Oxidative and non-oxidative degradation of a TDI-based polyurethane foam: Volatile product and condensed phase characterisation by FTIR and solid state 13C NMR spectroscopy. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allan, D.; Daly, J.H.; Liggat, J.J.
• Is Part Of: Polymer degradation and stability. Volume 161(2019)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Polyurethane foam -- TDI -- Solid state NMR -- Condensed phase -- Thermal degradation -- Oxidation; Polymers -- Deterioration -- Periodicals; Stabilizing agents -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Dégradation -- Périodiques; Stabilisants -- Périodiques; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2018.12.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-3910

Abstract

Abstract: The oxidative and non-oxidative degradation behaviour of a flexible polyurethane foam, synthesised from toluene diisocyanate and a polyether polyol, is reported. Both toluene diisocyanate and diaminotoluene were identified as major products under non-oxidative conditions, which indicates that the urethane linkages are degrading by two competing degradation mechanisms. Degradation of the urethane linkage by a depolymerisation reaction to yield toluene diisocyanate and polyol is proposed to occur initially. In addition, the atmospheric pressure conditions favour the degradation of the urethane linkages via a six-membered ring transition state reaction to form diaminotoluene, carbon dioxide and alkene terminated polyol chains. Solid-state 13 C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis of the residues indicates that at temperatures above 300 °C ring fusion of the aromatic components within the foam occurs, and this leads to a nitrogen-containing carbonaceous char which has a complex aromatic structure. It is proposed that under the confined conditions of the degradation the aromatic nitrogen-containing species, such as toluene diisocyanate and diaminotoluene, undergo secondary reactions and ring fusion to yield a complex char structure. Under oxidative conditions, degradation, including ring fusion, occurs at a lower temperature than under non-oxidative conditions. Neither toluene diisocyanate nor diaminotoluene were observed as major degradation products. The polyol is observed to undergo thermo-oxidative degradation at much lower temperatures than purely thermal degradation. As a consequence, the depolymerisation reaction via the six-membered ring transition state is limited in extent and diaminotoluene is not evolved. The absence of toluene diisocyanate is proposed to be a result of this species undergoing oxidative degradation reactions which lead to it being incorporated into the char. Highlights: Under non-oxidative conditions urethane linkages degrade by two competing mechanisms. Above 300 °C under inert conditions ring fusion of the aromatic components occurs to yield a complex nitrogen-containing char structure. Ring fusion is accelerated under oxidative conditions.