Water-based polyurethane dispersions: chemistry, technology and applications

• Main Author: Fernandes, Isabel P.
• Publication Date: 2013
• Other Authors: Costa, M.R.N., Ferreira, Maria José, Barreiro, M.F.
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10198/9437
• topic: Polyurethanes; Aqueous dispersions; Solvent-free

Over the past few decades, polyurethane-polyurea aqueous dispersions (PUDs) have developed a solid reputation for high performance applications, particularly in the field of adhesives and coatings. PUDs are mostly environmentally compatible products; they are totally devoid or contain only low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC). This is an important feature in view of the present environmental policies where governments and internal agencies are placing emphasis on developing sustainable processes, improving work conditions and reducing emissions of toxic and polluting substances into the atmosphere. In the past years, our research group has been involved in the development of polyurethane-polyurea aqueous dispersions for two main applications (footwear and indirect food contact). With this work we intend to review this theme and describe some of the achieved developments. Characterization of commercial dispersions will be presented and examples of synthesis will be described, following a modified pre-polymer process developed in our group.