Poly(oxazolidone)s as the Next Generation of Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes—A Facile Access to Recyclable Advanced Materials

Polyurethanes (PUs) are world-class relevant materials entering in the conception of multiple daily life applications such as elastomers, foams, adhesives, paints, medical devices… Among them, poly(oxazolidone)s, i.e. polymers characterized by cyclic carbamates repeating linkages, display unique thermal and chemical stabilities making them valuable options for designing the next generation of high performances materials. However, these polymers are commonly prepared by reacting in harsh conditions epoxides with harmful and nasty isocyanates, which utilization is now regulated by REACH legislation. Recently, we engineered a novel sustainable approach toward poly(oxazolidone)s by the valorization of CO₂and readily available synthons^1–5. The labile behavior of new discovered bonds was studied at the model molecule level before being implemented to polymeric materials. This novel approach quickly gives access to diversified CANs (covalent adaptable networks) with tunable properties by virtue of monomer design. The so-produced materials can be easily recycled upon thermal reprocessing such as thermoplastic materials while benefiting from the properties of thermosets in working conditions. Besides, chemical recycling of these materials delivers starting building blocks that might re-enter the loop or benefit as valuable building blocks in various fields.<br/><br/>1 B. Grignard, S. Gennen, C. Jérôme, A. W. Kleij and C. Detrembleur, <i>Chem Soc Rev</i>, 2019, <b>48</b>, 4466–4514.<br/>2 S. Gennen, B. Grignard, T. Tassaing, C. Jérôme and C. Detrembleur, <i>Angewandte Chemie International Edition</i>, 2017, <b>56</b>, 10394–10398.<br/>3 C. N. Tounzoua, B. Grignard and C. Detrembleur, <i>Angewandte Chemie International Edition</i>, DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202116066.<br/>4 T. Habets, F. Siragusa, B. Grignard and C. Detrembleur, <i>Macromolecules</i>, 2020, <b>53</b>, 6396–6408.<br/>5 T. Habets, F. Siragusa, A. J. Müller, Q. Grossman, D. Ruffoni, B. Grignard and C. Detrembleur, <i>Polym Chem</i>, 2022, <b>13</b>, 3076–3090.