Assessment of Bio-Based Polyurethanes: Perspective on Applications and Bio-Degradation

Abstract

Among numerous synthetic macromolecules, polyurethane in its different forms has proven its sheer dominance and established a reputation as a reliable and trusted material due to its proficiency in terms of superior properties, which include: high mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, good durability, good adhesion, good thermal stability, excellent chemical and weathering resistance. Synthetic polyurethane materials are non-biodegradable, poisonous, and use petrochemical-based raw materials, which are now depleting, leading to a surge in polyurethane production costs. Bio-based polyurethanes (PU) have been synthesized by researchers in recent decades and have mostly overtaken petrochemical-based PU in terms of challenges such as solid pollution, economic effectiveness, and availability of raw materials. Enormous kinds of available bio-renewable sources as predecessors for the production of polyols and isocyanates have been explored for the development of “greener” PU materials; these bio-based polyurethanes have significant potential to be used as future PU products, with a partial or total replacement of petroleum-based polyurethanes, due to increasing concern about the environment, their relatively low cost and biodegradability. This critical review concentrates on the possibilities of renewable sources to be used for polyurethane production and gives a clear perspective on the journey, utilization, and recent advancements in the field of different bio-based polyurethane polymers that have arisen over the last decade.

Lignocellulose Biomass Liquefaction: Process and Applications Development as Polyurethane Foams

“…In addition, the lower viscosity of the bio-polyol-petrochemical polyol mixture (7600 compared to 9200 mPa∙s) can be a contributing factor that facilitates the diffusion of CO 2 and hydrofluorocarbon used [ 90 ]. Similar results related to the increase of cell size during the incorporation of bio-based polyols into polyurethane foams have been reported by others [ 87 , 91 , 92 ].…”

Domain Structure, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polycaprolactone-Based Multiblock Polyurethane-Ureas under Control of Hard and Soft Segment Lengths

“…From the point of view of the ability to control the microdomain structure of multiblock PU, new prospects are opened up for obtaining adaptive functional materials based on them, namely, intelligent medical devices [ 21 ], implants for minimally invasive surgery [ 22 ], self-tightening suture threads [ 23 ], miniature manipulators [ 24 ], “breathable clothing” [ 25 ], etc. However, understanding the phase behavior of such systems is only the first step on the way to the targeted physicochemical design of multiblock copolymers with preprogrammed properties.…”

Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Chain-Extended Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings with Cellulose Acetate Butyrate

“…Waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) have become important industrial coating materials due to excellent properties such as flexibility, impact resistance, transparency, abrasion resistance, and low VOC content [ 5 ]. Synthetic routes for WPUs have been reported in various studies; most WPUs are prepared by emulsifying a prepolymer synthesized with polyol, isocyanate, and an internal emulsifier in water, followed by a chain extension step [ 6 ].…”