Abstract: A rigid shrink stable polyurethane foam having a K factor value below 0.22 and having substantially all closed cells is prepared from a reaction product of an arylene polyisocyanate and an addition product of an alkylene oxide having at least three carbon atoms and a polyol having at least four hydroxy groups using a chlorofluoro-lower alkane blowing agent.

Abstract: A waste stream of nonvolatiles is recovered (NVR) as a by-product from the oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol in the process for making adipic acid. The NVR is partially dehydrated, and then reacted with an esterifying polyol to form a polyester polyol product which is useful in producing polyurethane foams. A particularly useful end-product is a rigid polyurethane foam having good cell structure and a density of at least 2.0 lb./cu. ft.

Abstract: A waste stream of non-volatiles is recovered (NVR) as a by-product from the oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone and chlohexanol in the process for making adipic acid. The NVR is dehydrated, and then reacted with an esterifying polyol to form a polyester polyol which was found to be useful in the dispersion of vinyl resins. Those polyester polyols with low acid numbers of less than 10, and ,referably less than 2, were found to be most effective as vinyl dispersion plasticizers. A particularly useful end-product is a tough vinyl resin film having a Shore A hardness of approximately 55. End-products may also be used in wire coatings and coverings.