5. Conclusion

Isocyanate-free polyurethanes are a promising new generation of polyurethanes. They have met with strong and growing interest in recent years, but to date, the number of publications looking at the use of NIPUs in woodworking is still limited.

This article begins by presenting the state of the art in the synthesis of PUs, as well as their classification according to the properties obtained. This first part highlighted the various advantages of PUs. The limitations of these polymers, in particular the toxicity of isocyanates, were also discussed. Indeed, the negative impact of isocyanates on health is leading manufacturers and academic laboratories to develop new approaches, such as the synthesis of isocyanate-free PUs (NIPUs). Particular interest is being shown in biosourced molecules, in order to produce PUs with a more favorable environmental impact.