Microwave-assisted polyurethane bond cleavage via hydroglycolysis process at atmospheric pressure

Abstract

The chemical recycling of flexible polyurethane foam wastes are performed through hydroglycolysis process under microwave irradiation at atmospheric pressure and 160°C. Mixtures of glycerin, water, and sodium hydroxide are used as hydroglycolysis agent. Water is added at different ratios containing 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40% of solvent system. The effect of water in the foam dissolution rate as well as water content of final recovered polyol is investigated. Finally FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy of the recycled polyol is performed and compared with virgin polyol.