Aliphatic isocyanurates and polyisocyanurate networks

P.J. Driest*, V. Lenzi, L.S.A. Marques, M.M.D. Ramos, D.J. Dijkstra, F.U. Richter, D. Stamatialis, D.W. Grijpma

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)
166 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The production, processing, and application of aliphatic isocyanate (NCO)-based thermosets such as polyurethane coatings and adhesives are generally limited by the surprisingly high viscosity of tri-functionality and higher-functionality isocyanurates. These compounds are essential crosslinking additives for network formation. However, the mechanism by which these high viscosities are caused is not yet understood. In this work, model aliphatic isocyanurates were synthesized and isolated in high purity (>99%), and their viscosities were accurately determined. It was shown that the presence of the NCO group has a strong influence on the viscosity of the system. From density functional theory calculations, a novel and significant bimolecular binding potential of −8.7 kJ/mol was identified between NCO groups and isocyanurate rings, confirming the important role of the NCO group. This NCO-to-ring interaction was proposed to be the root cause for the high viscosities observed for NCO-functional isocyanurate systems. Molecular dynamics simulations carried out to further confirm this influence also suggest that the NCO-to-ring interaction causes a significant additional contribution to viscosity. Finally, model functional isocyanurates were further reacted into densely crosslinked polyisocyanurate networks which showed interesting material properties.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1299-1304
Number of pages6
JournalPolymers for advanced technologies
Volume28
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2017

Keywords

  • Density functional calculations
  • Isocyanates
  • Isocyanurates
  • Network formation
  • Viscosity

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