Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersions and Thin Films: Biodegradation and Antimicrobial Behaviors

Abstract

Biodegradable and antimicrobial waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) and their casted solid films have recently emerged as important alternatives to their solvent-based and non-biodegradable counterparts for various applications due to their versatility, health, and environmental friendliness. The nanoscale morphology of the PUDs, dispersion stability, and the thermomechanical properties of the solid films obtained from the solvent cast process are strongly dependent on several important parameters, such as the preparation method, polyols, diisocyanates, solid content, chain extension, and temperature. The biodegradability, biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties and biomedical applications can be tailored based on the nature of the polyols, polarity, as well as structure and concentration of the internal surfactants (anionic or cationic). This review article provides an important quantitative experimental basis and structure evolution for the development and synthesis of biodegradable waterborne PUDs and their solid films, with prescribed macromolecular properties and new functions, with the aim of understanding the relationships between polymer structure, properties, and performance. The review article will also summarize the important variables that control the thermomechanical properties and biodegradation kinetics, as well as antimicrobial and biocompatibility behaviors of aqueous PUDs and their films, for certain industrial and biomedical applications.

The physical, mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of starch nanoparticle (SNP)/polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite films synthesised by an ultrasound-assisted process

“…The compact structures of the film were attributed to the ultrasonic irradiation during the blending of the SNP and PU. The rate of transmission of bacteria across the film from a bacteria-rich environment to a closed culture inside the flask decreased due to the narrower pore openings at the surface of the nanocomposite film [51] , [52] . The nanocomposite film shows higher resistance to even 24 h of continuous environmental exposure.…”

Antibacterial and Alkali-responsive Cationic Waterborne Polyurethane Based on Modification of Aloe Emodin

“…Some of the current antibacterial studies are modified by silver elements, such as carbon fiber composite silver [6] , silver chelate [7] , silver nanoparticles [8] or nanowires, silver mosaic two-dimensional materials [9] . It has the characteristics of high price and insufficient degradation [10] .…”

Biodegradable, Stretchable and Transparent Plastic Films from Modified Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersions

“…Waterborne PU dispersions can be used to cast polymer films with ease, however, certain technical issues such as poor miscibility or poor homogeneous distribution between the polyol and polyisocyanate can lead to poor aesthetics and appearance and even a loss of transparency [ 21 , 22 ]. In fact, a very recent review by Madbouly [ 23 ] extensively covered and discussed the important variables that control the thermomechanical properties and biodegradation aspects, as well as antimicrobial and biocompatibility performances of waterborne PU dispersions and their cast films that are developed for certain industrial and biomedical applications. Most waterborne PU dispersions cast films are prone to biodegradation but the rate of biodegradation can vary significantly depending on the polyol chemistry, crosslinking, hydrophilicity, use of bio-based polyols and the environment under which the biodegradation is monitored [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”