Preparation and properties of polyurethane film with photothermal conversion and energy storage capability

• Published in: Pigment & resin technology Vol. 50; no. 5; pp. 444 - 452
• Main Authors: Bao, Lihong, Cao, Suyi, Tu, Lin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 22-09-2021; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Butanediol; Chemical synthesis; Copolymerization; Digital cameras; Dimethylformamide; Diphenyl methane diisocyanate; Dyes; Electromagnetic absorption; Energy storage; Ethanol; Fourier transforms; Heat; Isocyanates; Leather; Light; Mechanical properties; Molecular weight; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Photothermal conversion; Polyethylene glycol; Polymerization; Polyurethane resins; Prepolymers; Radiation; Room temperature; Scientific papers; Solar energy; Surface finishing; Trapping; China; Dye; Visible light; Phase change material; Polyurethane; Photothermal conversion; Energy storage
• ISSN: 0369-9420; 1758-6941
• DOI: 10.1108/PRT-12-2020-0120

Purpose
This paper aims to provide a flexible polyurethane (PU) film with visible light trapping ability, photothermal conversion and energy storage performance by covalently bonded a visible light absorbing dye into the polymer through copolymerization.
Design/methodology/approach
For this target solution copolymerization of diphenyl-methane-diisocyanate (MDI), poly(1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA2000), polyethylene glycol (PEG) of different molecular weight, self-made dye, 1,4-butanediol (BuOH) was carried out in a flame-dried flask under an inert nitrogen (N2) atmosphere. First, an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer of dried PEG, MDI and PBA2000 was prepared in dimethylformamide and stirred for 1 h at 35°C. Then, self-made dye and 1, 4-butanediol (BuOH) were added and heated at 85°C for 3 h to get photothermal conversion polyurethane (PTPU) solution. Allowed the solution to dry at room temperature for seven days and then at 65°C for 12 h to get PTPU films.
Findings
The flexible PU films with photothermal conversion and energy storage performances were successfully synthesized and the functional films presented both excellent energy storage and mechanical property when the molecular weight of PEG was in the range of 6,000∼10,000.
Research limitations/implications
The materials that were used in this research paper had a reasonably low cost. Also, the procedures for the synthesis of dye and polymers were extremely easy because there was no need for high pressure or temperature and no dangerous solvents were used.
Practical implications
The photothermal conversion property and mechanical performance of the synthesized flexible PU films were characterized. The results have proved that these films were soft and elastic, and have certain photothermal conversion and energy storage ability, thus can be used in the surface finishing of special fabric and leather.
Originality/value
Visible light trapping photothermal conversion PU flexible film with energy storage capability was prepared for the first time.