Recent advances in waterborne polyurethanes and their nanoparticle-containing dispersions

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) dispersions are unique materials that offer tunable properties with their versatile chemistry and zero or low volatile organic content (VOC). As a result of immensely growing environmental concerns and regulations, WPU dispersions have drawn significant attention in the coatings and adhesives industries due to their high performance, cost effectiveness and environmentally friendliness. In parallel with recent developments in nanotechnology especially in the last two decades, the incorporation of various nanoparticles into WPU dispersions have enabled the obtainment nanocomposite coatings with improved properties or new functions for emerging coating applications. This chapter focuses chemistry and synthesis of WPU dispersions with a focus on recent advances in the development and emerging coating applications of nanoparticle-containing WPU dispersions.