Curcumin based polyurethane materials and their functional applications: a review

Bio-based polyurethanes are novel material with potential advantages for sustainable development, and their development play significant roles in promoting sustainability. Curcumin, a natural monomer, possesses high biological activity and features a symmetrical chemical structure with various functional groups such as phenolic hydroxyl, carbonyl and benzene ring. The presence of hydroxyl groups in the structure of curcumin provides essential conditions for its involvement in polyurethane synthesis. This review article provides an overview of the applications of curcumin as a chain extender, crosslinking agent and end-capper in polyurethanes, as well as its effects on the chemical structure, mechanical properties, and chemical stability of polyurethanes. Furthermore, the functional applications of curcumin-based polyurethanes in various fields such as medicine, food packaging, and coatings are discussed. Finally, considering the current research status and inherent properties of curcumin, the future prospects of curcumin-based polyurethanes are contemplated.