Effects of Polyol Types on Underwater Curing Properties of Polyurethane

This study aims to develop castable polyurethane suitable for applications on wet substrates or underwater construction. Polyurethanes were synthesized using various polyols with similar hydroxyl values, including poly(tetrahydrofuran) polyol, polyester polyol, castor oil-modified polyol, soybean oil-modified polyol, and cashew nut shell oil-modified polyol. The corresponding polyurethane curing products were evaluated for their underwater curing characteristics by volume expansion ratios and adhesion strength on dry and wet substrates, combined with analyses of reaction exothermic behavior, wetting properties on dry and wet substrates, interfacial tension, and microstructure characterization from the perspectives of reaction activity and water solubility. The results indicate that polyols with higher hydrophobicity and reactivity to isocyanates lead to reduced side reactions during underwater curing, making them more suitable for underwater applications. Soybean oil-based and cashew nut shell oil-based polyurethanes exhibited fast curing (gel times of 1.15 and 1.35 min, respectively), minimal volume change (within 2.5% after 7 days underwater), and strong wet adhesion (1.95 MPa and 2.38 MPa with minimal loss, respectively). The two polyols showed different mechanical properties, providing tailored options for specific underwater engineering applications.