ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION OF POLYURETHANES. Part II. INFLUENCE OF THE CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF THE POLYURETHANES AND ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS CONDITIONS

A review of the state-of-the-art and developments in the field of enzymatic degradation of polyurethanes (PUR) has been presented in this part. In the review special consideration was given to the primary factors influencing the polyurethane degradation such as the type of enzyme used, its activity, duration of the process and also the structure of the polyurethanes (polymers of segmented structure). Monitoring techniques via weight loss, measurements and observations of changes of molecular weight, crystallinity, mechanical properties as well morphology were discussed.