Rigid Polyurethane Foams Based on Polyol Produced from Mixed Polyurethane Foam Scrap Recovered from Shredder Residue

摘要

Polyurethane foams recovered from shredder residue via an automated separation process were glycolyzed, glysolysis product propoxylated into polyol, and polyol used in preparation of rigid polyurethane and urethane-modified isocyanurate foams. The resulting recycled polyol exhibited self catalytic properties, as no catalysts were needed for preparation of rigid polyurethane foams. Polyurethane foams based on the recycled polyol exhibited similar compressive strength, dimensional stability at -36° and 70oc, water absorption and dimensional stability with immersion in water, tumbling friability, and significantly better resistance to combustion in comparison to the reference polyurethane foams prepared from a conventional sucrose-based polyol for rigid foams. Urethanemodified isocyanurate foams based on the recycled polyol prepared at 300 isocyanate index exhibited 5 times lower burning rate in the flammability test than the foams prepared at the same isocyanate index from the conventional sucrose-based polyol.