Thermal properties of polyurethanes derived from molasses before and after biodegradation

Polyurethane (PU) foams derived from molasses were placed in soil for various periods from 3 to 12 months. Thermal properties of PU's before and after biodegradation were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). Glass transition of PU's after 3 month's degradation was separated into two stages indicating that molecular chains of the original and decomposed portions move independently. Based on variation of glass transition temperature (T_g), heat capacity difference at T_g (δC_p), thermal degradation temperature and mass loss, the degradation mechanism of PU was established.