Biodegradation of renewable polyurethane foams in marine environments occurs through depolymerization by marine microorganisms

Gunawan, Natasha R.; Tessman, Marissa; Zhen, Daniel; Johnson, Lindsey; Evans, Payton; Clements, Samantha M.; Pomeroy, Robert S.; Burkart, Michael D.; Simkovsky, Ryan; Mayfield, Stephen P.

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158761

Cited by 21 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…SEM imaging of PPFA-6A at various time points also confirmed structural changes in the foam along with surface-associated microbes compared to the negative control sample of ethyl-vinyl acetate microplastics (EVA MP), a foam known to be nonbiodegradable (Figure 3b). 22,23 Quantitative biodegradation of PPFA-6A was assessed by FTIR, respirometry, and mass loss (Figure 3c trendline (Supporting Information, eq 6). Although this extrapolation is a reasonable estimation of total time for biodegradation for noncomposite-based PU foam systems, it is not a report of a true time frame value.…”

Section: ■ Results and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Renewable and Biodegradable Polyurethane Foams with Aliphatic Diisocyanates

Bruckbauer,

Scofield,

Allemann

et al. 2024

Macromolecules

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The transition to renewable plastics will require the development of substitutes with existing industrial standards and manufacturing processes. Polyurethanes (PU), versatile plastics, are traditionally dominated by aromatic diisocyanates, which are challenging to derive from renewable sources. However, for higher biocontent, it is crucial to utilize aliphatic diisocyanates, which can be sourced from renewable plant or algae waste streams. Historically, PU foams relied on aromatic diisocyanates for essential hard segments, resulting in desired physical properties. Here, we report the generation of high-performance renewable and biodegradable PU foams utilizing aliphatic diisocyanates and aromatic polyols, translating hard segments into the polyester polyol component using biosourced furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) monomers. We demonstrate that an FDCA-based PU is suitable for foams with performance characteristics that meet commercial tolerances and can biodegrade under backyard compost conditions. This demonstrates steps toward redesigning traditional petrochemical-based polymers to accommodate new biological monomers.

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Section: ■ Results and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Renewable and Biodegradable Polyurethane Foams with Aliphatic Diisocyanates

Bruckbauer,

Scofield,

Allemann

et al. 2024

Macromolecules

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“…For some types of microplastics and for biodegradable polymers, efforts were already made for the identification, enrichment, and isolation of enzymes/microbes involved in biodegradation. ,,, Similar approaches might be applicable to other types of polymer compositions, but then the relevant species vary. Specifically, for polyurethanes, Gunawan et al have recently focused on the identification and enrichment of microorganisms in the marine environment …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…20,21,64,65 recently focused on the identification and enrichment of microorganisms in the marine environment. 66 The findings are also relevant to design polymers for applications in which biodegradability is needed due to the impossibility of recycling, for example, water-soluble PUs and PU-polyesters serving as functional polymers in adhesives 67 or waterborne PU systems for hair styling. 68 For these materials, the backbone segments and side functional groups and the limited cross-links and absence of crystalline domains differ from those of structural (T)PU.…”

Section: ■ Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Polymer Properties on the Biodegradation of Polyurethane Microplastics

Pfohl

Bahl

Rückel

et al. 2022

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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The release of fragments from plastic products, that is, secondary microplastics, is a major concern in the context of the global plastic pollution. Currently available (thermoplastic) polyurethanes [(T)PU] are not biodegradable and therefore should be recycled. However, the ester bond in (T)PUs might be sufficiently hydrolysable to enable at least partial biodegradation of polyurethane particles. Here, we investigated biodegradation in compost of different types of (T)PU to gain insights into their fragmentation and biodegradation mechanisms. The studied (T)PUs varied regarding the chemistry of their polymer backbone (aromatic/aliphatic), hard phase content, cross-linking degree, and presence of a hydrolysis-stabilizing additive. We developed and validated an efficient and non-destructive polymer particle extraction process for partially biodegraded (T)PUs based on ultrasonication and density separation. Our results showed that biodegradation rates and extents decreased with increasing crosslinking density and hard-segment content. We found that the presence of a hydrolysis stabilizer reduced (T)PU fragmentation while not affecting the conversion of (T)PU carbon into CO 2 . We propose a biodegradation mechanism for (T)PUs that includes both mother particle shrinkage by surface erosion and fragmentation. The presented results help to understand structure−degradation relationships of (T)PUs and support recycling strategies.

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“…However, PUs made from polyether‐polyols show higher resistance to hydrolysis and biodegradation, thus they are not preferred for materials with short end‐of‐life applications, such as packaging 17 . PUs from polyester‐polyols have been shown to biodegrade in soil, compost, and the ocean 18–20 . While the high viscosities of polyester‐polyols have typically been overcome by use of volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as acetone, 1‐butanone, and toluene, the adverse effects to workers and the environment have limited the commercial use of VOCs for viscosity reduction.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…17 PUs from polyester-polyols have been shown to biodegrade in soil, compost, and the ocean. [18][19][20] While the high viscosities of polyester-polyols have typically been overcome by use of volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as acetone, 1-butanone, and toluene, the adverse effects to workers and the environment have limited the commercial use of VOCs for viscosity reduction. Therefore, water-borne adhesives are becoming increasingly desirable and an important part of green manufacturing principles.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biodegradable waterborne polyurethane‐urea dispersion adhesives with high biocontent

Patel,

Rajput,

Hai

et al. 2023

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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Non‐biodegradable petroleum‐based plastic wastes have become a leading environmental concern, and new efforts are underway to prepare biobased and biodegradable replacements. We have explored the preparation of adhesives suitable for use in consumer products, and here we report the development of waterborne, biodegradable adhesives from biobased monomers resulting in adhesives exceeding 70% biocontent. Using water as the polymer medium, viscosity challenges and the use of volatile organic solvents are avoided. Material properties of the polyurethane dispersions, resulting films, and laminates produced showed Mw ranging between 56,000 and 124,000. Lastly, the biodegradability of films and laminates was evaluated. The resulting metrics indicate that the adhesives produced meet the desired mechanical and biodegradability targets, indicating that high renewability content solvent‐free polyurethane dispersions are a viable solution for lamination adhesives.

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Biodegradation of renewable polyurethane foams in marine environments occurs through depolymerization by marine microorganisms

Cited by 21 publications

References 52 publications

Renewable and Biodegradable Polyurethane Foams with Aliphatic Diisocyanates

Renewable and Biodegradable Polyurethane Foams with Aliphatic Diisocyanates

Effect of Polymer Properties on the Biodegradation of Polyurethane Microplastics

Biodegradable waterborne polyurethane‐urea dispersion adhesives with high biocontent

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