Abstract
This study concerns bio-based urethane prepolymers. The relationship between the chemical structure and the thermal and processing parameters of bio-based isocyanate-terminated ether and ester-urethane prepolymers was investigated. Bio-based prepolymers were obtained with the use of bio-monomers such as bio-based diisocyanate, bio-based polyether polyol or polyester polyols. In addition to their composition, the bio-based prepolymers were different in the content of iso-cyanate groups content (ca. 6 and 8%). The process of pre-polymerization and the obtained bio-based prepolymers were analyzed by determining the content of unreacted NCO groups, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetry, and rheological measurements. The research conducted facilitated the evaluation of the properties and processability of urethane prepolymers based on natural components. The results indicate that a significant impact on the processability has the origin the polyol ingredient as well as the NCO content. The thermal stability of all of the prepolymers is similar. A prepolymer based on a poly-ether polyol is characterized by a lower viscosity at a lower temperature than the prepolymer based on a polyester polyol. The viscosity value depends on the NCO content.
Highlights
For the first time, Bayer obtained polyurethanes in 1947 and since the interest in them has been growing steadily [1,2]
We studied the correlation between chemical structure of the obtained bio-based urethane prepolymers and their thermal and rheological properties
Spectra of obtained ether and ester-urethane prepolymers, and monomers which were used for their preparation are presented in Figures 1 and 2
Summary
Bayer obtained polyurethanes in 1947 and since the interest in them has been growing steadily [1,2]. Chemical industry products, including polyurethanes, help to reduce energy costs and the negative environmental impact of the industry. Plastics-made car parts significantly reduce vehicle weight, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption. This improvement has been estimated at around 7% for every 10% reduction in vehicle weight. A report from the American Chemistry Council shows that the use of appropriate polymer materials in buildings can save 40 times the energy used to produce it. It was found that over the years plastics and insulation materials have helped to save 467.2 trillion BTU (BTU—British thermal unit) [3]
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