Redefining Construction: An In-Depth Review of Sustainable Polyurethane Applications

The construction sector is a prominent resource-intensive industry on a global scale, contributing significantly to environmental challenges through material production and construction operations. Selecting sustainable and energy-efficient building materials is crucial, considering green sustainable construction. Over the past two decades, polyurethane (PU) technology has experienced remarkable progress and is emerging as a versatile alternative to traditional building materials, but concerns still arise due to the petrochemical origins of the PU feedstocks. This increasing demand for eco-friendly building materials has spurred significant advancements in the research, development, and utilization of bio-based polyurethane (BPU) within the construction industry. Responding to the global shift towards sustainable development, this study aims to systematically identify bio-based and sustainable sources of PU, analyse advancements in production processes, and evaluate their properties compared to conventional materials. The purpose of this study is addressed by conducting a literature review, wherein findings from a diverse range of current studies in the field are compiled and the specific application areas covered are PU foam, coating, sealants, concrete systems, adhesives and road construction. The results suggest that BPU present various possibilities, benefits, and challenges. The review underscores BPU as a sustainable alternative with comparable properties to traditional counterparts with insights into BPU market highlighting a promising future in construction. By highlighting potential challenges, this review emphasises avenues for new research. Providing a comprehensive analysis of BPU sources, performance, and applications in construction, it would serve as a valuable resource for researchers, aiding in identifying unexplored research areas, fostering industry collaborations, and recognizing the expanding scope of BPU in the field.