abstract |
Disclosed herein are methods for degrading polyurethane foam from mounted polyurethane foam-containing tires, methods for separating a wheel from a mounted polyurethane foam-containing tire, methods for preparing a degradable foam-containing tire, and degradable foam-containing tires. The methods include applying a solution comprising at least one phosphorous oxoacid or an ester thereof to the polyurethane foam inside of a tire, incorporating a degradant comprising at least one phosphorous oxoacid or an ester thereof into the polyurethane foam, or both, and then heating to degrade the foam. Degradation of the foam allows for separation of the wheel from the rubber carcass of the tire. |