NU 2023-075
INVENTORS John Mark Torkelson* Boran Chen Yixuan Chen
SHORT DESCRIPTION Sustainable, biowaste-based, and non-toxic polyurethane networks that are mechanically strong and resistive to water. ABSTRACT Northwestern researchers have developed sustainable polythiourethane (NIPTU) networks, which may be used as substitutes for standard polyurethane networks. The developed NIPTUs have three sustainable features: 1) the starting materials are derived from bio-based materials (such as cashew nutshells and rice husks); 2) the networks do not use toxic isocyanate; and 3) the crosslinks are reprocessable. Compared to structurally analogous polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) networks, used in traditional polyurethane, the NIPTU networks offer several unique advantages, including superior reactivity, higher crosslink density, and excellent reprocessability. Moreover, the NIPTUs exhibit significantly reduced water sorption compared to their PHU counterparts. With elevated-temperature creep resistance and self-healing capabilities, the developed NIPTUs also offer a range of potential applications, particularly in water-resistant coatings. Our eco-friendly and versatile NIPTUs are the ideal alternative to traditional polyurethane networks. Companies developing non-toxic and sustainable polyurethane networks should consider the adoption of this alternative method.
APPLICATIONS
ADVANTAGES
PUBLICATION Chen Y, Chen B, Torkelson J.M. (2023) Biobased, Reproccessable Non-isocyanate Polythiourethane Networks with Thionourethane and Disulfide Crosslinks: Comparison with Polyhydroxyurethane Network Analogs. Macromolecules. Under review.
IP STATUS A provisional application has been filed.
Biowaste-based, Reproccessable Non-isocyanate Polythiourethane Networks