Glass laminates are often produced using bond films like PVA, PVB and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Some of these bond films are rather thick (mm range) and adhere well on the glass surface.
Is there a mechanical or chemical way to remove the TPU layer from the glass?
Dear Erik Carton;
I think better to use a waxy coat layer on the glass substrate prior to the formation of TPU "sheet ". Regards
If it is TPU you can dissolve it by DMFA or NMP solvents. In the case you need absolutely clear glass surface the oxidizing mixtures should be applied (potassium dichromate/sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide/sulfuric acid and others).
Aromatic hydrocarbon will swell. Now apply ultrasonic wave. The swelled portion may come out. Application of microwave may also debond the TPU. You can also try degrading by using high energy radiation.
If you only want to remove (i. e, discard) the TPU you may use a swelling agent or solvent. Solvents have been mentiones, the most common is DMF, but DMSO may also apply. In case of swelling I recommend dioxane which acts fast and with a high degree of swelling, aromatic hydrocarbons you should avoid due to their carcinogenity.
I understand the carcinogenic effect in tolune and xylene is due to benzene impurity as it is well established. But, to my knowledge, there is no evidence of carginogenic effect of toluene and xylene on human as available in reports.
NMP and other dipolar aprotic solvents should work. Another possibility is phenol or cresol. Perhaps higher temperatures are required for all mentioned solvents.
It should be possible to burn off the polymeric TPU from a glass surface.
Maybe it is also possible to cool down the TPU by liquid nitrogen. Then the TPU should detach caused by the different thermal coefficient of expansion. Sometimes it needs a little help with a scraper to come off. At least that works if only smaller parts where covered by the TPU.
Those interested at this discussion may possibly want to check the following related discussion: https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_best_way_to_remove_a_polyurethane_film_from_a_substrate_without_damaging_it2
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