Chemo-Enzymatic Synthesis and Characterization of Renewable Thermoplastic and Thermoset Isocyanate-Free Poly(hydroxy)urethanes from Ferulic Acid Derivatives

This study presents the syntheses and characterization of renewable nonisocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) from a new family of aromatic C₅-cyclocarbonate precursors with different functionalities obtained from nontoxic ferulic acid derivatives by glycidylation and carbonation under high carbon dioxide pressure. Depending on the functionality, linear NIPU chains (thermoplastics) or cross-linked NIPU networks (thermosets) have been obtained. The thermoplastic NIPUs molar masses were determined using SEC and ¹H NMR. The thermal and thermo-mechanical properties of the NIPUs were assessed by DSC, DMA (for thermosets), and TGA to determine the influence of the NIPU chemical structure on its properties. The range of T_g obtained (17–72 °C) was efficiently correlated with the degree of freedom and the molar mass of the NIPU repeat unit.