Development of novel dual functional polyurethane: Antimicrobial and thermal energy storage by phase change material

Abstract In this study, we aim to develop a novel polyurethane (PUR) with phase changeability and antimicrobial properties for human health‐friendly thermal energy storage applications. The study consists of three steps. First, PUR prepolymer backbone was synthesized by conventional step‐growth polymerization. Second, phase change materials (PCMs) were integrated into the PUR backbone by reaction between free NCO of prepolymer and free OH and COOH of PCMs. At last, antimicrobial properties were integrated by turning nitrogen in urethane to a quaternary state by integration of iodopropane (IP) into a PUR backbone. The chemical structure was determined by FTIR. Thermal properties were determined by DSC and TGA. Antimicrobial properties were determined by the Agar well diffusion method (AWM). FTIR showed that the intended reactions were successful. PCM properties were determined by DSC. Iodopropane had no impact on phase change properties. However, DSC measurements determined the phase change enthalpy to be 28.28 J/g for the heating process and 26.12 J/g for the freezing process. AWM results showed that the prepared PUR system has antimicrobial properties. Highlights Novel PUR was developed with dual functionality. PUR shows thermal storage properties due to PCM integration. PUR shows antimicrobial and bacteriostatic properties after IP addition.