Abstract: The present invention provides polyurethane foams made from a polyisocyanate and a polyol component containing a polymer polyol (PMPO), a vegetable oil hydroxylate and an aliphatic polyhydroxy alcohol, and optionally a non-vegetable oil-based polyol. The vegetable oil hydroxylates are environmentally-friendly, bio-based polyols. The inclusion of low amounts of a polymer polyol unexpectedly results in a foam having significantly improved tear strength. The combination of polymer polyol and aliphatic polyhydroxy alcohol provides improved foam processing while maintaining or improving tear strength of the foam.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyurethane foams and elastomers made with an alkoxylated vegetable oil hydroxylate replacing at least a portion of the typically used petroleum-based polyol(s). Also provided are processes for making the inventive foams and elastomers and for making alkoxylated vegetable oil hydroxylates. The alkoxylated vegetable oil hydroxylates are environ mentally-friendly, bio-based polyols which advantageously also offer the potential of improved hydrophobicity in polyurethane foams and elastomers. The inventive polyurethane foams and elastomers may find use in a wide variety of products such as automobile interior parts, polyurethane structural foams, floor coatings and athletic running tracks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a flexible polyurethane foam achieving reduced flammability and maintaining durability is presented. These foams are prepared by reaction of a di- or polyisocyanate/polyisocyanurate blend with polyol component optionally in the presence of a catalyst, a blowing agent, additives and a cross-linking agent. The polyisocyanurate used in the blend is a novel composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides molded flexible polyurethane foams that exhibit high vibrational dampening, low resiliency and high durability. The inventive foams are produced with polyol components that are largely double metal cyanide (DMC) based. The inventive foams may be produced using any of the production processes employed in the high volume manufacture of polyurethane seating foam and are suitable for seating applications wherein attenuation of vibrational transmissions is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing ethylene oxide (EO)-capped polyols in which removal of catalyst residues or salts formed by the neutralization of the basic catalyst is not required prior to discharging the polyol from the reactor because neutralization occurs during or after the starter charge of a subsequent batch. The inventive processes allow for the preparation of DMC-catalyzed intermediates and their base-catalyzed EO caps within the same reactor. Polyols produced by the processes of the invention have a high content of primary hydroxyl groups and may be useful for producing polyurethane foams, elastomers, sealants, coatings, adhesives and the like.