Development of low cost biodegradable polyurethane packaging material

Abstract

A low cost package cushioning material of polyurethane which is biodegradable was developed in this work. The raw materials were locally available and biodegradable, i.e. molasses, husk, and sawdust. The effect on properties of polyurethane products by the following variables, i.e. the quantity of molasses, and type and quantity of fillers, were studied. It was found that increasing molasses and fillers content would give higher compressive strength products. The suitable composition for packaging depend on its duty. For light duty, % molasses of 20 filled with 9 % of either husk or sawdust is suitable, and % molasses of 35 filled with 3.5% of husk is suitable for heavy duty.