Blend of thermosetting polyurethane waste with polypropylene: influence of compatibilizing agent on interface domains and mechanical properties

Abstract

The recycling of rigid polyurethane foam (PUR) was investigated by the preparation of blends from polypropylene (PP) and PUR waste. The mechanical properties and the influence of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP- g-MA) on the interface of immiscible PP/PUR blends were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy and tensile stress-strain tests. The formation of copolymer at the interface between domains and matrix was accomplished by carbonyl vibration of the imide group at 1764 cm −1. The change from ductile to brittle behaviour of blends compared to undiluted PP was observed, owing to the fact that PUR had been added. In the presence of compatibilizing agent, the elongation at break value was reduced and the Young’s modulus value was augmented.