We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Thermoset polyurethanes from biobased and recycled components
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesized thermoset polyurethanes using a recycled PET-derived monomer (BHET) combined with a biobased castor oil polyol, demonstrating a pathway to produce sustainable polymer materials from marine plastic litter and biobased feedstocks.
Abstract In this work, a recycled bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) monomer, obtained by glycolysis of marine polyethylene terephthalate (PET) litter, and a biobased polyol derived from castor oil were used for the synthesis of thermoset polyurethanes (PUs). BHET was obtained in a closed reactor at 220 °C and a short reaction time of 30 min. Different PUs were synthesized, varying the BHET content, ranging from 0 to 21 wt% and varying the polyol content, obtaining a renewable carbon content between 23 and 43%. The PUs synthesized in this work, in which at least 40% of their components are renewable and recycled, showed an interesting combination of thermal, thermo-mechanical and mechanical properties. In addition, a preliminary chemical recycling study of the synthesized PUs was performed to evaluate their recyclability, wrapping the whole process within the circular economy. The obtained glycolyzed product was a single-phase viscous liquid consisting on polyol-rich and BHET-rich fractions, with contents in the range of those employed in the synthesis of PUs.
More Papers Like This
Novel robust upcycling approach for the manufacture of value-added polymers based on mixed (poly)urethane scraps
AI summary Read the abstract
This study developed a novel process for recycling mixed polyurethane scraps into new value-added polymers. Upcycling thermoset plastics that are currently unrecyclable could prevent these materials from fragmenting into microplastics in the environment.
Sustainability in polyurethanes: old hat or new strategy for future developments?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines sustainability challenges and emerging strategies for polyurethanes, covering bio-based building blocks, recyclable vitrimer formulations, and enzymatic or biodegradation end-of-life pathways as the industry moves toward greater circularity.
Atom-economy upcycling of commodity thermoset polyurethane into photocuring 3D printing resins based on selective cleavage—crosslink strategy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a selective cleavage strategy using food-grade ethyl acetoacetate to break biuret crosslinks in thermoset polyurethane waste while preserving urethane and urea bonds, enabling the deconstructed product to be upcycled into photocuring 3D printing resins with up to approximately 90% waste content and strong mechanical properties.
Sustainable geopolymers from polyethylene terephthalate waste and industrial by-products: a comprehensive characterisation and performance predictions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed geopolymer bricks using recycled PET plastic waste combined with industrial by-products like rice husk ash and blast furnace slag. They found that certain formulations produced bricks with strength and durability comparable to conventional building materials. The study demonstrates a practical approach for diverting plastic waste from landfills while creating sustainable construction materials.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.