B. Tucker

Recycling of Thermoset Polyurethane Elastomers

HE ANTICIPATED LARGE scale use of thermoset polyurethane elastomers in Tthe automotive industry has prompted us to extend our method of recycling of isocyanate derived foam to thermoset elastomers. By 1983 the automotive industry will use 200 million pounds of thermoset polyurethanes in RIM parts and the market could in fact be even bigger if reinforced RIM materials will be used extensively for such parts as fenders and exterior door panels. In-mold coated plastic could also play an important role in Detroit’s attempts to reduce the weight of their standard cars, vans and trucks. In-mold coating is a two-part urethane-polyester finish that serves to hide imperfections in sheet-molding compounds. Also RIM molded thermoset polyurethane tires are under development for use on off the road vehicles. The scrap generated in production is estimated to be less than five percent, but considerable amounts of the plastic materials could easily be collected from discarded automobiles. Therefore, a practical and economical recycling process could aid in waste management. Our processes for the recycling of rigid and flexible isocyanate derived foams involves conversion of the scrap into useful polyols by a glycolysis process. The