Supercritical CO2 technology for sustainable polyurethane recycling
This innovative technology utilizes supercritical CO2 to extract pigments from recycled polyurethane, offering a greener alternative to traditional solvent-based methods. It reduces environmental impact while maintaining the integrity of the polymer.
Overview
The proposed solution leverages supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) to offer a sustainable and efficient method for recycling polyurethane plastics. Unlike traditional solvent-based methods, SC-CO2 extraction minimizes the use of hazardous chemicals, thereby reducing environmental and health risks. The process involves adjusting the temperature and pressure of CO2 to selectively remove pigments from the plastic without damaging the polymer structure, providing a cleaner and greener recycling alternative.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes supercritical CO2, which liquefies at pressures above 73 psi.
- Operates near the critical point of CO2 (31.1°C and 7.38 MPa), minimizing energy consumption.
- Non-toxic and non-flammable, ensuring safe handling and reducing environmental hazards.
- SC-CO2 is scalable, suitable for both laboratory and industrial applications.
Process Details:
- Parameter optimization includes variations in pressure, temperature, co-solvent choice, flow rate, extraction time, and feed concentration.
- Evaluation involves thermal and mechanical testing of the polyurethane both before and after pigment extraction to ensure that material properties remain intact.
- Color meter analysis to quantify pigment removal effectiveness.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory setting. Further optimization and characterization are planned to advance its readiness for industrial application.
About Lambton College
Lambton College is a career‑focused public college in Sarnia, Ontario, recognized for hands‑on, industry‑aligned applied research. Companies engage through three NSERC‑funded Technology Access Centres—the Lambton Manufacturing Innovation Centre, the Bio‑Industrial Process Research Centre, and the Digital Technology Lab—which provide contract R&D, prototyping, testing, and process optimization. Facilities include a BSL‑2 lab, a Natural Health Products lab, and the Canadian Extrusion Research Laboratory, with teams based on campus and at the adjacent Western Sarnia‑Lambton Research Park, enabling rapid validation and scale‑up alongside a major regional energy and chemical manufacturing cluster. Applied research is supported by funding from NSERC, Mitacs, the Ontario Centre of Innovation, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research Fund, and FedDev Ontario programs. A dedicated commercialization function offers IP strategy and licensing support, augmented by resources from Intellectual Property Ontario.
delivered to your inbox.