In response to evolving European regulations on hazardous chemicals, this work investigates the substitution of a polyurethane (PU) solution in dimethylformamide (DMF), a solvent classified as CMR.
This polymer is used as films for textile personalization. These films are bonded to garments using adhesives and the study focuses on understanding the adhesion mechanisms at the PU/adhesive interface. Several hypotheses are explored : macromolecular diffusion, physico-chemical interactions, and mechanical anchoring. The formation of a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) via post-crosslinking - currently the only viable method to modify the macromolecular organization of commercial polymers - enables the simultaneous optimization of adhesion and hydrophobicity in PU films. Mechanical analyses and surface investigation reveal that surface roughness is a key factor, supporting the mechanical anchoring hypothesis.
The proposed alternatives are validated under industrial conditions. A life cycle assessment compares the standard and new systems, highlighting the environmental and health benefits of the substitution.
