Publication detail

Biodegradation of Modified Polyurethane Foams

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

Original Title

Type

journal article - other

Language

English

Original Abstract

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.

Keywords

biodegradation, polyurethane foams

Authors

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

RIV year

2008

Released

9. 9. 2008

Publisher

CSCH

Location

Brno

ISBN

1213-7103

Periodical

Chemické listy

Year of study

102

Number

State

Czech Republic

Pages from

1219

Pages to

1220

Pages count

BibTex

@article{BUT48294,
  author="Stanislav {Obruča} and Ivana {Márová} and Vladimír {Ondruška} and Lucy {Vojtová} and Jan {David}",
  title="Biodegradation of Modified Polyurethane Foams",
  journal="Chemické listy",
  year="2008",
  volume="102",
  number="15",
  pages="1219--1220",
  issn="1213-7103"
}