Abstract

Hybrid acrylic/water-based polyurethane systems have been synthesized by a polymerization process in which acrylic monomers have been used as solvents in polyurethane systems. The polymerization has been carried out in four main stages The first stage in which a prepolymer has been obtained, a second stage in which the chain extension has been carried out. In the third stage has obtained the phase inversion and finally in the last stage has been carried out the synthesis of acrylic monomers. Polymerization was monitored by ATR-FTIR and gravimetry. The effect of incorporating a bifunctional chain extender and replacing a conventional PPG polyol with two types of commercial biopolyols (Priplast 1900, 48% renewable and Priplast 3294, 100% renewable) was analyzed. It has been proven that the addition of a second bifunctional chain extender improves the adhesive properties of the hybrid system, an effect that is enhanced by the use of biopolyols. It has been proven that the use of bio-based polyols is possible since they do not significantly reduce thermal properties, making it feasible to obtain a material with 20% renewable content.

Abstract

The development of sustainable composites has become in a major strategy for different sectors, such as the offshore renewable energy industry.

Thermoset polyurethanes (PUR) offer some advantages for their use in structural composite parts, like their good thermal properties, adhesion with different types of fibers, ultra-fast curing, low viscosity and corrosion resistance, highlighting their resistance to fatigue and consequent durability. However, PUR have some environmental drawbacks, such as their petrochemical origin and low recyclability.

Consequently, biobased PUR (BIO-PUR) formulated based on polyols derived from vegetable oils have aroused keen interest. Moreover, it is possible to incorporate recycled monomers in their formulation, which are obtained from highly degraded plastics collected from the sea.

In addition, it is necessary to consider the PUR end of life to improve the composite sustainability. An interesting solution is the incorporation of dynamic bonds into the PUR network, with reversible capacity such as Diels-Alder, to improve the polymer recyclability.

Therefore, this work has focused on the development of a new formulation of BIO-PUR with the required mechanical properties for structural applications in the marine environment. In addition, the integration of recycled monomers and DA bonds have been explored to improve the circularity of the developed resin. To this end, aspects ranging from analysis and synthesis to the characterization of the resins have been covered.