Polymeric Biocomposite Based on Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) and Protein and Elastomeric Waste Mixture

Abstract

Polymeric biocomposites based on TPU/recycled TPUW/mixed leather and SBR rubber waste unmodified/modified with polydimethylsiloxane/PE-g-MA in different percentages were made via the mixing technique on a Plasti-Corder Brabender mixer with an internal capacity of 350 cm3. The waste, which came from the shoe industry, was cryogenically ground with the help of a cryogenic cyclone mill at micrometric sizes and different speeds. For the tests, standard plates of 150 × 150 × 2 mm were obtained in a laboratory-scale hydraulic press via the method of compression between its plates, with well-established parameters. The biocomposites were tested physico-mechanically and rheologically (MFI) according to the standards in force on polymer-specific equipment, also via FT-IR spectroscopy and microscopy, as well as via differential scanning calorimetry—DSC. Following the tests carried out, according to the standard for use in the footwear industry, at least two samples present optimal values (of interest) suitable for use in the footwear industry by injection or pressing in forming moulds.

Production and Characterization of Flame Retardant Leather Waste Filled Thermoplastic Polyurethane

“…In the limited number of studies, the effect of LW on the electromagnetic shielding and flame-retardant properties of the materials has been investigated. Enhancements in wear resistance, ,, hardness, ,,, elastic modulus, ,,, tensile strength, − ,− flexural strength, tear strength, toughness, , electromagnetic shielding, − and flame retardancy , have been observed.…”

“…In the limited number of studies, the effect of LW on the electromagnetic shielding and flame-retardant properties of the materials has been investigated. Enhancements in wear resistance, 1,6,11 hardness, 5,6,11,23 elastic modulus, 11,15,18,19 tensile strength, 13−15,18−20 flexural strength, 15 tear strength, 23 This article is licensed under CC-BY 4 toughness, 21,22 electromagnetic shielding, 7−9 and flame retardancy 10,12 have been observed. TPU, a segmented block copolymer, has tunable final properties through the alteration of the kind and ratio of hard and soft segments.…”

“…The inherent fibrous structure, high protein content, thermal insulating character, and sound deadening properties of leather waste (LW) increase its potential use in composite applications. LW is used as a biobased filler in various thermoplastic matrix materials including, poly­(vinyl chloride), , polyacrylonitrile, poly­(vinyl alcohol), − ethylene vinyl acetate, , polyethylene, − acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, polyamide, thermoplastic starch, poly­(lactic acid), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). − The mechanical behaviors of the resulting filled materials have been a focus. In the limited number of studies, the effect of LW on the electromagnetic shielding and flame-retardant properties of the materials has been investigated.…”

Obtaining and Characterizing New Types of Materials Based on Low-Density Polyethylene and Thermoplastic Starch

“…Several studies have shown that, by mixing TPS with other non-biodegradable synthetic polymers, new materials can be obtained with low cost, good mechanical properties, and improved biodegradability in various environmental conditions [15,16]. Thus, several researchers have obtained and characterized mixtures based on TPS with polycaprolactone [17], polybutyrate adipate terephthalate [18,19], polylactide [20,21], polyethylene [22,23], polypropylene [24], etc.…”

Antimicrobial Packaging for Plum Tomatoes Based on ZnO Modified Low-Density Polyethylene

“…One strategy to optimize the costs of novel packaging films is to modify the existing ones by introducing antimicrobial agents that can improve the shelf-life of packed food. This will permit producers to use the existing equipment and add value to their product [ 11 ].…”