Nanocomposite of CO₂-Based Polycarbonate Polyol with Highly Exfoliated Nanoclay

Abstract

Polypropylene carbonate (PPC) derived from carbon dioxide has been used as a precursor for the synthesis of polyurethane (PU). The high viscosity of the PPC is the key parameter hindering its processability during PU synthesis. Herein, a PPC nanocomposite with highly exfoliated nanoclay was prepared through a solution intercalation process. A wide range of nanoclay concentrations incorporated into the PPC were studied. The impacts of the nanoclay on the PPC were investigated in order to maintain the polymer structure while improving its physical properties. The characterizations of PPC nanocomposites showed that the highly exfoliated nanoclay contributed to a viscosity reduction, and a slight reduction in the molecular weight. The polymer degradation was indicated by the formation of cyclic propylene carbonate. The minimum or critical concentration of nanoclay was found to be between ∼0.5 and 2.0 wt %. Within this range, the polymer degradation is minimal. The PPC nanocomposites with a lower viscosity showed excellent precursors for making PU coating materials. The PU coating derived from the PPC nanocomposite has higher anticorrosive properties in comparison with the non-modified PU coating.

Preparation of modified CO2‐based polyurethane for wet‐type artificial leather with excellent alkali resistance

“…Therefore, the use of PPCD for the preparation of wet-type leather has economic and ecological benefits. 24,25 In the leather industry, in order to improve production efficiency, 24-h alkali resistance test is usually used to replace the traditional 7-day hygrothermal aging test at 85 C. It was found that WPL prepared by PPCD exhibited poor performance in alkali resistance test. When PPCD-based polyurethane was soaked in alkali solution, its mechanical properties decreased and its surface morphology changed, which limits the application of PPCD in leather industry.…”

“…From an economic point of view, using cheap CO 2 as raw material can reduce production costs by 10%–20%. Therefore, the use of PPCD for the preparation of wet‐type leather has economic and ecological benefits 24,25 …”