Work

Effect of inorganic substances and ageing on air pollutant concentrations from polyurethane foam combustion

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Polyurethane (PU) foams are widely used in various applications, yet their combustion presents significant environmental and safety concerns due to toxic emissions. This study examines how inorganic additives (CaCO₃ and CaCl₂) and thermal ageing influence the release of gaseous pollutants during PU combustion. Aged and non-aged foams were combusted between 650 and 900 °C, with detailed analysis of flue gas composition (NOₓ, SO₂, CO, and CO₂). The results showed that ageing increased SO₂ emissions by up to 45 % and CO₂ concentrations by 10–15 %, while CO levels decreased by 20–30 % compared to non-aged samples. The addition of 10 % CaCO₃ to aged samples reduced CO emissions by up to 40 %, while 5 % CaCl₂ decreased SO₂ by approximately 25 % at 800 °C. The impact of additives was temperature-dependent and influenced the radical reactions during combustion, thereby affecting oxidation pathways and pollutant formation. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the factors governing PU combustion emissions and offer valuable insights into mitigation strategies for pollutant reduction in industrial and waste management settings. • Ageing has a strong effect on the concentration of flue gas components during PU combustion. • The CaO enhances the PU oxidation reaction, thus increasing the NO x emission. • Volatile organic compounds significantly alter PU combustion reaction pathways.

Source: Journal of environmental chemical engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2025.118183