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.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction to polymers 2. Polyurethane foam chemistry 3. Recycling techniques 4. 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 management 5. Degradation vs. Decomposition 6. Introduction to chemical depolymerization 7. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via glycolysis 8. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via hydrolysis 9. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via ammonolysis and aminolysis 10. Chemical depolymerization of polyurethane foam via combined chemolysis methods 11. Life cycle analysis of polyurethane foam wastes 12. Applications of chemically depolymerized polyurethane foam 13. Applications of mechanically grounded polyurethane foam
Authors
Sabu Thomas Full Professor, International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India.
Prof. Sabu Thomas is a renowned professor who is serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. He is also a full professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at the School of Chemical Sciences, a role which he has held since 1998. He was previously Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University 2017-2018, Director of School of Chemical Science during 2010-2013, Hon. Director of International & Inter-University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 2009-2015 and 2016-17. In 2015, Prof. Thomas received his first Docteur Honoris Causa from University of Souther Brittany in Lorient, France. In 2016, he received his second Doctorate honoris causa from University of Lorraine, France. He was awarded the Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, London, FRSC in 2012. He received the Bronze Medal of the Chemical Research Society of India and the MRSI Medal of the Material Research Society of India in 2013. He was the recipient of Fulbright-Nehru International Education Administrators Award 2017. He also received TRiLA Academician of the year 2018 award. Prof. Thomas has published more than 1000 publications, and more than 100 books.
Ajay Vasudeo Rane Doctoral Research Fellow, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.
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 Professor of Material Science and Engineering, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.
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 VK Senior Research Fellow, School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, India.
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 Research Student, International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Kottayam, Kerala, India.
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.
