Devising sustainable methods for recycling industrial polyurethane waste
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UMT, Lhr
Abstract
Research is being conducted to recycle and transform polyurethane into a valuable matrix material, addressing a major environmental concern. Buffing dust, often a byproduct of leather finishing processes, was utilized to enhance certain properties. This research focused on buffing dust and polyurethane waste for use in the construction industry. In the process of fabricating thermal insulation panels, a mixture of fresh polyurethane, polystyrene, buffing dust, and alumina nanoparticles was used to produce the PUC sample. On the other hand, the WPUC sample was synthesized by using waste polyurethane, glass fiber, polystyrene, buffing dust, and alumina nanoparticles. The PUC sample showed water absorption of up to 38%, while the WPUC sample displayed up to 44.6%. The FTIR study indicated that the both samples show the distinctive vibration of the –OH group of the amino acid found in discarded leather. SEM analysis of both samples showed that the addition of glass fiber and buffing dust led to the formation of voids. EDX analysis revealed that the PUC composite sample consisted of 2.38% Oxygen and 48.53% Carbon, while the WPUC composite material contained 1.94% Oxygen and 46.18% Carbon. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the PUC and WPUC samples exhibited thermal stability till 280 °C and 350 °C respectively. This effort aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11, which emphasizes the creation of sustainable cities and communities.