Carbon dioxide (CO2) as sustainable feedstock for polyurethane production

Abstract

A dream comes true: tailor-made polyethercarbonate polyols are synthesised from propylene oxide and CO₂. Molecular weight and functionality of these polyethercarbonate polyols are controlled by the use of an appropriate alcohol starter enabling innovative applications as a polymer building block. Interestingly, the properties of the polyethercarbonate polyols can be adjusted in a wide range by tuning CO₂ content and architecture. The feasibility of using such tailored polyethercarbonate polyols in the production of polyurethanes is demonstrated as a prime example for a novel CO₂ utilization with industrial potential.