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Polymers
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Advances in Polyurethane and Composites
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Advances in Polyurethane and Composites

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Networks".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 18233

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Suman Thakur

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Polimeros (ICTP), CSIC, C/Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Interests: biobased polymer; composites; nanocomposites; nanomaterials; sustainability; self-healing; shape memory materials; smart materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polyurethane has a wide range of applications in various fields of polymers. Polyurethane is used in rigid foam insulation materials, soft foam cushioning materials, elastomer parts, microcellular elastomer shoe materials, high elastic fibers, fabric and leather coatings, paint coatings, adhesives, sealants and potting compounds, waterproof and Protective coatings, imitation wood materials, treatment agents and other products are used in various fields. The very unique thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of polyurethanes can be engineered through the reaction of various polyisocyanates and polyols, which are formed from cross-linked polyurethanes.

Therefore, in-depth research on polyurethane materials is of great significance. Original contributions and comprehensive reviews are welcome.

With a focus on polyurethanes, potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

  • Polyurethane foam;
  • Polyurethane Elastomer;
  • Polyurethane coating;
  • Synthesis of polyurethane polymer materials;
  • Analysis of polyurethane polymer materials;
  • Theory and simulation of polyurethane polymer materials;
  • Additive manufacturing of polyurethane polymer materials;
  • Processing and properties of polyurethane polymer materials;
  • Functional polyurethane polymer material.

Dr. Suman Thakur
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polyurethane foam
  • polyurethane coating
  • polyurethane Elastomer
  • synthesis of polyurethane polymer materials
  • polyurethane composite
  • functional polyurethane polymer material

