Microwave-Assisted Glycolysis of Polyurethane Cold Cure Foam Wastes from Automotive Seats in “Split-Phase” Condition

Abstract

In this study microwave irradiation has been used as an energy source for glycolysing flexible polyurethane foam wastes. In order to study the susceptibility of the foam and select a system to obtain the highest quality recovered polyol, the reactions were performed in the presence of various basic catalysts and microwave powers. The completion and dissolution of the foam was measured, the obtained products separated in two split phases, and the recovered polyol in the upper phase was characterized and compared by virgin polyol by using FT-IR, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR spectroscopic methods. In addition it was found that potassium hydroxide proved as a suitable catalyst to degradation and obtaining of high purity polyol under microwave irradiations.