Biodegradation of palm-based polyurethane filled with cellulose by using Bacillus subtilis / Hanis Ahmad

The degradation ability of Bacillus subtilis to degrade Palm-based polyurethane foam filled with cellulose (PU-CEL) was evaluated by reacting monoester-OH from palm-kernel oil and isocyanate with ratio 1:1. Addition of microcrystalline cellulose in PU systems was at 0 %, 20 % and 40 % by weight, mixed using the mechanical stirrer. Rate of biodegradation of PU-CEL foam was measured by calculation of weight loss and FTIR analysis. The weight loss of PU-CEL of 0 %, 20 % and 40 % of PU-Cel foam was taken after week 4 and week 8. The results showed differences of 2.06 %, 3.00 % and 3.12 % from its initial weight. The IR spectra analysis shows the loss of peaks from ester functional group (-N-CO-O-). The morphological surfaces of PU-Cel foam were analyzed at 20x and 50x magnifications using digital microscope. Limewater test was used to determine the presence of carbon dioxide when the PU-CEL foam was digested by the Bacillus subtilis. The clear limewater turned cloudy indicating the presence of carbon dioxide. This study provides the evidence on how the susceptibility of cross-linked polymer over degradation can be tailored by substituting the petroleum-based polyol to palm-based polyol and the addition of suitable biodegradable filler such as cellulose.