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 5695 KiB  
Article
Polyurethanes Synthesized with Blends of Polyester and Polycarbonate Polyols—New Evidence Supporting the Dynamic Non-Covalent Exchange Mechanism of Intrinsic Self-Healing at 20 °C
by Yuliet Paez-Amieva, Noemí Mateo-Oliveras and José Miguel Martín-Martínez
Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2881; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202881 - 12 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 628
Abstract
Polyurethanes (PUs) synthesized with blends of polycarbonate and polyester polyols (CD+PEs) showed intrinsic self-healing at 20 °C. The decrease in the polycarbonate soft segments content increased the self-healing time and reduced the kinetics of self-healing of the PUs. The percentage of C-O species [...] Read more.
Polyurethanes (PUs) synthesized with blends of polycarbonate and polyester polyols (CD+PEs) showed intrinsic self-healing at 20 °C. The decrease in the polycarbonate soft segments content increased the self-healing time and reduced the kinetics of self-healing of the PUs. The percentage of C-O species decreased and the ones of C-N and C=O species increased by increasing the polyester soft segments in the PUs, due to higher micro-phase separation. All PUs synthetized with CD+PE blends exhibited free carbonate species and interactions between the polycarbonate and polyester soft segments to a somewhat similar extent in all PUs. By increasing the polyester soft segments content, the storage moduli of the PUs decreased and the tan delta values increased, which resulted in favored polycarbonate soft segments interactions, and this was related to slower kinetics of self-healing at 20 °C. Although the PU made with a mixture of 20 wt.% CD and 80 wt.% PE showed cold crystallization and important crystallinity of the soft segments, as well as high storage moduli, the intercalation of a small amount of polycarbonate soft segments disturbed the interactions between the polyester soft segments, so it exhibited self-healing at 20 °C. The self-healing of the PUs was attributed to the physical interactions between polycarbonate soft segments themselves and with polyester soft segments, and, to a minor extent, to the mobility of the polymeric chains. Finally, the PUs made with 40 wt.% or more polyester polyol showed acceptable mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyurethane and Composites)
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19 pages, 2444 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Components and Density of Rigid Nanoclay-Filled Medium-Density Polyurethane Foams Produced in a Sealed Mould
by Ilze Beverte, Ugis Cabulis, Janis Andersons, Mikelis Kirpluks, Vilis Skruls and Peteris Cabulis
Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3228; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153228 - 28 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1367
Abstract
The characteristics of rigid, nanoclay-filled, medium-density NEOpolyol-380 polyurethane foams components can be estimated when two conditions are met: (1) the foam blocks are produced in a sealed mould; and (2) the mass of the reacting mixture is kept constant. It was shown that, [...] Read more.
The characteristics of rigid, nanoclay-filled, medium-density NEOpolyol-380 polyurethane foams components can be estimated when two conditions are met: (1) the foam blocks are produced in a sealed mould; and (2) the mass of the reacting mixture is kept constant. It was shown that, with an increase in filler concentration, the total mass of the filled polymeric network stays constant, but the total volume reduces; the higher the ratio of density of the exfoliated nanoclay platelets and polymer, the higher the volume reduction of the polymeric network. Experimental data of polyurethane foam block mass were acquired at concentrations η = 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 5% from the mass of a filled reacting mixture. Foam-density dependence in the uniform zone and in the side-sections of the produced blocks on the: (1) mass of the blocks; and (2) the concentration of the filler was analysed. The study demonstrated that the correlation of the specimens’ density with the foam block mass is much higher than that of the filler concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyurethane and Composites)
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14 pages, 4338 KiB  
Article
Buckwheat Hulls/Perlite as an Environmentally Friendly Flame-Retardant System for Rigid Polyurethane Foams
by Strąkowska Anna, Miedzińska Karolina and Członka Sylwia
Polymers 2023, 15(8), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15081913 - 17 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1936
Abstract
This article presents an innovative approach to the flame retardancy of rigid polyurethane foams using natural waste in the form of buckwheat hulls in combination with an inorganic additive—perlite. A series of tests were presented in which various contents of flame-retardant additives were [...] Read more.
This article presents an innovative approach to the flame retardancy of rigid polyurethane foams using natural waste in the form of buckwheat hulls in combination with an inorganic additive—perlite. A series of tests were presented in which various contents of flame-retardant additives were used. Based on the test results, it was found that the addition of the buckwheat hull/perlite system affected the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained foams, i.e., apparent density, impact strength, and compressive and flexural strength. The structure of the system had also changed, directly affecting the hydrophobic properties of the foams. In addition, it was observed that the addition of buckwheat hull/perlite modifiers improved the burning behavior of composite foams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyurethane and Composites)
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13 pages, 2712 KiB  
Article
Effects of Annealing Temperature and Time on Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Based on Different Soft Segments/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites
by Kittimon Jirakittidul, Darawan Limthin, Sarita Mahithithummathorn and Seenam Phaewchimphlee
Polymers 2023, 15(2), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020364 - 10 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2503
Abstract
Typically, polymer chains can move under the annealing process, resulting in an ordered structure arrangement. This causes an improvement in nanocomposite properties and in the dispersion of filler. In this research, annealed thermoplastic polyurethane (PU)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were studied to investigate [...] Read more.
Typically, polymer chains can move under the annealing process, resulting in an ordered structure arrangement. This causes an improvement in nanocomposite properties and in the dispersion of filler. In this research, annealed thermoplastic polyurethane (PU)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were studied to investigate the effect of annealing on the selective dispersion of MWCNTs. PU matrices were composed of two different soft segments, i.e., polyether (PU-Ether) and polyester (PU-Ester). Nanocomposites were prepared by the melt mixing process and annealed at 80 to 120 °C for 6 to 24 h. The increases in annealing time and temperature resulted in microphase separation in segmented PU and the orientation of crystalline structures in the segregated hard domain. Nanocomposites showed higher electrical conductivity after annealing. This implies that the movement of PU chains during heat treatment encouraged the development of the MWCNT network. However, the increase in ordered structures could obstruct the MWCNT network, resulting in lower electrical conductivity levels. Considering the selective dispersion of MWCNT in PU matrices, it was found that MWCNTs dispersed in soft segments of PU-Ether, leading to a significant decrease in elongation at the break after annealing. On the other hand, a decrease in elasticity of PU-Ester nanocomposites was not observed as a result of MWCNT dispersal in hard segments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyurethane and Composites)
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16 pages, 4037 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Study of Properties of Waterborne Polyurethanes Based on β-Cyclodextrin Partial Nitrate as Potential Systems for Delivery of Bioactive Compounds
by Sergei V. Karpov, Aigul S. Dzhalmukhanova, Vladimir G. Kurbatov, Eugenia O. Perepelitsina, Alexander E. Tarasov and Elmira R. Badamshina
Polymers 2022, 14(23), 5262; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14235262 - 2 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2076
Abstract
Eco-friendly waterborne polyurethanes (WPU) find wide application in agriculture as pesticide carriers, which enhances their efficiency. To provide better control of the retention time and capacity of pesticides, WPU can be modified by cyclodextrin derivatives able to form supramolecular assemblies with bioactive substances. [...] Read more.
Eco-friendly waterborne polyurethanes (WPU) find wide application in agriculture as pesticide carriers, which enhances their efficiency. To provide better control of the retention time and capacity of pesticides, WPU can be modified by cyclodextrin derivatives able to form supramolecular assemblies with bioactive substances. Synthesis of WPU containing up to 15 wt.% of covalently bound β-cyclodextrin partial nitrate (CDPN) is reported in this work. Covalent bonding of CDPN to a polyurethane matrix has been proved by IR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography. The particle size and viscosity of the WPU dispersion have been determined. The introduction of CDPN affects molecular weight and thermal properties of WPU films. The presence of CDPN in WPU is shown to provide higher average molecular weight, wider molecular weight distribution, and larger average size of dispersed particles, compared with WPU reference samples containing 1,4-butanediol. The analysis of the rheological behavior of the obtained WPU dispersions shows that they can be classified as pseudoplastic liquids. The analysis of the thermal parameters of WPU films indicates that the introduction of 15.0 wt.% CDPN shifts the value of the glass transition temperature from −63 °C to −48 °C compared with reference samples. We believe that the results of the present study are sufficiently encouraging in terms of using CDPN-modified eco-friendly WPU as potential systems for developing the delivering agents of bioactive compounds. The application of such systems will allow the long-term contact of pesticides with the plant surface and minimize the possibility of their release into the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyurethane and Composites)
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12 pages, 3219 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Chain-Extended Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings with Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
by Yong-Rok Kwon, Hae-Chan Kim, Jung-Soo Kim, Ju-Hee So, Young-Wook Chang and Dong-Hyun Kim
Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4062; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194062 - 27 Sep 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1962
Abstract
A series of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) dispersions were prepared by chain-extending a prepolymer made of polyester diol, isophorone diisocyanate, and dimethylol propionic acid using cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB). The particle size and viscosity of the WPU dispersion were measured. In addition, we investigated [...] Read more.
A series of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) dispersions were prepared by chain-extending a prepolymer made of polyester diol, isophorone diisocyanate, and dimethylol propionic acid using cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB). The particle size and viscosity of the WPU dispersion were measured. In addition, we investigated the effects of CAB on the thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of WPU films. The use of CAB effectively improved the crosslinking degree of the WPUs, increasing the thermal stability and water resistance of the corresponding films. In particular, CAB increased the tensile strength of the WPU films up to 67%, while maintaining their elongation at break unchanged. In addition, CAB improved the optical transmittance by reducing the microphase separation between the soft and hard segments of PU. The rough surface structure of the WPU films formed by CAB led to improved matting properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyurethane and Composites)
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Review

