Synthesis and structural characterization of bio-based polyurethanes
The Department of Polymer Processing has made progress in the research of environmentally friendly polyurethanes. The latest study on the synthesis and characterization of cyclic carbonates was featured in the journal Polymer Chemistry.
"Polyurethanes are widely used in a variety of applications due to their variable composition. Their production from renewable sources without the use of toxic isocyanates promises a sustainable and environmentally friendly future,” explains Dr. Hynek Beneš from the Department of Polymer Processing, where researchers have been studying polyurethanes for almost two decades.
The new publication is based on the long-term cooperation between the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry and the team of Prof. Datta from Gdańsk University of Technology. "The most challenging part was combining several analytical techniques and approaches and creating effective collaboration between several departments of our Institute," describes Dr. Beneš. The studied materials were prepared in Poland, and scientists from the IMC participated in the detailed characterization of all the intermediates and final products. A detailed characterization of the molecular structure of the prepared intermediates and final products was performed mainly by 1D- and 2D-NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry methods.
