Biodegradation of Modified Polyurethane Foams

Biodegradation of Modified Polyurethane Foams

Peer-reviewed article not indexed in WoS or Scopus

Increased production of non-degradable polymer waste by modern industrial society is accompanied by necessity to solve problems with negative effects to environment. In agreement with recent trends to avoid the accumulation of environmental pollution new modified polyurethane (PUR) foams were synthesized. Biopolymer components (acetyl-, hydroxyethyl- and carboxymethyl cellulose, acetylated starch, glutein) were used as modifying agents. In this work biodegradability of modified PUR foams was tested using bacterial single strain (Arthrobacter globiformis), mixed bacterial culture (Thermophillus sp.) and selected moulds strains (Fusarium solani, Alternaria alternata). In a complex comparative study standard biodegradability tests in laboratory conditions, in model composting conditions and also in different natural environments were used. In both bacterial systems, PUR biodegradation mechanism probably includes two additional effects: the abiotic decomposition followed by consequent utilization of degradation products by the bacterial culture. Under natural and composting conditions biodegradation of PUR foams was strongly influenced by abiotic factors. The highest degree of biodegradation was found in PUR modified by acetylated starch and carboxymethyl cellulose. In mould tests the presence of PUR led to enhanced biomass production. Significant effect of cell adsorption on PUR surface was observed too. In conclusion, tested microorganisms can be used for biodegradation of modified polyurethane foams. The degree of biodegradation is strongly dependent on the type of modifying agent, type of microorganism as well as on many abiotic factors.

Increased production of non-degradable polymer waste by modern industrial society is accompanied by necessity to solve problems with negative effects to environment. In agreement with recent trends to avoid the accumulation of environmental pollution new modified polyurethane (PUR) foams were synthesized. Biopolymer components (acetyl-, hydroxyethyl- and carboxymethyl cellulose, acetylated starch, glutein) were used as modifying agents. In this work biodegradability of modified PUR foams was tested using bacterial single strain (Arthrobacter globiformis), mixed bacterial culture (Thermophillus sp.) and selected moulds strains (Fusarium solani, Alternaria alternata). In a complex comparative study standard biodegradability tests in laboratory conditions, in model composting conditions and also in different natural environments were used. In both bacterial systems, PUR biodegradation mechanism probably includes two additional effects: the abiotic decomposition followed by consequent utilization of degradation products by the bacterial culture. Under natural and composting conditions biodegradation of PUR foams was strongly influenced by abiotic factors. The highest degree of biodegradation was found in PUR modified by acetylated starch and carboxymethyl cellulose. In mould tests the presence of PUR led to enhanced biomass production. Significant effect of cell adsorption on PUR surface was observed too. In conclusion, tested microorganisms can be used for biodegradation of modified polyurethane foams. The degree of biodegradation is strongly dependent on the type of modifying agent, type of microorganism as well as on many abiotic factors.

biodegradation, polyurethane foams

biodegradation, polyurethane foams

OBRUČA, S.; MÁROVÁ, I.; ONDRUŠKA, V.; VOJTOVÁ, L.; DAVID, J.

2010

09.09.2008

CSCH

Brno

1213-7103

CHEMICKE LISTY

102

15

Czech Republic

1219

1220

2