A new way of creating cellular polyurethane materials: NIPU foams

From D-sorbitol to five-membered bis(cyclo-carbonate) as a platform molecule for the synthesis of different original biobased chemicals and polymers

Bis(cyclo-carbonate) was successfully synthesized from D-sorbitol (Sorb-BisCC) through an environmentally friendly process with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a reactant. In agreement with green chemistry principles, solvent free reactions were catalyzed and took place at low temperature. The reaction yield was increased until 50%, with the use of 1.3.5-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene as catalyst and a continuous DMC feed to limit the side-reactions or the loss of reactant by azeotropic flux with a reactional subsidiary product. The obtained Sorb-BisCC is a remarkable platform molecule which could compete with others polycyclic platform molecules (isosorbide). Sorb-BisCC can be e.g., used to synthesize different chemicals such as short and long polyols, or novel biobased non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU). Two Sorb-BisCC molecules have been coupled to obtain novel cyclic diols with pendant side chains. Polyether polyols were also obtained by anionic ring opening polymerization. According to the synthesis conditions, these synthetized polyether polyols range from partially to highly cross-linked materials. Finally, NIPU were synthesized with short and biobased fatty diamines. These different modifications and synthesis highlight the versatility of the Sorb-BisCC and demonstrated its high potential as building block. Sorb-BisCC can be considered as a platform molecule to open the way to different original and biobased chemical architectures.

Renewable polyols for advanced polyurethane foams from diverse biomass resources

This review highlights recent advances in the synthesis of renewable polyols, used for making polyurethane foams, from biomass.

DFT investigation of the reaction mechanism for the guanidine catalysed ring-opening of cyclic carbonates by aromatic and alkyl-amines

The bifunctional activity (base/H-bond donor) of TBD allows understanding its higher efficiency compared to its methyl counterpart (MTBD) for the aminolysis of cyclic carbonates by amines.

Synthesis and Application of Nonisocyanate Polyurethanes

The latest published achievements in the research and developments of non-isocyanate polyurethanes on the base of five-membered cyclic carbonates and amines are briefly presented. Preparations of hybrid epoxy-amine hydroxyurethane-grafted polymers with a controlled number of cross-links are described. Examples of the use of hydroxyurethanes of different nature for modification of the oligomeric compositions are also given.

A family of polypropylene glycol-grafted polyethyleneimines reversibly absorb and release carbon dioxide to blow polyurethanes

The chemical structure of CO₂ adducts from polypropylene glycol grafted polyethyleneimines has been optimised to blow polyurethanes.

Remendable thermosetting polymers for isocyanate-free adhesives: a preliminary study

Based on a model study, a new bis-cyclic monomer bearing a Diels–Alder adduct was synthesized. This monomer was polymerized with a diamine to yield a thermoresponsive polyhydroxyurethane (PHU). This PHU is remendable at around 100 °C by retro Diels–Alder reaction.