Biodegradation study by Pseudomonas sp. of flexible polyurethane foams derived from castor oil

The synthesis and biodegradation of polyurethane foams obtained from environmentally benign processes were studied. Flexible polyurethane foams based on castor oil modified with maleic anhydride (MACO) were synthesized. The synthesis involved a single-stage process by mixing castor oil/MACO (weight...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International biodeterioration & biodegradation 2013-11, Vol.85, p.85-94
Main Authors: Spontón, M., Casis, N., Mazo, P., Raud, B., Simonetta, A., Ríos, L., Estenoz, D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
biodegradability
Biodegradation
Castor oil
enzymatic hydrolysis
foams
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
maleic anhydrides
mixing
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foams
polyurethanes
primary amines
Pseudomonas
Pseudomonas sp
scanning electron microscopy
Synthesis
toluene
toxicity
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Summary:The synthesis and biodegradation of polyurethane foams obtained from environmentally benign processes were studied. Flexible polyurethane foams based on castor oil modified with maleic anhydride (MACO) were synthesized. The synthesis involved a single-stage process by mixing castor oil/MACO (weight ratios 75:25 and 25:75) and 2-4 toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in stoichiometric amount of OH:NCO. The biodegradability studies with cultures of a Pseudomonas sp. strain (DBFIQ-P36) involved incubation periods of 2 months at 37 °C. Polymers were characterized before and after biodegradation by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), INSTRON mechanical tester, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the addition of MACO produces a considerable increase in the rate of degradation and an important change in the chemical and morphological structures. This is due to the presence of ester groups that are vulnerable to chemical hydrolysis and enzymatic attack. The eco-toxicity after the biodegradation was evaluated. Toxic compounds such as primary amines were identified by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) in combination with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) as degradation products. [Display omitted] •SEM images of polyurethane before and after 60 days biodegradation by Pseudomonas sp.•Biodegradation of polyurethane foams based on castor oil by Pseudomonas sp.•Biodegradation of polyurethane foams based on castor oil modified with maleic anhydride.
ISSN:0964-8305
1879-0208
DOI:10.1016/j.ibiod.2013.05.019