High-strength and self-healing bio-based polyhydroxyurethanes as heat-resistant adhesives
New research shows the potential of bio-based polyhydroxyurethanes for high-performance applications.
Polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) are considered a promising sustainable alternative to conventional isocyanate-based polyurethanes. A Chinese research team has now developed a strong and rapidly self-healing bio-based PHU network based on carbonised daidzein (DZ-BCC) and amines.
The use of aminopropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (H2N-PDMS-NH2) as a soft segment increases chain mobility, thereby improving the self-healing properties. At the same time, the high crosslinking density and the benzopyran ring structure of the daidzein provide a tensile strength of up to 28.3 MPa.
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High mechanical stability and recyclability
Despite their excellent mechanical properties, the PHUs developed show rapid self-healing, high chemical recyclability and remarkable reprocessing efficiency. After only 30 minutes at 150°C, 94% of the original tensile strength can be restored.
In addition, the materials can be used as adhesives for wood and glass bonding. They achieve a shear strength of up to 6.4 MPa for wood and 3.4 MPa for glass. Bonded glass samples with PHUs also show excellent heat resistance and remain stable up to 150 °C.
This research significantly expands the range of possible applications for bio-based PHUs and could lead to the development of sustainable high-performance adhesives.
Source: Liu et al., Polymer Chemistr
