Tunable Functionalization and Upcycling of Polyolefins to Polyurethanes

Polyolefins represent the largest contribution to plastic production, use, and generated waste worldwide, yet their recycling rates are low. More efficient methods of recycling polyolefins have been underexplored, due to significant technological, scientific and economic challenges. We are exploring chemical functionalization and processing strategies for converting waste polyolefins to high value materials for advanced manufacturing and use. In this work, maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene was hydroxylated and subsequently cured with a diisocyanate to form thermoset polyurethane films. The physical properties of the resulting polyurethane films were evaluated and benchmarked to conventional polyurethanes. The complementary roles of the crosslinked network and crystallization behavior on the mechanical properties of the films were examined.