5. 10. 2026
Functional Polyurethane Polymers Bring New Possibilities for Enhancing Industrial Safety
How to develop polymeric materials that can contribute to a safer working environment? This was the exact focus of the sub-project “Functional Polyurethane Polymers,” which aimed to develop materials with flame-retardant, antistatic, and other functional properties. The main principal investigator of the project was Centrum organické chemie s.r.o.
The research concentrated on the design and optimization of polyurethane synthesis suitable for the preparation of nanofibrous materials and aqueous dispersions. The developed materials have the potential to find application, for example, in the production of protective workwear, industrial textiles, filtration membranes, or surface treatments where enhanced safety and functional properties are required.
One of the project’s results is flame-retardant nanofibers designed for filtration membranes and filters. These can be utilized in facilities with an increased risk of fire, even in applications where the temperature of the filtered air reaches up to 150 °C.
Another area of research was the development of functionalized coating compounds for workwear and industrial textiles. These compounds combine flame-retardant properties—without the use of halogenated flame retardants—with the ability to dissipate electrostatic charges while simultaneously resisting water penetration. Thus, they can contribute to the development of materials that provide protection against multiple types of hazards simultaneously.
Attention was also devoted to conductive thermoplastics modified with carbon nanotubes. These materials enable efficient electrostatic charge dissipation, which is particularly important in environments where the generation of an electrostatic discharge could pose a safety risk.
The project also resulted in antistatic coatings with thermal or UV curing options. Thanks to the low content of carbon nanotubes, it is also possible to prepare partially transparent surface layers, which can expand the application possibilities of these materials in various industrial fields.
Thus, the “Functional Polyurethane Polymers” project has delivered new material systems and formulations that combine several required properties—ranging from flame retardancy and antistatic characteristics to water resistance. The research results expand the possibilities for utilizing functional polymeric materials in industrial operations and contribute to the development of safer textiles, plastic products, filtration materials, and surface treatments.
