Recycling of Polyurethane Foams

by Sabu Thomas (Editor), Ajay Vasudeo Rane (Editor), Krishnan Kanny (Editor), Abitha VK (Editor), Martin George Thomas (Editor)

Overview

Recycling of Polyurethane Foams introduces the main degradation/depolymerization processes and pathways of polyurethane foam materials, focusing on industrial case studies and academic reviews from recent research and development projects. The book can aid practitioners in understanding the basis of polymer degradation and its relationship with industrial processes, which can be of substantial value to industrial complexes the world over. The main pathways of polymer recycling via different routes and industrial schemes are detailed, covering all current techniques, including regrinding, rebinding, adhesive pressing and compression moulding of recovered PU materials that are then compared with depolymerization approaches. The book examines life cycle assessment and cost analysis associated with polyurethane foams waste management, showing the potential of various techniques. This book will help academics and researchers identify and improve on current depolymerization processes, and it will help industry sustainability professionals choose the appropriate approach for their own waste management systems, thus minimizing the costs and environmental impact of their PU-based end products. - Offers a comprehensive review of all polyurethane foam recycling processes, including both chemical and mechanical approaches - Assesses the potential of each recycling process - Helps industry-based practitioners decide which approach to take to minimize the cost and environmental impact of their end product - Enables academics and researchers to identify and improve upon current processes of degradation and depolymerization

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780323511346
Publisher:	William Andrew
Publication date:	06/06/2018
Series:	Plastics Design Library
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	146
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Sabu Thomas is a Professor and Director of the International and Interuniversity Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. Professor Thomas is internationally recognized for his contributions to polymer science and engineering, with his research interests encompassing polymer nanocomposites, elastomers, polymer blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, polymer membranes, green composites, nanocomposites, nanomedicine, and green nanotechnology. His groundbreaking inventions in polymer nanocomposites, polymer blends, green bionanotechnology, and nano-biomedical sciences have significantly advanced the development of new materials for the automotive, space, housing, and biomedical fields.
Ajay Vasudeo Rane (Dr.) is currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Durban University of Technology. His areas of research include structural, mechanical, and morphological properties of materials (specially polymer composite materials). Dr. Ajay Vasudeo Rane is a member of the Royal Society of South Africa, the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering, affiliate member of the South African Institution of Chemical Engineers and, a member of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers. He has edited five books and has contributed book chapters and technical manuscripts in peer reviewed journals and presented research works at national and international conferences.
Krishnan Kanny (Dr./Prof.) is currently Director and Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Durban University of Technology, South Africa. He is also the Director of the Composites Research Group. Professor Kanny holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA. Prof Kanny is a registered Professional Technologist (Pr. Tech. Eng) with The Engineering Council of South Africa and holds professional memberships with: the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the South African Institute of Mechanical Engineers (SaiMech.E), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronomics (AIAA) and is an NRF rated scientist category C1. Krishnan Kanny is a professional engineer and scientist with over thirty years’ experience in management, leadership, and human resources development. Additionally, he has over twenty-five years of research experience in manufacturing, robotics, and advanced engineering materials as well as extensive experience in mechanical engineering product, process and system design including development, implementation, and commissioning. Krishnan Kanny’s professional interests include designing, processing, and testing of composite materials systems, reinforced thermosets/ thermoplastics, and nano-infused structures for aerospace, naval and automotive applications. He also has extensive experience on failure analyses including computational and analytical modeling and characterization & Morphological analysis including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Xray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
Abitha V.K. is a Senior Research Fellow at the School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, India. Her areas of research include rubber, polymer blends, fibre filled polymer composites, particulate filled polymer composites and their morphological and structural characterization. Dr. Abitha has written several book chapters, and has co-edited three books with Elsevier.
Martin George Thomas is a research student at the International and Interuniversity Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Kottayam, Kerala, currently performing research into the areas of epoxy nanocomposites.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to polymers2. Polyurethane foam chemistry 3. Recycling techniques4. Economic and environmental impact of plastic wastes, management of plastic wastes, mechanical recycling, feedstock recycling, sorting and separation of mixed plastics, future trends in plastic waste management5. Degradation vs. Decomposition6. Introduction to chemical depolymerization 7. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via glycolysis8. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via hydrolysis9. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via ammonolysis and aminolysis10. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via combined chemolysis methods11. Life cycle analysis of polyurethane foam wastes12. Applications of chemically depolymerized polyurethane foam13. Applications of mechanically grounded polyurethane foam

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Comprehensive assessment of various chemical and mechanical recycling methods for polyurethane foams to help minimize cost and environmental impacts

Editorial Reviews

"Overall, this book offers a collection of excellent contributions covering all aspects of the life cycle of PU foams, structured in a convincing way with numerous links between the chapters. The result is an essential manual which leads both the experienced reader and the newcomer through an exciting path, unveiling the science and technology of state of the art PU production and recycling processes, shedding new light on the limits of current approaches, advances in research and future opportunities for closing the material cycle." —Detritus

From the Publisher