 15 years. He has published several papers in the field of polyurethane technology, including one in a reputed journal addressing one of the main challenges in this industry, recycling of foam waste materials.