Polyurethane (PU) based multifunctional materials: Emerging paradigm for functional textiles, smart, and biomedical applications

Abstract

The advances in polymer chemistry research have revolutionized the field of smart materials and biomedical. Polyurethanes (PUs) are a versatile polymer class with diverse structure, morphology, and behavior under various conditions deemed suitable for many functional and intelligent responses. Owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, excellent mechanical strength, tailorable chemical, and physical forms, PU has drawn significant research attention in recent times for a wide range of applications. Herein, this review paper outlines PU's recent advances in specific applications encompassing functional textiles, intelligent functionality and medical usage. This article contains a comprehensive review of recent developments and research works concerning PU's direct involvement as coatings, 3D objects, or composite parts to add novel purpose to the textile substrates, smart objects, or medical applications.Commencing with PU's application for the waterproof breathable textiles, the review further explores recent research where PU was incorporated as a phase change material and protective clothing. This review further delves innovative functionalities and responsiveness of the polymer triggered by various stimuli.It ends with an inclusive review of PU's different forms of application concerning medical devices and activities. Finally, perspectives on future challenges and new research opportunities are also presented and discussed.

4D Printing: Technology Overview and Smart Materials Utilized

“…PU-based SMPs have been used to create self-assembling and self-healing structures, drug delivery systems, and even robots. Additionally, PU-based SMPs have been used in the field of textiles, creating smart fabrics that can change shape and properties in response to temperature or light (Sikdar et al, 2022;Du et al, 2022). (Arif et al, 2022;Wang et al, 2022a).…”

Intrinsically Disordered Synthetic Polymers in Biomedical Applications

“…Segmented polyurethanes represent a crucial class of synthetic polymers for potential health-related and biomedical applications [ 86 , 87 ]. Using non-toxic soft segment polyols, hard segment chain extenders enable the development of an entirely new family of biodegradable polymers, which may exhibit diverse properties and may be suited for a wide range of applications [ 88 ].…”

The Influence of Aging on the Structure and Properties of Composite Materials Based on Polyurethane and Silver Nanoparticles

“…3 In addition, PUs are widely used in the textile industry, in particular for creating textile substrates, waterproof breathable textiles, and protective clothing. 4 In recent years, due to the risk of the spread of epidemiological diseases, there is a need to develop new antimicrobial coatings based on PUs. 5 Nguyen et al 6 developed antimicrobial coatings, based on PU.…”

“…3 In addition, PUs are widely used in the textile industry, in particular for creating textile substrates, waterproof breathable textiles, and protective clothing. 4…”