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Novel Bio‐Based Polyurethane Elastomers Customizable for Orthopedic Devices: Toughness, Rapid Degradability, and Safety
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Researchers synthesized novel bio-based polyurethane elastomers achieving 82% enzymatic degradation in 20 days and 95.5% compost degradation in 90 days, with mechanical properties comparable to petroleum-based elastomers and confirmed non-biotoxicity. Rapidly biodegradable polymers with strong mechanical performance are highly significant for microplastic pollution reduction, as they could replace persistent synthetic polymers that fragment into long-lived microplastic particles.
ABSTRACT Given the increasing global demand for sustainable materials and growing concerns over the depletion of petrochemical resources, we report the synthesis of an amorphous bio‐derived polyester diol, and this diol was polymerized with various isocyanates and butanediol, yielding a novel series of bio‐based polyurethane elastomers (BPUEs). Notably, the prepared HDI‐17% exhibited remarkable mechanical properties comparable to petroleum‐based elastomers while demonstrating exceptional biodegradability. Specifically, the elastomer indicated an enzymatic degradation ratio of 82.0% within 20 days and a relative compost degradation ratio of up to 95.5% compared with lignin over 90 days. These results significantly surpass the degradation rates of other degradable PUs reported in the literature. Regarding the degradation mechanism, our findings indicated that enzymatic degradation primarily targeted the ester groups of soft segments, with the process occurring layer‐by‐layer from exterior to interior. Additionally, microphase separation significantly influenced the degradation rate. Notably, both the BPUEs and their degradation byproduct solution were found to be nonbiotoxicity, highlighting their potential for safe application within biological systems. Furthermore, the BPUEs exhibited remarkable 3D printability, allowing for the precise fabrication of complex devices. These results mark a significant step forward in sustainable materials, providing viable options for the applications of customizing degradable biomedical devices.
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Biodegradable Polyurethane Derived from Hydroxylated Polylactide with Superior Mechanical Properties
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Researchers synthesized biodegradable polyurethane using polylactide polyols derived from lactide, finding that increasing the polylactide content dramatically improved tensile stress (from 5 to 37 MPa), elongation, and toughness, while the resulting films fully degraded to CO2 and water within 6 months in soil.
Recent Developments in Synthesis, Properties, Applications and Recycling of Bio-Based Elastomers
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This review covers recent advances in creating elastomers (flexible rubber-like materials) from renewable biological sources instead of petroleum, including natural rubber, plant oils, and bio-based polyurethanes. Current elastomers are mostly non-recyclable thermosets that take centuries to decompose, contributing to microplastic formation as they slowly fragment. Developing bio-based, recyclable alternatives could help reduce the long-term generation of microplastic pollution from rubber and flexible plastic products.
Renewable and Biodegradable Polyurethane Foams with Aliphatic Diisocyanates
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Researchers developed high-performance polyurethane foams using renewable aliphatic diisocyanates and bio-based furan dicarboxylic acid polyols, demonstrating that the resulting materials meet commercial performance tolerances and can biodegrade under backyard compost conditions, offering a viable path toward fully renewable polyurethane production.
Rapid biodegradation of renewable polyurethane foams with identification of associated microorganisms and decomposition products
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Researchers formulated biodegradable polyurethane foams from algae-derived polyols that meet commercial footwear standards and lost up to 71% of their mass in soil within 12 weeks. Isolated microorganisms capable of using polyurethane as a sole carbon source were identified as key drivers of breakdown.
Integrating additive manufacturing with biodegradable polymers for sustainable biomedical engineering: a state-of-the-art review
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Scientists are combining 3D printing with plant-based, biodegradable plastics to create medical devices and implants that break down safely in the body instead of persisting like traditional plastics — which matters since we're increasingly worried about microplastics building up in our bodies and environment. This review of 162 studies found these eco-friendly materials aren't just greener (cutting climate impact by up to 80% compared to conventional plastics), they can also be engineered to be just as strong, with some fully breaking down in as little as 7-18 weeks. While promising, the research is still evolving, and experts say more testing and standardized rules are needed before these materials
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