Properties and fungal biodegradation of the different cellulose derivatives structure included into castor oil-based polyurethane composites

The requirement to protect the environment involves the synthesis of new polymers, blends, and composites with a high content of biodegradable components. This work studies the synthesis and biodegradation of castor oil-based polyurethanes filled with different cellulose derivatives (hydroxyethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose). The polyurethane composites present a slight decrease in tensile strength and thermal stability with the increase in cellulose derivatives content. Scanning electron microscopy results showed a good dispersion of the cellulose derivatives within the polyurethane matrix. The degradation of polyurethane–cellulose derivatives by the soft rot fungus Chaetomium globosum was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and behavior of mechanical properties. The results showed that the inclusion of cellulose derivatives results in an increase in the rate of degradation. The obtained polyurethane–cellulose derivative composites have preserved their processability and mechanical resistance and exhibited enhanced biodegradability becoming useful eco-friendly polymeric materials.