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Synthesis and analysis of lactose polyurethanes and their semi-interpenetrating polymer networks
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Researchers synthesized bio-based polyurethanes from lactose and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate using both conventional and microwave heating, then formed semi-interpenetrating polymer networks by combining these with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) or poly(lactic acid). Microwave synthesis reduced reaction times and energy use, and the resulting materials were characterized as sustainable, agro-derived alternatives to fossil-based plastics.
In view of growing public awareness of environmental pollution, plastic waste, and microplastics, agro-based materials are increasingly used to replace raw materials derived from fossil feedstocks in order to take advantage of their sustainability, eco-friendliness, better recyclability, and lack of toxicity. One of our focal areas is lactose, which is the natural disaccharide found in milk; it is inexpensive and widely available. In this work, we synthesized polyurethanes from lactose and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI), using both conventional heat and microwave. Microwave was found to reduce the reaction time and save energy relative to conventional heat. Moreover, semi-interpenetrating polymer networks were made with a second polymer {e.g., poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and poly(lactic acid)} in order to impart additional properties to the lactose-based polyurethanes. The resulting polymers were characterized with appropriate analyses.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.