Bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane derived from polylactic acid with high-damping performance

The gradual exhaustion of conventional fossil fuels makes it significant to develop renewable materials. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), offering the advantages of processability and recyclability of thermoplastics, is gaining increasing attention for economic and environmental concerns. Despite the broad range of applications, the production of TPU is still highly dependent on fossil-based polyols and isocyanates. The development of sustainable polyols and isocyanates that derived from non-petrochemical sources is highly desirable. Notably, polylactic acid (PLA) is acknowledged as the most promising material in the bio-based polymer sector. In this research, we attempt to use the PLA-derived polyol as a renewable raw material to synthesize PLA-based TPUs. The properties of the PLA-based TPUs are comprehensively characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and tensile testing. The results showed that the TPUs based on PLA derivative exhibit a balanced mechanical property. Notably, the TPUs exhibit pronounced damping property around room temperature, enabling it as a promising damping material. And its mechanical performances were well maintained while damping performance was markedly enhanced after multiple reprocessing cycles. The value of this work lies in the fact that well-balanced properties of bio-based TPUs have been achieved by the use of renewable poly (lactic acid) derived component, which might be fruitful for increasing the renewable content of TPUs for a sustainable world.