Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a rigid polyisocyanurate foam involving reacting at an isocyanate index of from about 175 to about 400, a polyisocyanate with at least one natural-oil polyol containing at least about 35 wt. %, based on the weight of the polyol, of natural oil, having a hydroxyl number from about 175 to about 375 and a hydroxyl functionality of about 2.0 to about 2.8, in the presence of a blowing agent and optionally, in the presence of one or more of surfactants, flame retardants, pigments, catalysts and fillers, wherein the resulting foam has a renewable biobased content of at least 8% by weight. The foams provided by the inventive process possess properties similar to foams produced from petroleum-derived materials and may find use in wall or roof insulation systems. The high biobased content (>8%) may allow wall or roof insulation systems containing these foams to be considered for the U.S. Government's preferred procurement program.

Abstract: Rigid closed-cell polyurethane foams with low k-factors are produced by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an amine-based polyether polyol and a polyester polyol in the presence of a catalyst and a hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent, preferably, HFC-245fa. It is preferred that no water be added to the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a rigid polyisocyanurate foam involving reacting at an isocyanate index of from about 175 to about 400, a polyisocyanate with at least one natural-oil polyol containing at least about 35 wt. %, based on the weight of the polyol, of natural oil, having a hydroxyl number from about 175 to about 375 and a hydroxyl functionality of about 2.0 to about 2.8, in the presence of a blowing agent and optionally, in the presence of one or more of surfactants, flame retardants, pigments, catalysts and fillers, wherein the resulting foam has a renewable biobased content of at least 8% by weight. The foams provided by the inventive process possess properties similar to foams produced from petroleum-derived materials and may find use in wall or roof insulation systems. The high biobased content (>8%) may allow wall or roof insulation systems containing these foams to be considered for the U.S. Government's preferred procurement program.

Abstract: A rigid polyurethane foam having lose density without an increased k-factor can be produced by adding small amounts of butyl alcohol to a polyurethane composition containing an isocyanate, at least one polyol, a catalyst and a gaseous blowing agent.

Abstract: Rigid closed-cell polyurethane foams with low k-factors are produced by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an amine-based polyether polyol and a polyester polyol in the presence of a catalyst and a hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent, preferably, HFC-245fa. It is preferred that no water be added to the reaction mixture.

Abstract: In the process of the present invention, an organic polyisocyanate is reacted with a sorbitol-based polyether polyol having a number average molecular weight of from about 400 to about 1500, in the presence of a pentafluoropropane blowing agent, and a catalyst.

Abstract: In the process of the present invention, an organic polyisocyanate is reacted with a sorbitol-based polyether polyol having a number average molecular weight of from about 400 to about 1500, in the presence of a pentafluoropropane blowing agent, and a catalyst.

Abstract: Rigid foams having improved insulation properties are made by reacting a polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing agent mixture composed of from about 5 to about 50 parts by weight of HFC-134a and from about 50 to about 95 parts by weight of HFC-245fa.

Abstract: Rigid foams having good insulation properties are made by reacting a polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing agent mixture composed of from about 1 to 70% by weight of a low boiling hydrogen containing chlorofluorocarbon, such as chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22) and from 30 to 99% by weight of a C2-C5 polyfluoroalkane, such as 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa).

Abstract: A rigid polyurethane foam having lose density without an increased k-factor can be produced by adding small amounts of butyl alcohol to a polyurethane composition containing an isocyanate, at least one polyol, a catalyst and a gaseous blowing agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of an isotropic rigid foam comprising the step of reacting: (A) an organic polyisocyanate component selected from the group consisting of: (1) a polymethylene poly(phenylisocyanate) and (2) an NCO-terminated prepolymer, and comprising the reaction product of: (a) a polyester comprising the reaction product of (i) pure ortho-phthalic acid or phthalic anhydride and (ii) a glycol and (b) a polymethylene poly(phenylisocyanate); with (B) an isocyanate-reactive component comprising: (1) a liquid OH-terminated prepolymer having a viscosity of more than about 100,000 mPa·s at 25° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of an isotropic rigid foam comprising the step of reacting: (A) an organic polyisocyanate component selected from the group consisting of: (1) a polymethylene poly(phenylisocyanate) and (2) an NCO-terminated prepolymer, and comprising the reaction product of: (a) a polyester comprising the reaction product of (i) pure ortho-phthalic acid or phthalic anhydride and (ii) a glycol and (b) a polymethylene poly(phenylisocyanate); with (B) an isocyanate-reactive component comprising: (1) a liquid OH-terminated prepolymer having a viscosity of more than about 100,000 mPa.s at 25° C.

Abstract: A co-initiated polyether polyol is produced by suspending a solid polyhydroxyl compound in an amine-initiated polyol, heating the suspension and alkoxylating the heated suspension. These co-initiated polyether polyols are particularly useful for the production of polyurethanes.

Abstract: A co-initiated polyether polyol is produced by suspending a solid polyhydroxyl compound in an amine-initiated polyol, heating the suspension and alkoxylating the heated suspension. These co-initiated polyether polyols are particularly useful for the production of polyurethanes.

Abstract: A conveyor switch for a conveyor track comprising a tubular linear induction motor as the switch drive. A switch tongue is adapted to be pivoted between first and second positions on the conveyor track and has a driving arm extending from one end thereof. The switch drive is operatively connected to the driving arm for driving the switch tongue, wherein the switch tongue is adapted to direct a moving conveyor component between first and second paths of travel on the conveyor track. Various means are provided to account for the linear movement of the switch drive in relation to the arcuate movement of the switch tongue. The switch assembly is especially adapted for switches in power and free conveyor systems.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane foams are produced by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with a sucrose-based polyether polyol in the presence of a catalyst and a blowing agent selected from hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbons, hydrogen-containing fluorocarbons, hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof. These foams are characterized by good demold and insulation properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the discovery that a specific combination of HCFC-141b, certain perfluorinated compounds and carbon black significantly improve the insulating capacity of isocyanate-based foams when compared to foams made without all three ingredients.