Tailor-Made Bio-Based Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes (NIPUs)

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Materials Science

Background:

• Conventional polyurethanes (PU) rely on isocyanates, posing environmental and health concerns.
• There is a growing demand for sustainable alternatives derived from renewable resources.
• Biobased polyurethanes offer a promising route towards greener chemical products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for controlling the crosslinking density of fully biobased, isocyanate-free polyurethanes (NIPUs).
• To explore the synthesis of NIPUs from biobased polyamines and polycarbonates derived from triglycerides.
• To precisely tailor the physical properties of NIPUs for specific applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of NIPUs using carbonated triglycerides (specifically carbonated soybean oil - CSBO) and various diamines (EDA, HMDA, Priamine™-1075).
• Optimization of NIPU synthesis by studying polymerization kinetics and reaction conditions.
• Controlled adjustment of crosslinking density using capping agents like water or bioalcohols (ethanol).
• Investigation of property modification by partially blocking active polymerization sites with monofunctional amines.

Main Results:

• A novel method for synthesizing fully biobased NIPUs with controllable crosslinking density was established.
• The polymerization kinetics were elucidated, and optimal synthesis conditions were identified.
• The use of capping agents (water, ethanol) and partially blocked CSBO allowed for precise tuning of NIPU crosslinking density and physical properties.
• Hybrid NIPUs demonstrated the ability to achieve targeted crosslinking densities effectively.

Conclusions:

• Fully biobased NIPUs can be synthesized with precisely controlled crosslinking densities.
• The developed method offers a sustainable and versatile approach to producing NIPUs with tailored properties.
• This research contributes to the advancement of eco-friendly polyurethane alternatives.