Recycling and Disposal Methods for Polyurethane Wastes: A Review

Polyurethanes (PU) are a general class of polymers prepared by the polyaddition of isocyanates and hydroxyl group containing compounds. PU foams are formed via the reaction of poly-isocyanate and multi-functional hydroxyl compounds resulting in urethane linkages. The foams are formed in wide range of densities and maybe flexible, semi-flexible or rigid in structure. To control the foam structure, blowing agents are employed. These agents are introduced during foam formation through volatilization of low-boiling liquids or through the formation of gas due to chemical reaction. Additionally, surfactants, catalysts, etc. are used during the manufacturing of foams. PU, including PU foams, is one of the most important groups of materials today and hence, their recycling has been of great interest. Many methods of recycling PU are available and many more are being studied further. However, no method has seen large scale commercialization or is brought into regular practice. The objective of this review is to bring to light the various technologies available and their current status of development as well as newer upcoming methods that may be available in the future.