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Published on: March 8, 2019
Bio-Based Polyurethanes for Sustainable and Multifunctional Applications
Xin Li1, Henghui Deng1, Shiwei Yu1
1College of Future Biomass, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Bio-based polyurethanes offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Advanced structural engineering enables tunable, recyclable materials for diverse applications, from electronics to biomedical devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Bio-based polyurethanes (BPUs) are derived from renewable resources like vegetable oils and polysaccharides.
- They are emerging as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based polyurethanes.
- BPUs offer versatile applications in smart coatings, flexible electronics, and biomedical engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in bio-based polyurethane chemistry and structural engineering.
- To highlight strategies for enhancing mechanical properties, reprocessability, and multifunctionality.
- To discuss challenges and future opportunities for sustainable BPU development.
Main Methods:
- Review of bio-polyols, internal emulsifiers, isocyanates, and non-isocyanate synthetic routes.
- Analysis of structural engineering strategies: chain-segment design, aggregation-state control, dynamic covalent chemistry, and nanocomposite reinforcement.
- Examination of methods to overcome thermoset limitations, enabling high strength, self-healing, and recyclability.
Main Results:
- Structural engineering strategies achieve mechanical tunability and multifunctionality in BPUs.
- Dynamic covalent networks and nanocomposite reinforcement enhance material performance.
- BPUs demonstrate potential in protective coatings, fire-warning systems, tissue repair, and energy storage.
Conclusions:
- Bio-based polyurethanes can be engineered for high performance, self-healing, and recyclability.
- Future research should focus on sustainability assessment, scalable processing, and end-of-life management.
- Development of closed-loop bio-based polyurethane systems is crucial for a sustainable future.
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