Biodegradable waterborne polyurethane‐urea dispersion adhesives with high biocontent

Abstract Non‐biodegradable petroleum‐based plastic wastes have become a leading environmental concern, and new efforts are underway to prepare biobased and biodegradable replacements. We have explored the preparation of adhesives suitable for use in consumer products, and here we report the development of waterborne, biodegradable adhesives from biobased monomers resulting in adhesives exceeding 70% biocontent. Using water as the polymer medium, viscosity challenges and the use of volatile organic solvents are avoided. Material properties of the polyurethane dispersions, resulting films, and laminates produced showed Mw ranging between 56,000 and 124,000. Lastly, the biodegradability of films and laminates was evaluated. The resulting metrics indicate that the adhesives produced meet the desired mechanical and biodegradability targets, indicating that high renewability content solvent‐free polyurethane dispersions are a viable solution for lamination adhesives.