Polyurethanes

Polyurethanes (PU) are a class of versatile polymers that have found applications in numerous industries, including construction, automotive, packaging, and textiles. They are formed by the reaction between a diisocyanate and a polyol, which can be varied to obtain different properties such as hardness, flexibility, elasticity, and resistance to chemicals and UV radiation. One of the recent developments in polyurethanes is the production of bio-based or renewable polyols, which are derived from renewable plant sources such as soy, castor oil, or corn. This sustainable approach not only reduces the dependence on fossil fuels but also reduces the carbon footprint of polyurethane production. Bio-based polyols have been reported to exhibit similar or improved properties compared to their petroleum-based counterparts. Another trend in PU chemistry is the incorporation of functional groups into the polymer structure, such as hydroxyl, amino, carboxyl, or isocyanate. These functionalized polyurethanes can be used for various applications such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, and biomedical materials. For example, polyurethane adhesives with amino or carboxyl groups have been developed for bonding dissimilar materials such as metals, plastics, and composites. Furthermore, PU chemistry has been used to produce microporous or nanoporous materials for areas such as water purification, gas separation, and catalysis. These materials can be tailored for specific applications by controlling the reaction conditions and the precursors used. For instance, polyurethane foam prepared by the addition of blowing agents can exhibit a high surface area and high selectivity for adsorption of volatile organic compounds. In summary, polyurethane chemistry continues to evolve, driven by the need for sustainable and functional materials in various industries. The development of bio-based polyols, functionalized polyurethanes, and porous materials opens up new possibilities for applications in the future.


From: Journal of New Developments in Chemistry

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Editor-in-chief: Zhe-Sheng Chen, Professor Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions St. John’s University
Publication Type: Open Access Journal
Description: Chemistry is a branch of physical science that studies the composition, structure, properties and change of matter. Chemistry includes topics such as the properties of individual atoms, how atoms form chemical bonds to create chemical compounds, the interactions of substances through inter molecular forces that give matter its general properties.