Efficient Recycling of Polyurethane Waste via Fe3o4@mgal Magnetic Catalyst Glycolysis

Polyurethanes (PU) are extensively used in the transportation sector, particularly for seat padding in buses and trains, due to their exceptional properties, including high durability, flexibility, low density, and excellent thermal insulation. However, conventional disposal methods, such as landfilling and incineration, present significant environmental and economic drawbacks. To overcome these challenges, chemical recycling, and in particular glycolysis, has emerged as a promising and industrially feasible strategy. A key factor in the efficiency of the glycolysis process is the choice of glycolytic agent and catalyst, which significantly affect the reaction kinetics and the quality of the recovered polyols. In this context, the use of magnetic catalysts offers an innovative and sustainable solution, as they can be recovered and reused over multiple cycles without a significant decline in catalytic activity. In the present study, a magnetic Fe3O4@MgAl catalyst was developed and optimized for the glycolysis of PU waste. The experimental results showed that the Fe3O4@MgAl catalyst greatly enhances the glycolysis reaction, achieving 75 wt.% degradation of PU foam and yielding high-purity polyols. The recovered polyols underwent detailed and thorough analysis to evaluate their chemical and physical properties, ensuring their quality and suitability for reuse.