Sustainable and multifunctional polyurethane green composites with renewable materials

Abstract

AbstractPolyurethane materials are characterised by an ever-expanding range of application possibilities due to their versatility. Currently, the management of leftovers as well as post-production and post-consumer waste for the production of biocomposites is one of the most obvious, effective and profitable solutions. Due to the renewable nature of biofillers such as cellulose, lignin, and chitin, their use to obtain composite polyurethane elastomers is a real perspective for the dissemination of more environmentally friendly materials and, at the same time, contributes to additional economic profit. The key aspect for further development of the polyurethane/biopolymer biocomposite concept is to fulfil of a number of currently functioning industry standards, mainly those regarding functional properties. In the presented research, an attempt to obtain advanced polyurethane elastomers with the addition of biopolymers (cellulose, lignin, and chitin) was conducted for the first time. The innovative biocomposites obtained in this way were characterised by good processing parameters (processing times, density) and improved functional properties compared to the standard without the addition of fillers (abrasion resistance, tensile strength, contact angle, hardness). Due to the above-mentioned facts, the described biocomposites can be successfully used for the production of multifunctional elastomeric materials with a wide range of potential applications. Moreover, it is worth noting that the management of waste materials in this way will reduce production costs while indirectly contributing to the protection of the natural environment. Graphical abstract