Ultrasonic cavitation and supercritical CO2 for pigment removal from TPU
An innovative solution leveraging ultrasonic cavitation and supercritical CO2 for efficient pigment removal from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), preserving material properties while offering a scalable, environmentally friendly process.
Overview
This advanced solution utilizes ultrasonic cavitation followed by supercritical CO2 extraction to effectively remove pigments from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The process maintains the TPU's tensile strength and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for industries seeking environmentally friendly, high-throughput pigment removal methods. By leveraging ultrasonics to dislodge pigments and supercritical CO2 for their extraction, the process minimizes environmental impact and enhances efficiency, presenting a scalable solution for industrial applications.
Technical specifications
- Ultrasonic cavitation: A proven technology used for cleaning and material processing, optimized here to prevent TPU degradation.
- Supercritical CO2 extraction: Widely used for its purification and extraction capabilities, ensuring effective pigment removal.
- Static mixers: Employed to intensify the process, optimizing parameters to maintain TPU's mechanical properties.
- Experimental validation: Includes setup of a lab-scale system with ultrasonic and supercritical CO2 units to test pigment removal and assess TPU properties retention.
Technology readiness level
The current technology readiness level is 3, indicating that it has been validated at a lab scale, with ongoing efforts to optimize and scale the process for industrial feasibility.
About Re-Du Company
RE-DU is a recycling technology company that has developed a patented process for the chemical deconstruction of mixed plastic waste. By breaking down diverse plastic types—such as PET, PC, PU, and PA—into monomers, the company enables the transformation of previously difficult-to-recycle materials into commercially valuable chemical products. This technology eliminates the need for costly sorting of mixed waste streams and offers an efficient, cost-effective alternative to traditional plastic management systems, which often rely on outdated processes that fail to address the majority of global plastic waste.
By providing a scalable solution for chemical recycling, RE-DU aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize the environmental impact of plastic pollution in landfills. The company serves as a partner for industries seeking sustainable chemical feedstocks and is contributing to the development of a circular economy. Supported by initiatives like the Innovation Crossroads Award and research collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, RE-DU is positioned to help transition toward a net-zero carbon society by proving that mixed plastic waste can be successfully converted into high-quality, reusable resources.
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