Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-17-2024
Abstract
The quest for sustainable and renewable materials is driving a paradigm shift towards a bio-based economy, propelled particularly by the imperatives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The increased use of bio-based polyurethane foams (bio-PUFs) in industrial applications presents a challenge for researchers to develop innovative recycling methodologies conforming to evolving sustainability standards. This research represents an innovative approach to the recycling of bio-PUFs through depolymerization via Glycolysis, employing commercially available bio-based solvent. The degradation and recovery of polyol were validated through FTIR and NMR analysis, confirming the presence of amine groups, urethane linkages, and other byproducts. High yields (over 93%) of recovered polyol were achieved within comparable timeframes using both bio-based and traditional petroleum-based glycolysis agents. Comparative analyses revealed superior physical and chemical properties of bio-based recovered polyol over its petroleum-based counterpart. The resulting recovered polyol (RP) was utilized to fabricate new PUFs replacing up to 20% w/w of the virgin polyol, exhibiting physical characteristics like virgin PUFs with negligible deviations. Finally, this study outlines the enhanced circularity within the value chain by closing the loop of bio-PUFs through sustainable glycolysis processes, thus contributing to the advancement of circular economy principles.
Recommended Citation
Thorbole, Anuridh, "Closing the Loop: Glycolysis Via Bio-Based Solvent and Regeneration of Bio-based Polyurethane Foams" (2024). Posters. 41.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/posters_2024/41
