Synthesis of polyurethanes and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks from oligosaccharides

Authors: Biswas, Atanu; Cheng, Hsiaopo; Appell, Michael; Chisholm, Bret; FURTADO, ROSELAYNE - Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry; SOCORRO BASTOS, MARIA - Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry; ALVES, CARLUCIO - Universidade Estadual Do Ceara

Submitted to: Journal of Polymer Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/24/2025
Publication Date: 7/16/2025
Citation: Biswas, A., Cheng, H., Appell, M., Chisholm, B., Furtado, R.F., Socorro Bastos, M., Alves, C.R. 2025. Synthesis of polyurethanes and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks from oligosaccharides. Journal of Polymer Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.20250121.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.20250121

Interpretive Summary: Polyurethanes are a type of polymer or plastic used for a wide range of applications, such as foams (e.g., insulation), adhesives, and coatings. The global polyurethane market is approximately $90 billion with anticipated annual growth of 4.5%. To help meet this growing demand, ARS researchers in Peoria, Illinois, developed new technology to produce polyurethanes from the sugars, raffinose and melezitose, found in certain plants. The production of these novel polyurethanes only requires a few simple starting materials and some heat. These polyurethanes can also be blended with other polymers to produce unique materials for specialized applications like drug delivery and biomedical devices. This new technology will benefit farmers through market diversification of agricultural sugars and provide recyclable alternatives to traditional plastic.

Technical Abstract: Oligosaccharides occur naturally in many foods and can also be sourced from industrial solid waste. To enhance their value, two oligosaccharides, raffinose and melezitose, have been reacted with toluene diisocyanate (TDI) to produce polyurethanes. The resulting products vary in form—liquid, gel, or solid gel—depending on the stoichiometric ratio of the starting materials. Both conventional and microwave heating have been employed in the synthesis, with microwave heating proving effective in reducing reaction time compared to conventional heating. The resulting polymers have been characterized using 13C NMR, FT-IR, TGA, and DSC to confirm their structural and thermal properties. Additionally, the feasibility of incorporating a second polymer into the oligosaccharide-based polyurethane, thereby creating a semi-interpenetrating polymer network, has been demonstrated. Examples include the successful embedding of poly(lactic acid) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) within the polyurethane matrix. The newly developed materials reported in this work may be used as bioplastics and potential replacements for petroleum-based materials.