Recycling of Polyurethane Foams

Recycling of Polyurethane Foams introduces the main degradation/depolymerization processes and pathways of polyurethane foam materials, focusing on industrial case studies and academic reviews from recent research and development projects. The book can aid practitioners in understanding the basis of polymer degradation and its relationship with industrial processes, which can be of substantial value to industrial complexes the world over. The main pathways of polymer recycling via different routes and industrial schemes are detailed, covering all current techniques, including regrinding, rebinding, adhesive pressing and compression moulding of recovered PU materials that are then compared with depolymerization approaches.

The book examines life cycle assessment and cost analysis associated with polyurethane foams waste management, showing the potential of various techniques. This book will help academics and researchers identify and improve on current depolymerization processes, and it will help industry sustainability professionals choose the appropriate approach for their own waste management systems, thus minimizing the costs and environmental impact of their PU-based end products.

Offers a comprehensive review of all polyurethane foam recycling processes, including both chemical and mechanical approaches Assesses the potential of each recycling processHelps industry-based practitioners decide which approach to take to minimize the cost and environmental impact of their end product Enables academics and researchers to identify and improve upon current processes of degradation and depolymerization

1. Introduction to polymers 2. Polyurethane foam chemistry 3. Recycling techniques 4. Economic and environmental impact of plastic wastes, management of plastic wastes, mechanical recycling, feedstock recycling, sorting and separation of mixed plastics, future trends in plastic waste management 5. Degradation vs. Decomposition 6. Introduction to chemical depolymerization 7. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via glycolysis 8. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via hydrolysis 9. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via ammonolysis and aminolysis 10. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via combined chemolysis methods 11. Life cycle analysis of polyurethane foam wastes 12. Applications of chemically depolymerized polyurethane foam 13. Applications of mechanically grounded polyurethane foam