Preparation and Closed-Loop Recycling of Ultra-High-Filled Wood Flour/Dynamic Polyurethane Composites

Abstract

The development of biomass-based composites has greatly reduced the daily consumption of plastics. However, these materials are rarely recyclable, thus, posing a severe threat to the environment. Herein, we designed and prepared novel composite materials with ultra-high biomass (i.e., wood flour) filling capacity and good closed-loop recycling properties. The dynamic polyurethane polymer was polymerized in situ on the surface of wood fiber, and then they were hot-pressed into composites. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA) measurements reveal good compatibility between the polyurethane and wood flour in the composites when the wood flour content is ≤80 wt%. The maximum tensile and bending strength of the composite are 37 and 33 MPa when the wood flour content is 80%. The higher wood flour content results in higher thermal expansion stability and creep resistance in the composites. Moreover, the thermal debonding of dynamic phenol–carbamate bonds facilitates the composites to undergo physical and chemical cycling. The recycled and remolded composites exhibit good mechanical property recovery rates and retain the chemical structures of the original composites.

Vibration Research on Centrifugal Loop Dryer Machines Used in Plastic Recycling Processes

“…Despite the growing global scrutiny of plastic products, the fact remains that we rely heavily on this remarkable material. Consequently, there is a constant increase in demand for high-quality recycled products, particularly from major manufacturers of branded goods, who are eager to meet this demand [5]. As a result, manufacturers require significant amounts of consistently high-quality secondary raw materials.…”