Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) as sustainable feedstock for polyurethane production

A dream comes true: tailor-made polyethercarbonate polyols are synthesised from propylene oxide and CO sub(2). Molecular weight and functionality of these polyethercarbonate polyols are controlled by the use of an appropriate alcohol starter enabling innovative applications as a polymer building block. Interestingly, the properties of the polyethercarbonate polyols can be adjusted in a wide range by tuning CO sub(2) content and architecture. The feasibility of using such tailored polyethercarbonate polyols in the production of polyurethanes is demonstrated as a prime example for a novel CO sub(2) utilization with industrial potential.