MECHANICAL RECYCLING OF POST CONSUMER POLYURETHANE FOAM

摘要

This presentation discusses the results of a study on mechanical recycling of flexible Polyurethane (PU) foam. The purpose of the study was to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of flexible PU foams obtained through the incorporation of ground post-consumer foam and compare those properties with industrial specifications for vehicle seat applications and with actual samples of car seat foam. Foam residues were pre-ground and processed under appropriate conditions described herein and pulverized in a roll mill. The powder was then separated using vibratory screens and was mixed with a basic Polyol/Isocyanate car seat foam formulation in two different concentrations corresponding to two reprocessing steps. The foam samples containing an added 10wt% of recycled car seat material displayed characteristics similar to those required by automotive specifications, thus showing a good potential for reverting to their original application.