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14 pages, 3486 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress of Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Foam and Their Challenges
by Said El Khezraji, Hicham Ben youcef, Larbi Belachemi, Miguel A. Lopez Manchado, Raquel Verdejo and Mohammed Lahcini
Polymers 2023, 15(2), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020254 - 4 Jan 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6757
Abstract
Polyurethane foams (PUFs) are a significant group of polymeric foam materials. Thanks to their outstanding mechanical, chemical, and physical properties, they are implemented successfully in a wide range of applications. Conventionally, PUFs are obtained in polyaddition reactions between polyols, diisoycyanate, and water to [...] Read more.
Polyurethane foams (PUFs) are a significant group of polymeric foam materials. Thanks to their outstanding mechanical, chemical, and physical properties, they are implemented successfully in a wide range of applications. Conventionally, PUFs are obtained in polyaddition reactions between polyols, diisoycyanate, and water to get a CO2 foaming agent. The toxicity of isocyanate has attracted considerable attention from both scientists and industry professionals to explore cleaner synthesis routes for polyurethanes excluding the use of isocyanate. The polyaddition of cyclic carbonates (CCs) and polyfunctional amines in the presence of an external blowing agent or by self-blowing appears to be the most promising route to substitute the conventional PUFs process and to produce isocyanate-free polyurethane foams (NIPUFs). Especially for polyhydroxyurethane foams (PHUFs), the use of a blowing agent is essential to regenerate the gas responsible for the creation of the cells that are the basis of the foam. In this review, we report on the use of different blowing agents, such as Poly(methylhydrogensiloxane) (PHMS) and liquid fluorohydrocarbons for the preparation of NIPUFs. Furthermore, the preparation of NIPUFs using the self-blowing technique to produce gas without external blowing agents is assessed. Finally, various biologically derived NIPUFs are presented, including self-blown NIPUFs and NIPUFs with an external blowing agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyurethane and Composites)
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