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Recycling Technologies for Polyurethane Wastes (A Survey)

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Materials Science Aims and scope

The world production of polyurethanes (PU) currently exceeds 18 mln. tons. Moreover, it is expected that, by 2024, it will become greater than 24 mln. tons. We present a survey of works available from the literature and analyzing the methods of recycling of polyurethanes aimed at the reduction of the amount of PU wastes, environmental protection, and prevention of waste dumping in the landfills. Mechanical processing proves to be the oldest and simple method used for the processing of PU wastes. The process of chemical recycling of polyurethane by glycolysis is regarded as the most environmentally friendly and economically competitive method. Glycolysis of polyurethane is a process of chemical depolymerization based on the reaction of transesterification of polyols and glycols in a molecule of urethane. This process makes it possible to destroy the polyurethane matrix and either to release polyol or to generate new recycled polyol. The possibility of application of different glycols and catalysts in the reaction of catalytic transesterification is demonstrated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Chemical Technology, Martin-Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany

    V. Ya. Suprun

  2. “Tekhno-Resurs Engineering Center” State Enterprise, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine

    V. І. Marukha

  3. Karpenko Physicomechanical Institute, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine

    V. P. Sylovaniuk

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  1. V. Ya. Suprun
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  2. V. І. Marukha
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  3. V. P. Sylovaniuk
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Correspondence to V. P. Sylovaniuk.

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Translated from Fizyko-Khimichna Mekhanika Materialiv, Vol. 57, No. 6, pp. 5–14, November–December, 2021.

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Suprun, V.Y., Marukha, V.І. & Sylovaniuk, V.P. Recycling Technologies for Polyurethane Wastes (A Survey). Mater Sci 57, 755–764 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11003-022-00605-x

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