Soybean-Based Polyol as a Substitute of Fossil-Based Polyol on the Synthesis of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes: The Effect of Its Content on Morphological and Physicochemical Properties

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are remarkably versatile polymers due to the wide range of raw materials available for their synthesis, resulting in physicochemical characteristics that can be tailored according to the specific requirements of their final applications. In this study, a renewable bio-based polyol obtained from soybean oil is used for the synthesis of TPU via reactive extrusion, and the influence of the bio-based polyol on the multi-phase structure and properties of the TPU is studied. As raw materials, 4,4′-diphenylmethane (MDI), 1,4-butanediol, a fossil-based polyester polyol, and a bio-based polyol are used. The fossil-based to soybean-based polyol ratios studied are 100/0, 99/1, 95/5, 90/10, 80/20, and 50/50% by weight, respectively. The TPUs were characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), gel content analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and contact angle measurements. The results reveal that incorporating the renewable polyol enhances the compatibility between the rigid and flexible segments of the TPU. However, due to its high functionality, the addition of soybean-based polyol can promote cross-linking. This phenomenon reduces the density of hydrogen bonds within the material, also reducing polarity and restricting macromolecular mobility, as corroborated by higher glass transition temperature (T(g)) values. Remarkably, the addition of small amounts of the bio-based polyol (up to 5 wt.% of the total polyol content) results in high-molecular-weight TPUs with lower polarity, combined with suitable processability and mechanical properties, thus broadening the range of applications and improving their sustainability.