Hybrid Nonisocyanate Polyurethanes (H-NIPUs): A Pathway towards a Broad Range of Novel Materials

The increasing demand for using less toxic and dangerous products has fostered the development of nonisocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). Despite several years of progress within the search for these novel materials, they are still facing difficulties to reach the market. This may be due to the low mechanical properties obtained, which can be explained by the difficult access to high molar masses polymers. The combination of NIPUs with other types of polymers, thus forming polymer-polymer hybrid-NIPUs (so called H-NIPUs) can be an interesting alternative for the valorization of NIPUs though. This review describes the latest advancements in the developments of H-NIPUs, with a specific focus on the combination with epoxy, polyacrylic, and silicium-containing polymers. Finally, the emerging field of combining NIPUs with biopolymers is discussed. A specific focus on the synthetic challenges is provided, as well as their resulting influence onto the final material properties, thus showing how the synergistic combination of NIPUs with other polymers can be a promising pathway toward the formation of novel materials.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the latest advancements in the development of hybrid nonisocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) by combining them with other polymers, such as epoxy, polyacrylic, and silicium-containing polymers. The potential of combining NIPUs with biopolymers is also discussed. The study highlights the importance of synergistic combination of NIPUs with other polymers in the formation of novel materials.