Biobased Polyurethanes (Bio-PUR)

Properties and Applications

Bio-based polyurethanes (Bio-PUR) are an important class of renewable thermosets. They can be 10% to 100% bio-based and are typically prepared by reacting natural oil polyols (NOP) with diisocyanates. NOPs can replace synthetic polyols in many urethane products including foams, elastomers, coatings, sealants, and adhesives with predictable performance.

One of the most common bio-based polyester polyols are derived from bio-succinic acid and a diol such as diethylene glycol (DEG) or propylene glycol. Polyurethanes based on these polyester polyols have good mechanical properties, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance. The succinic acid can be directly substituted for adipic acid. Polyurethanes made from adipic acid-based polyester polyols are somewhat less rigid due to the longer six-carbon diacid but have lower abrasion resistance.

Manufacturers (Polyols / Bio-PUR)

¹The global market of biodegradable plastics is to reach ca. $3.5 billion by 2022, growing at CAGR of approx. 11.5 percent.^2
2Global Information Inc., Market Research Report Global Biodegradable Plastics Market Insights, June 13, 2016