Synthesis of Novel Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane/Functionalized Boron Nitride Composites

Abstract

Poly(hydroxyurethanes) (PHUs) have been suggested as isocyanate-free, low-toxicity alternatives to polyurethanes (PUs). However, PHUs present low mechanical properties due to the presence of side reactions that limit the production of high-molar mass polymers. Here, we present the synthesis under mild conditions and atmospheric pressure of bi-cyclic carbonate monomer for the production of PHU nanocomposites with good physical properties. The kinetics of the bi-cyclic carbonate synthesis and its complete conversion to urethane were followed by FTIR. The addition of functionalized boron nitrate (f-BN) with sucrose crystals improved the thermal degradation temperature as well as the glass transition by approximately 20 °C and 10 °C, respectively. The storage modulus of PHU films gradually increases with the concentration of f-BN in the composite.