Catalyst-Free Mass Polymerization and Characterization of Bio-Polyhydroxhyurethanes Based on Resorcinol Bis(Cyclocarbonate)

In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of non-isocyanate polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) derived from resorcinol bis(cyclocarbonate) (RCC). The PHUs were obtained through polyaddition between RCC and two aliphatic diamines, namely isophoronediamine and Priamine 1075 (a commercial vegetal based diamine), selected due their eco-friendliness, under mild conditions, without the use of toxic isocyanates and catalysts. The resulting materials were characterized by FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, GPC, DSC, and TGA to evaluate their chemical structure, molecular weight distribution, and thermal properties. Then, the processability of the synthesized PHUs was assessed and further functional characterizations, such as mechanical and viscoelastic properties, swelling and water contact angle tests, were performed. Finally, the RCC based PHUs were tested as potential adhesives for aluminium, polymer composite, and wood substrates. All the results highlight that RCC based PHUs are promising sustainable alternatives to fossil-based polyurethanes. © 2026 The Author(s). Macromolecular Materials and Engineering published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.