Optimisation of Adhesive made from Polyurethane and Polystyrene (PUPS) Waste Plastics

Abstract

The waste Polyurethane (PU) and Polystyrene (PS) plastics were blended to develop an adhesive. The developed adhesive was characterized and optimized for optimum performance. The scanning electron microscope of the new adhesive was carried out to understand the surface morphology of the new adhesive. The different blend of PU/PS were also optimized for physico-chemical parameters such as density, turbidity, viscosity, gel time, refractive index, melting point, moisture uptake and solubility in water. The physico-chemical parameters were in conformity with the literature. This show that this formulated adhesive can replace conventional adhesives with improved properties. This study also proffers solution to pollution problems arising from polyurethane and polystyrene wastes by converting this environmentally threatening wastes plastic into adhesive for surface application.