Synthesis and performance of a new UV-curable non-isocyanate polyurethane coating derived from CO2-based polycarbonate macrodiol

A series of CO 2 -based polycarbonate methacrylates (PPC(P)MAs) were synthesized in one step from CO 2 -based polycarbonate macrodiols (PPC(P)DLs) and methacrylic anhydride. These PPC(P)MAs were formulated with hydroxy urethane methacrylate (HUMA) prepolymer, reactive diluent and photoinitiator to produce a series of CO 2 -based non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) UV-curable coatings. The resulting coatings exhibited excellent curing performance, with gel contents exceeding 94%, and 5% mass loss thermal decomposition temperature up to 286℃. When applied to polycarbonate (PC) substrates, all coatings displayed outstanding luminous transmittance (∼90%), adhesion (5B) and flexibility (1 mm). Notably, the coating prepared from PPCPMA achieved a pencil hardness of 4H. Furthermore, formulations incorporating TMPTA showed remarkable long-term water resistance, maintaining their appearance and adhesion unchanged after immersion in 60℃ water for ten days. This work provides not only a high-performance protective solution for PC-based components but also a viable green synthesis route for sustainable coatings.