Studies on synthesis and characterization of waterborne polyurethane from epigallocatechin-3-gallate

A novel waterborne polyurethane (PU), based on (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that contains phenolic hydroxyl group, was successfully synthesized and characterized. The structural study of PU based on EGCG through FT-IR confirmed the incorporation of EGCG into the chain of PU. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the introduction of EGCG changed the crystallization behavior of the pure waterborne PU. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicated that the PU samples exhibited improved thermal decomposition temperature. The degree of phase segregation of modified PU was confirmed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The physical and biodegradable properties of modified PU indicated a comprehensive performance.