Recycling and reprocessing of TPU materials in the context of Nonwoven processing
Wölfel B (2019)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Conference contribution, Conference Contribution
Publication year: 2019
Event location: Neapel
Abstract
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a unique tailorable material due to the interactions of hard and soft segments within the block-copolymer chain. Therefore, it is of interest to create various products out of this material. A systematic study investigating the property changes of reprocessed TPU from a raw material perspective. The reprocessing procedure is outlined in Figure 1. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) utilizing Dimethylacetamid (DMAc), processing load during repeated extrusion and rotating plate rheology indicate a decrease in viscosity and molar mass with increasing number of cycles. Frequency sweeps suit to an apparent change in morphology at lower molar mass. Two proposed morphologies, which contribute to the change in rheology data, are given. Changes in morphology detected in molten state can also be retrieved via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The change in molar mass and morphology with an increasing number of cycles has an impact on material performance regarding self-adhesion and under tensile stress. Subsequent processing of the recycled TPUs to non-woven fabrics using melt blowing is also evaluated and related to molecular characteristics. The molar mass is also the governing factor regarding mechanical performance and processing conditions for melt blowing. This becomes apparent through the examination of the obtained non-wovens via tensile and tear strength, as well as DSC, TGA and GPC.
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How to cite
APA:
Wölfel, B. (2019). Recycling and reprocessing of TPU materials in the context of Nonwoven processing. In Proceedings of the POLYCHAR 27 - 27th Annual World Forum on Advanced Materials. Neapel, IT.
MLA:
Wölfel, Bastian. "Recycling and reprocessing of TPU materials in the context of Nonwoven processing." Proceedings of the POLYCHAR 27 - 27th Annual World Forum on Advanced Materials, Neapel 2019.
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