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• Flame retardant polyurethane nanofibers based on the Diels-Alder reaction

  S. Torresi, M. Mariné, A. Saralegi, N. Gabilondo, A. Eceiza

  Materiales Compuestos (Online first).

  
  

  Abstract

  In this study, a halogen-free flame retardant containing maleimide groups was synthesized and incorporated into a polyurethane solution containing pendant furan groups (PUF), with the aim of producing nanofibres via electrospinning. The furan groups of the polyurethane and the maleimide groups of the flame retardant readily react with each other via the Diels–Alder (DA) reaction. The resulting nanofibre membranes were characterized before and after crosslinking through DA reaction. Microscopy images of the membranes showed morphologically homogeneous and defect-free nanometric fibers. The crosslinked membranes exhibited higher solvent resistance and superior mechanical properties compared to the uncrosslinked ones. Thermal analysis showed that the flame retardant promotes the formation of a protective carbonaceous layer that gives the membranes fire-resistant properties.

  Abstract
  In this study, a halogen-free flame retardant containing maleimide groups was synthesized and incorporated into a polyurethane solution containing pendant furan groups [...]

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• Bio-based recyclable crosslinked polyurethanes based on a thermally reversible Diels-Alder adduct

  A. Restrepo Montoya, I. Larraza, K. Gonzalez, O. Echeverria Altuna, I. Harismendy, A. Saralegi, A. Eceiza

  Materiales Compuestos (2024). Vol. 08 - COMUNICACIONES MATCOMP21 (2022) Y MATCOMP23 (2023), (Núm. 4 - Sostenibilidad y Reciclaje), 15

  
  

  Abstract

  Thermosets comprise a family of chemically cross-linked networks formed by irreversible chemical reactions, resulting in polymers with outstanding properties such as superior mechanical properties, high thermal stability and chemical resistance. However, their high stability precludes reprocessing or recycling, thus making it difficult to move towards a circular economy and sustainability. During the last years, research has focused on dynamic chemistry, in order to introduce reversible bonds along the polymer chain and synthesize reprocessable and/or recyclable thermosets. In this context, the Diels-Alder reaction is of special interest, as it can give thermoreversible reactions with a relatively low coupling and high decoupling temperature. Within this work, a trifunctional polyol containing the furan-maleimide Diels-Alder adduct has been developed to facilitate the recycling of cross-linked polyurethanes. The maleimide-furan adduct forms covalent bonds at low temperatures, but when heated these bonds break down, splitting the polymer chain into smaller chains and softening the polymer, allowing it to be reprocessed. Then, when the temperature drops, the bonds between the maleimide and the furan are reformed and the polymer regains its mechanical properties. Thereby, a thermoset polyurethane was synthesized reacting the triol containing Diels-Alder adduct with a polymeric isocyanate. The reprocessability and/or recyclability of the synthesized polyurethane was then evaluated by breaking it into small pieces and reprocessing them by pressing at high temperature, in order to obtain new sheets and evaluate their mechanical properties, being similar to the original ones.

  Abstract
  Thermosets comprise a family of chemically cross-linked networks formed by irreversible chemical reactions, resulting in polymers with outstanding properties such as superior [...]

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