Environmental Impact of Polyurethane Chemistry
Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji, Olugbemi T. Olaniyan, Osikemekha Anthony Anani, Abel Inobeme, John Tsado Mathew
Abstract
Polyurethanes (PUs) are frequently produced from the chemical reaction of polyol and isocyanate molecules in the presence of light and enzymes. Polyols and isocyanates sourced from PU contain a lot of properties that make them essential for both domestic and industrial uses. It has been established that polymers of PU are chemically sluggish and might contain hazardous materials like phosphate, glycols, and amines, which might be dangerous to the respiratory tract, skin systems, and the environment. This chapter reviews the environmental applications of PUs in diverse fields. Highlights of the environmental impact of PUs on aquatic life, soil health, plants, and humans, along with the general chemistry, are discussed.