Synthesis of Novel Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane/Functionalized Boron Nitride Composites

Poly(hydroxyurethanes) (PHUs) have been suggested as isocyanate-free, low-toxicity alternatives to polyurethanes (PUs). However, PHUs present low mechanical properties due to the presence of side reactions that limit the production of high-molar mass polymers. Here, we present the synthesis under mild conditions and atmospheric pressure of bi-cyclic carbonate monomer for the production of PHU nanocomposites with good physical properties. The kinetics of the bi-cyclic carbonate synthesis and its complete conversion to urethane were followed by FTIR. The addition of functionalized boron nitrate (f-BN) with sucrose crystals improved the thermal degradation temperature as well as the glass transition by approximately 20 degrees C and 10 degrees C, respectively. The storage modulus of PHU films gradually increases with the concentration of f-BN in the composite.

Automated summary

Poly(hydroxyurethanes) (PHUs) are suggested as isocyanate-free, low-toxicity alternatives to polyurethanes (PUs), but their mechanical properties are limited by side reactions. In this study, a bi-cyclic carbonate monomer was synthesized under mild conditions and atmospheric pressure to produce PHU nanocomposites with good physical properties.