Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a foamed material, wherein a composition in the form of emulsion with a matrix-forming component, a surfactant component and a near-critical or supercritical blowing agent component is submitted to a lowering of pressure. The blowing agent component further comprises a hydrophobic co-component, which is soluble in supercritical CO2 at a pressure of ?150 bar, is insoluble in subcritical CO2 at a pressure of ?40 bar and is insoluble in the matrix-forming component and furthermore is present in a proportion from ?3 wt % to ?35 wt % of the blowing agent component. It further relates to a composition in the form of emulsion to be used herein and a foamed material obtainable by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a foamed material, wherein a composition in the form of emulsion with a matrix-forming component, a surfactant component and a near-critical or supercritical blowing agent component is submitted to a lowering of pressure. The blowing agent component further comprises a hydrophobic co-component, which is soluble in supercritical CO2 at a pressure of ?150 bar, is insoluble in subcritical CO2 at a pressure of ?40 bar and is insoluble in the matrix-forming component and furthermore is present in a proportion from ?3 wt % to ?35 wt % of the blowing agent component. It further relates to a composition in the form of emulsion to be used herein and a foamed material obtainable by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam is obtainable from the reaction of a mixture comprising A) an isocyanate-reactive compound; B) a blowing agent selected from the group comprising linear, branched or cyclic C1-C6 hydrocarbons, linear, branched or cyclic C1-C6 (hydro)fluorocarbons, N2, O2, argon and/or CO2, wherein said blowing agent B) is in the supercritical or near-critical state; and C) a polyisocyanate. The isocyanate-reactive compound A) comprises a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion and has an average hydroxyl functionality of more than 1. The hydrophobic portion comprises a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbonaceous chain having 6 or more carbon atoms and the hydrophilic portion comprises alkylene oxide units and/or ester units. Component A) is very preferably a sorbutan ester of the formula (II): where w+x+y+z=20.