Green Material Development Through Mechanical Recycling of Waste Polyurethane Foam and Thermoplastic Polyurethane

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ABSTRACT The high demand for polyurethane (PU) material has led to the generation of waste PU, prompting the need for effective recycling methods. This study developed a waste recycling method that utilizes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and PU as a substrate. Thermo‐compression was utilized to generate TPU/PU blend material. Various PU additions were set as ratio wt% of a sample piece, and the optimal PU additions were determined after a series of thermal and mechanical tests. Within the range of 20% PU addition, the density of TPU/PU blend material remained relatively stable, with no significant change observed. The density consistently hovered around 1.185 kg/m 3 . The optimal elasticity coefficient was identified at 12.5% PU addition, reaching a value of 3.365 MPa. This enhancement in the coefficient of elasticity increased the rigidity of TPU/PU blend material. Meanwhile, the maximum shore hardness was recorded at 10% PU addition, reaching a value of 44.33 A. Scanning electron microscope and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed an improved degree of phase mixture within the TPU/PU blend material, particularly notable within 20% PU addition. Thermal conductivity reached its maximum value of 0.318 W/mK with a 15% PU addition. This indicates that adding PU contributed to improved thermal conductivity, which can be crucial in certain applications. This study demonstrates a sustainable mechanical recycling approach to produce TPU/PU blend material with enhanced thermal and mechanical performance, directly contributing to UN SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through green material development and circular economy practices.

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