Structure‐property relationships of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) in aqueous formulations

Abstract This study provides an overview of the rheological properties of aqueous polyurethanes (WPU), as the main component, or as a thickening additive in aqueous formulations. Waterborne polyurethanes (WPU) have been proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional solvent‐based solutions in a variety of industrial applications such as coatings, adhesives, inks. In all these fields, the control of rheological properties became an important prerogative to determine the quality of the dispersion and its potential applicability. First, the effect of parameters such as components, particle size and content, temperature, and interactions on dispersion viscosity was reported. Then, the effect of two additives, i.e. thickeners and nanomaterials, on structure–property relationships of WPU‐base systems, was described. Thickeners are rheological modifiers, commonly used to stabilize the dispersion and prevent flocculation and sedimentation of the particles, or to change the flow behavior of dispersions from Newtonian to pseudoplastic. These species can interact with water and polymer particles to create a network structure that alters the flow resistance, and thus viscosity. The use of hyperbranched aqueous polyurethane as thickening agent in WPU formulations was also presented. On the other hand, nanostructured fillers (0D/1D/2D) or a combination thereof in waterborne polyurethane led to the formation of specific microstructures that prevented the penetration of water, oxygen, and corrosive substances, also improved mechanical and thermal properties, allowing the development of high‐performance WPU‐based products.