pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S05 - Mixing and compounding
Poster Presentation
 
 

Waste Cellulose Fiber (WCF) Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

Citak Mehmet Kerem (1)*, Cetin Fatma Nalan (1), Akkoyun Bahar Durak (2), Ulcer Yakup (2), Menceloglu Yusuf Ziya (1)

(1) Sabanci University - Tuzla - Istanbul - Turkey, (2) Ravago Petrokimya Uretim A.S. - Cayirova - Kocaeli - Turkey

TPU and WCF were compounded by high shear thermo kinetic mixing which is a facile technique that allows rapid and easy processing without any need for chemical compatibilizers. Partially biodegradable TPU blends were obtained with the presence of inherently biodegradable WCF fillers in the polymer matrix. TPU/WCF blends were injection molded for mechanical tests and characterization. Improvement in the mechanical properties of TPU was achieved as the w.t. % of WCF increased. Tensile strength increased by around 210% at 100% elongation via the addition of 10 w.t. % WCF. In addition to that, the use of WCF benefited to circular economy by recycling the waste material from the textile industry. Absence of chemical compatibilizers in compounding process, selection of natural and waste materials as filler, and production of partially biodegradable TPU blends were in parallel with green economy and sustainable materials production.