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Degradation of polyurethanes in compost under natural conditions
Author(s) -
Krasowska Katarzyna,
Janik Helena,
Gradys Arkadiusz,
Rutkowska Maria
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.36597
Subject(s) - compost , degradation (telecommunications) , ultimate tensile strength , materials science , water content , moisture , polymer , composite material , polyurethane , chemical engineering , waste management , telecommunications , geotechnical engineering , computer science , engineering
The estimation of degradability of different polyurethanes under natural weather depending conditions in compost pile was the subject of this study. The incubation of polymer samples took place for a period up to 24 months. The characteristic parameters of the compost: temperature, pH, moisture content, and activity of dehydrogenases were monitored and their influence on degradation of polyurethanes was discussed. The compostability of polyurethanes was investigated by changes of weight, tensile strength, morphology, and thermal properties. The degradation study revealed that the degree of degradation of polyurethanes in the natural environment, like compost, is dependent on their chemical and structural composition. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012