Abstract: A polyurethane dispersion containing the reaction product of a polyurethane prepolymer and water are shear, shelf, temperature, pH and electrolyte stable. The amount of the reaction product in the dispersion may be as high as 60 weight percent. The prepolymer may be the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a hydrophilic alkylene oxide polyol or polyamine having a molecular weight of between 800 and 1,500 and an active-hydrogen containing material, such as a polyol, and optionally, a surfactant. The hydrophilic alkylene oxide polyol or polyamine is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the interfacial tension of the prepolymer to less than or equal to 10 dynes/cm. The amount of ethylene oxide in the prepolymer is between from about 0.5 to about 5.5 weight percent. The water solubility of the high molecular weight active-hydrogen containing material is typically less than about 10.0 g per 100 g of water.

Abstract: The present invention is a polyurethane backed carpet having a backing prepared by application of an aqueous dispersion of a polyurethane or a polyurethane-forming material to the back of a carpet substrate. The present invention can eliminate the need to prepare a polyurethane backing from its monomeric components at the carpet manufacturing site. The polyurethane backed carpet of the present invention can be efficiently prepared by a continuous process.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyurethane film comprising two steps is disclosed. The first step comprises preparing a nonionic prepolymer formulation, the prepolymer formulation comprising a diisocyanate, an active hydrogen containing material, and a monol. The second step comprises preparing an aqueous dispersion of the prepolymer, in the presence of a surfactant. Both steps occur in the substantial absence of an organic solvent. Also disclosed is a polyurethane film and an aqueous dispersion useful for preparing such films. The present invention has the advantage of having increased shear stability. The dispersions of the present invention do not settle or coagulate prematurely. Moreover, the films of the present invention do not include the dermal irritants which occur in natural rubber latex. The films and dispersions of the present invention are thus suitable for use in applications such as, for example, medical applications.

Abstract: A polyurethane film is disclosed, wherein the film is prepared from a polyurethane dispersion, the dispersion being prepared from a non-ionic polyurethane prepolymer, and the prepolymer being prepared from a polyurethane prepolymer formulation including a diisocyanate and an active hydrogen containing material. The dispersion is formed in a two or more step process wherein, in a first step the prepolymer is formed and, in a subsequent step, an aqueous dispersion of the prepolymer is formed, in the presence of an anionic surfactant, both steps occurring in the substantial absence of an organic solvent. A process for preparing the film and a dispersion useful in making the film are also disclosed. The present invention substantially avoids many of the handling concerns with the dispersions and films of the prior art. Moreover, the present invention is suitable for use in applications such as, for example, medical applications, including gloves, condoms, medical bags, and catheters.

Abstract: A process for preparing an anti-static film comprising incorporating a conductivity inducing material into a polymeric film. The conductivity inducing material is a non-volatile metal salt. The polymeric film is selected from polyurethane, polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber, polyisoprene, hydrogenated block copolymers, styrene-isoprene-styrene/styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene latexes, and natural rubber latex. Anti-static films and gloves prepared from such process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aqueous polyurethane dispersions and films prepared therefrom are prepared from a nonionic polyurethane prepolymer and water. The nonionic polyurethane prepolymer is prepared from a diisocyanate and a low monol polyether polyol. Such dispersions and films have applicability in gloves, condoms, angioplasy balloons and the like.