Nanomaterial-assisted recycling and upcycling of polyurethane: present status, challenges, and future perspectives

Polyurethane (PU) is one of the most versatile polymers used in everyday life. But PU waste management is a major concern for the scientific community and regulatory authorities. The thermoset architecture of PUs makes degradation and recycling/upcycling difficult. This review provides insights into PU, emphasizing its structural chemistry and wide industrial applicability. The global situation highlights the industrial importance of PUs. Using nanomaterial-based catalysts could improve depolymerization and resource recovery. The paper points out future research areas in PU degradation and suggests ways to encourage innovation and deepen knowledge in the PU waste field.