A Brief Introduction to the Polyurethanes According to the Principles of Green Chemistry

Abstract

Polyurethanes are most often called “green” when they contain natural, renewable additives in their network or chemical structure, such as mono- and polysaccharides, oils (mainly vegetable oils), polyphenols (e.g., lignins, tannins), or various compounds derived from agro-waste white biotechnology (Principle 7). This usually results in these polyurethanes obtained from less hazardous substrates (Principle 4). Appropriate modification of polyurethanes makes them susceptible to degradation, and the use of appropriate processes allows for their recycling (Principle 10). However, this fulfilment of other principles also predisposes them to be green. As in the production of other polymer materials, the synthesis of polyurethanes is carried out with the use of catalysts (such as biocatalysts) (Principle 9) with full control of the course of the reaction (Principle 11), which allows maximization of the atomic economy (Principle 2) and an increase in energy efficiency (Principle 6) while minimizing the risk of production waste (Principle 1). Moreover, traditional substrates in the synthesis of polyurethanes can be replaced with less toxic ones (e.g., in non-isocyanate polyurethanes), which, at the same time, leads to a non-toxic product (Principle 3, Principle 5). In general, there is no need for blocking compounds to provide intermediates in the synthesis of polyurethanes (Principle 8). Reasonable storage of substrates, their transport, and the synthesis of polyurethanes guarantee the safety and the prevention of uncontrolled reactions (Principle 12). This publication is a summary of the achievements of scientists and technologists who are constantly working to create ideal polyurethanes that do not pollute the environment, and their synthesis and use are consistent with the principles of sustainable economy.

Circular Economy and Green Chemistry: The Need for Radical Innovative Approaches in the Design for New Products

“…To replace polyols made from petroleum, BioBased Technologies (previously Cargill) created a commercial technology for turning vegetable oils into polyols. The moderate process conditions also reduce the reliance on non-renewable feedstocks and save energy [125]. These are some examples showing how bioplastics are increasingly becoming part of our everyday life, but many improvements are still needed.…”

Bio-based non-isocyanate poly(hydroxy urethane)s (PHU) derived from vanillin and CO2

“…26–28 In this sense the development of monomers with potential bio-based origin and good performance is attracting a lot of attention as an alternative towards a carbon-neutral and circular polymer industry. 29–37…”

“…[26][27][28] In this sense the development of monomers with potential bio-based origin and good performance is attracting a lot of attention as an alternative towards a carbon-neutral and circular polymer industry. [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] Among all the renewable resources available, lignin represents one of the most abundant biopolymers as it is present in all vascular plants along with cellulose and hemicellulose. [38][39][40] These three biopolymers are present in different distributions depending on the plant.…”

Preparation and Characterization of Polysaccharides from Turpiniae Folium and Its Antioxidative, Anti‐Inflammatory Activities and Antiproliferative Effect on VSMCs

“…Polysaccharides, as polymers of monosaccharides, are one of the most abundant carbohydrates in living organisms, like plants, animals, microorganisms, and marine organisms. [1] Polysaccharides serve multiple bioactivities, including anti-oxidation, anti-cancer, immunomodulation, and antidiabetic. [2,3] Several studies showed that the properties of polysaccharides, like abundant, relatively nontoxic, renewable, and bioactive make them promising applications in food, medicine, and material industries.…”

“…Polysaccharides, as polymers of monosaccharides, are one of the most abundant carbohydrates in living organisms, like plants, animals, microorganisms, and marine organisms [1] . Polysaccharides serve multiple bioactivities, including anti‐oxidation, anti‐cancer, immunomodulation, and antidiabetic [2,3] .…”