Recently, the Long group demonstrated the synthesis of non-isocyanate thermoplastic polyurethanes (NIPU) through the use of carbonyldiimidaozle functionalized diols, denoted bis-carbonylimidazolide (BCI) monomers. These NIPUs displayed good mechanical properties while devoid of undesirable hydroxyl groups in the backbone that result from other isocyanate free methods. Reacting these BCI monomers with triamines in the melt resulted in foaming caused by the in-situ thermal decarboxylation of the BCI monomer. Pore architecture was readily tuned with surfactant concentration and monomer structure. Foam curing was controlled with either organic or organometallic catalysts to allow for sufficient mold filling and part encapsulation. Monomer structure was tuned to probe impacts on final part T<sub>g</sub>, mechanical strength, and density. This novel CDI chemistry presents the potential for new structure-property relationships targeting high performance applications and safer engineering platforms for manufacturing, while simultaneously implementing green chemistry. The elimination of petroleum-derived solvent and increase in the versatility of the final polyurethane harmonizes BCI monomers with green chemistry. Current research focuses on understanding the fundamental structure-property relationships in the isocyanate-free CDI system, with an overarching goal of creating a more circular use for polyurethanes globally.

Tunable non-isocyanate polyurethanes for next generation foams

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.