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Design and Synthesis of Waterborne Polyurethanes
Author(s) -
Kang SooYoung,
Ji Zhaoxia,
Tseng LingFang,
Turner Sara A.,
Villanueva Dinara A.,
Johnson Rhian,
Albano Ariana,
Langer Robert
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201706237
Subject(s) - polyurethane , degree of unsaturation , materials science , carbon chain , elongation , polymer science , fatty acid , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , composite material , polymer chemistry , chemistry , engineering , ultimate tensile strength
Waterborne polyurethanes (WBPUs) have attracted increasing attention in a wide range of industrial applications because of their versatile properties as well as ecofriendly nature. Although extensive research has been carried out on WBPU synthesis, the roles of some of the key synthesis components remain unclear. In this study, through systematically controlling and fine tuning the precursor compositions and reaction conditions, over 300 WBPUs are synthesized. This research enables the roles of several key components that govern WBPU physicochemical properties and ultimately the potential WBPU applications to be identified. Using hair styling as an example, it is demonstrated that only the WBPUs with an optimal range of properties (e.g., Young's modulus >150 MPa, elongation at break: 15–300%, moisture uptake <10%) can achieve strong styling performance. To further improve the natural‐feel sensory benefits in the final styling products, a number of fatty acids with different carbon chain lengths or unsaturation levels are incorporated into WBPUs. Among the ten fatty acids studied, linoleic acid is identified as the most preferred additive. Both in vitro and in vivo testing demonstrate that WBPUs with optimal properties are promising materials for developing strong, long‐lasting styling products with natural feel.