Green Polyurethane By Heather Bradshaw

Introduction Hybrid Coating Technologies is a company based out of California that has created a new product called Green Polyurethane (PU). It is more environmentally friendly because it is a plant based product that uses renewable resources. This new Green Polyurethane completely eliminates isocyanates which have proven to be harmful to humans and other wildlife. Isocyanates are used in current polyurethane and are confirmed to be hazardous when burned. Green Polyurethane can be used indoors and outdoors on all different types of surfaces.

Background Hybrid Coating Technologies (HCT) won the “Presidential Chemistry Challenge Award” which was given by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There were a total of six different companies entered to win this award (EPA Honors Winners, 2015). Their mission is to “Improve the quality and safety of coatings and paint for industrial and commercial customers around the world” (Industrial Floor Coatings, 2010). Green Polyurethane does not contain any isocyanates (2015 Designing Greener Chemical Awards). Isocyanates are compounds that are found in regular polyurethane that contain –NCO. This kind of group, known as isocyanates, react with different compounds that contain alcohol and they produce polyurethane polymers. And it is these polymers that are found in foams and paints (Safety and Health Topics).

There are different health issues that can be caused from isocyanates such as: (Safety and Health Topics) Irritation of the skin & mucous membranes Chest tightness Difficulty breathing Green Polyurethane can be used on the following surfaces: (Safety and Health Topics) Industrial & commercial buildings Private & public garages Chemical plants Food & beverage processing facilities Medical & pharmaceutical clean room Warehouses Military equipment Protective coatings inside pipes

Green Chemistry Connections Design less hazardous chemical syntheses: Design syntheses to use and generate substances with little or no toxicity to either humans or the environment. Design safer chemicals and products: Design chemical products that are fully effective yet have little or no toxicity.

Organic Chemistry Connections Hybrid Coating Technologies has discovered a new method for creating a polyurethane that is free of isocyanates. They recognized that the traditional way polyurethane was made was bad for the environment and needed to be reimagined. They decided that when creating a greener polyurethane it needed to be free of isocyanates. In order to understand how to make this possible required a deep understanding of organic chemistry.

Action Project Description I chose to interview a company that won a Green Chemistry Award. I was in intrigued by their ability to create a product that is good for the environment, peoples health and can be applied to so many things we use every day. The company I chose was Hybrid Coating Technologies because I wanted to learn more about their new Green Polyurethane product. My Dad used regular polyurethane as a child and I remember the awful smell and also, research has showed regular polyurethane has connections with respiratory conditions such as asthma. I have asthma so that was another connection I made with this product and company.

What I learned from the interview There is no longer a need to stop production or shut down companies due to zero isocyanates All waste & residual material that they apply is non-hazardous and can be disposed of as common waste Green PU is 2 times more durable than conventional coatings Green PU has 30% greater adhesion than conventional coatings Green PU is 28 times less porous than conventional coatings (which provides better durability and resistance to chemical erosion) Green PU is self-priming, high gloss, can be applied in one layer and does not shrink since it is 100% solids For high traffic load areas you can add quartz or sand to improve wear and provide extra durability and slip resistance

Summary In conclusion, Hybrid Coating Technologies created a new product called Green Polyurethane and it has proven to be safer and more environmentally friendly compared to the current polyurethane sold in stores. The product completely eliminates isocyanates from the process resulting in a decrease in respiratory illness. It is used in homes, businesses, medical rooms, and food and beverage areas. This product is more durable and cost effective to consumers so it is a safer option than current polyurethane that is used around the world today. From my current research, I would love to use this product in my own home and would highly recommend it to other family members and friends.

References EPA Honors Winners of the 20th Annual Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards/Innovative technologies tackle climate change, water, and chemical issues. (2015, July 16). Retrieved October 28, 2015, from Green Polyurethane (2010). (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2015, from Hybrid Wins EPA’s Prestigious 20th Annual Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. (2015, July 14). Retrieved November 2, 2015, from Industrial Floor Coatings, Non Toxic Polyurethane, Industrial Coating, Commercial Floor Coatings, Hybrid Coating Technilogies. (2010). Retrieved October 27, 2015 from Safety and Health Topics | Isocyanates. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2015, from Designing Greener Chemicals Award. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2015, from Photo permission granted by Darin Nellis the Director of Sales & Marketing at Hybrid Coating Technologies.