Novel bio-based polyurethane elastomers for adjustable room-temperature damping property

The distinctive viscoelastic behavior of elastomeres can be exploited for reducing vibrations and noise. However, the utility of conventional rubber-based elastomers is limited by low glass transition temperature (Tg) and narrow adjustable damping range, which constrain the room-temperature damping properties. Moreover, the majority of rubber-based elastomers are sourced from unsustainable petroleum-based resources. Therefore, designing bio-based materials with room-temperature high-damping properties to replace conventional rubber-based elastomers is crucial. Herein, a novel bio-based polyurethane (bio-PU) elastomer with an adjustable damping-temperature range and room-temperature high-damping properties is successfully synthesized from bio-based poly (trimethylene ether) glycol. The effects of molecular-chain structure on the thermal properties, mechanical properties, and adjustable damping-temperature range of the bio-PU elastomers, along with the mechanisms underlying these effects, are elucidated in detail. As the content of hard segment increasing, the Tg of bio-PU elastomers significantly increases from -13.0°C to 29.9°C, effectively encompassing the damping temperature range within the room-temperature working range. This promising strategy for formulating bio-based elastomers with adjustable damping-temperature range can advance the sustainable growth of the PU industry and broaden the scope of PU damping applications.