Degradation of polyurethanes in compost under natural conditions

The estimation of degradability of different polyurethanes under natural weather depending conditions in compost pile was the subject of this study. The incubation of polymer samples took place for a period up to 24 months. The characteristic parameters of the compost: temperature, pH, moisture content, and activity of dehydrogenases were monitored and their influence on degradation of polyurethanes was discussed. The compostability of polyurethanes was investigated by changes of weight, tensile strength, morphology, and thermal properties. The degradation study revealed that the degree of degradation of polyurethanes in the natural environment, like compost, is dependent on their chemical and structural composition. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012