Synthesis, Characterization and Recycle of Polyurethane

Sin, Winnie Su Cheng (2024) Synthesis, Characterization and Recycle of Polyurethane. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile polymer used in a wide variety of applications due to its unique properties such as flexibility, durability, insulation properties, lightweight, comfort and support. Therefore, polyurethane production and disposal raise environmental concerns. Efforts are being made to develop more sustainable practices. In this study, the objectives are to synthesize the biodegradable polyurethane that is going to be derived from renewable materials such as starch. Different percentage of starch is cooperation during the synthesis process. Starch-based polyurethane offers an environmentally friendly way of leveraging the abundant biodegradable nature of starch. Besides focusing on biodegradable raw materials, this study also explores various types of chemical recycling methods to enhance sustainability such as glycolysis and digestion with different reaction temperatures (210 oC and 150 oC) to cleave the urethane bond. The product is then analyzed using FTIR, TGA, DSC and lastly identity their solubility. Firstly, the results of synthesized pristine polyurethane and starch-based polyurethane do not have significant changes in terms of functional group, thermal stability and glass transition temperature. Besides, the recycling of pristine polyurethane and starch-based polyurethane also show no significant changes of FTIR and DSC analysis, however, TGA results showed obvious two thermal degradation temperatures after the glycolysis reaction. Furthermore, there are significant changes after the digestion reaction, for example, formation of new functional groups, decreasing in thermal stability. Lastly, the reaction temperature with 210 oC has much desired results compared to the reaction temperature of 150 oC in digestion reaction.