Design of crosslinked networks with hydroxyurethane linkages via bio‐based alkyl methacrylates and diamines

A hybrid methodology is used to combine the favorable properties of non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) in side chains with poly(methacrylates) as backbone into thermoset resins hydroxyurethane linkages (HNIPU)s. Using NIPUs avoids use toxic isocyanates poly(urethane) segments. The synthesized from cyclic carbonated copolymer templates derived atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) an alkyl methacrylate (C13MA average side-chain length 13)/glycidyl (GMA) mixtures (initial GMA mol fraction = 0.1–0.4). resulting flexible pendent epoxy functional groups were subsequently and then reacted 1,10-diaminodecane (90°C, 24 h) form rigid via linkages. Manipulating template functionality (2–11 urethane out 35 units) yielded crosslinked networks Young's moduli 0.1 71.9 MPa while decreasing tensile elongation at break 105% 10%. Swelling ratios (SR) tetrahydrofuran (THF) decrease linkage concentration increases, indicating tighter networks, consistent rheologically obtained molecular weight between crosslinks. Gel content indicated less than 15% are soluble THF. HNIPU show their ready tunability by simply changing precursor functionality.