Toward isocyanate alternatives for polyurethanes

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Isocyanates are used in the production of paints and coatings to create weather-resistant surfaces. They are also used to make building materials (for example, Styrofoam, flexible foams, adhesives, elastomers, and binders) and in the production of manufactured goods (for example, bedding, furniture, clothing, appliances, electronics, tires, and packaging). These isocyanates are the required building blocks used in this wide range of applications including polyurethane polymer production, flexible and rigid foam manufacturing, and high performance coatings. The global market for isocyanates is enormous - according to a study by Markets and Markets, "the isocyanate market is expected to grow with a healthy pace over the next five years to reach $38,729 million/year". There are, however, well-recognized health and safety concerns with handling isocyanates which could potentially be alleviated with an in-situ isocyanate technology. This proposal aims to combine the expertise of Beauchemin on (in-situ) nitrogen-substituted isocyanates with the knowledge of isocyanate industrial appications and product development expertise of Chiu, Léger and colleagues at Grafoid. This research will be used to improve reactivity and acquire proof of concept results thus addressing an exciting new product opportunity.