Katarzyna Krasowska

Degradation of polyurethanes in sea water

Abstract The estimation of degradability of different polyurethanes in the Baltic Sea water and liquid medium containing sea water with sodium azide (NaN3) was the subject of this study. The incubation of polymer samples took place in both environments for a period up to 12 months. The characteristic parameters of sea water are presented and their influence on degradation of polyurethanes is discussed. The changes of weight, tensile strength and morphology of polyurethane samples were tested after particular period of incubation in both environments. It is demonstrated that the degree of degradation of polyurethanes in sea water is dependent on the degree of crosslinking.

Biodegradation of the Blends of Atactic Poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutanoic Acid] in Natural Environments

The paper presents a part of the results of the biodegradation of the blends of natural poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and atactic poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutanoic] acid or natural poly [(R)-3-hydroxybutanoic acid] in natural environments such as a compost containing active sludge and under marine exposure conditions in sea water.

Environmental Degradability of Polyurethanes

The growing interest in environmental issues and increasing demands to develop materials that do not burden the natural environment significantly are currently observed. In this connection many studies on polymer degradation in different environments are carried out. It is important to consider the influence of synergistic action of various factors in order to understand the environmental degradation of synthetic polymers. This requires understanding of interactions between polymer and living organisms. This paper reviews current authors research on environmental degradation of polyurethanes. The comparison of environmental degradability of polyurethanes in the Baltic Sea water and compost under natural weather depending conditions is presented. The environmental degradation of poly(ester-urethane) based on poly(ethylene-butyleneadipate) and poly(ester-urethane) based on poly (e -caprolactone) was evaluated. The characteristic parameters of sea water (temperature, pH, salt, and oxygen contents) and of compost (temperature, pH, moisture content, and activity of dehydrogenases) were monitored and their influence on degradation of polyur‐ ethanes was discussed. The environmental degradability of polyurethanes was investigated by changes of weight, tensile strength, morphology, and crystallinity of polyurethanes after incubation in environment. The investigated polyurethanes were degradable in both natural environments and their environmental degradability depends on the chemical structure and the kind and conditions of environment.