Bio-based polyurethanes for coatings
The aim of the project is to develop bio-based, isocyanate-free polyurethanes and implement them in textile coatings. The production of polyurethanes (PU) today is still based on the conversion of petroleum-based diisocyanates and diols. Commercial polyurethanes for textile coatings are solvent-based or aqueous dispersions. The major drawback of these products is the pulmonary and dermal toxicity of the isocyanate components. Our solution focuses on isocyanate-free PU production with biobased starting products (bbPU) as well as 2-component biobased PUs (2k bb PU). 100% systems and aqueous dispersions are being researched that can be used without the use of volatile organic compounds such as DMF. This forms the basis for REACH compliance of the PUs to be produced. Furthermore, the coating of textiles and the properties of the biobased PU coatings are validated and compared with commercially available products. Establish a knowledge base on bio-based, isocyanate-free PU and develop structure-property relationships of the PU coatings. Strengths and weaknesses in comparison to commercial systems and recommendations for action with close application reference will be worked out. SMEs from various sectors along the value chain will benefit from the project results. In addition to formulators and equipment manufacturers, textile equipment suppliers in particular will benefit from the findings on the potential applications of the new PU. Medium-term access to sustainably producible PU alternatives, which are not threatened by the SVHC list due to the absence of isocyanates, strengthen the market position of SMEs and open up additional image gains through better marketing. If the project is successful, the targeted results can be used directly by SMEs.