Nitrogen-Containing Polymers Derived from Terpenes: Possibilities and Limitations

Abstract

Nitrogen-containing polymers are widely applied materials, including polyamides, polyurethanes, and polyureas as well as epoxy thermosets. Their indispensability and the urgent need to replace fossil-based polymers considering more sustainable alternatives lead to significant efforts in exploring renewable feedstock as potential new building blocks. Being obtained from non-edible plant parts and often occurring as waste products, terpenes represent a promising group of renewable compounds that are of possible interest in the synthesis of nitrogen-containing polymers. The structural diversity of terpenes in combination with the mechanical properties that nitrogen-containing moieties bring into polymers can give rise to novel biobased materials that outstand mechanical and thermal properties of conventional fossil-based counterparts. In this review, an overview of the use of terpene compounds in the synthesis of nitrogen-containing polymers is given, covering different approaches to make use of terpenes as a valuable pool of renewable monomers.