Combined Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Polyurethane and Lignocellulosic Biomass for Improved Carbon Recovery

Due to the high versatility of Polyurethane (PUR), its share amongst synthetic polymers manufacture consumer goods is increasing. This study proposes, tests and validates through pilot processing a highly efficient method for carbon recovery PUR in form an oil phase concentrated using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). Hot liquid water mixed with residues lignocellulosic material (two species Miscanthus) were treated at subcritical temperatures, generating oil-phase rich hydrocarbons. A synergistic effect co-liquefaction was observed, leading chemical energy 71 75% respectively. Pilot plant processing, optimized process parameters, yielded total efficiency, accounting heating utilities, 61%, resulting 3.2 ratio return over investment. Using spectroscopic high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis revealed content nitrogen hetero aromatic polyol compounds. The synergy observed miscanthus attributed recombination biological materials, specifically due aromatics present media nitrogen-containing compounds recombination. results show that HTL can be aided by biomass.