Abstract: It has been discovered that improved poured-in-place sandwich panels may be made which have a planar, rigid, cellular polyisocyanurate or polyurethane foam core, an interior facer on one side of the polyisocyanurate foam core and a metal skin on the other, opposite side of the polyisocyanurate foam core. Adhesion of the metal skin to the polyisocyanurate or polyurethane foam core is improved through the use of a primer layer, such as a polyurea or a polyepoxide. Preferably, glass fibers are provided in the polyisocyanurate or polyurethane foam core as reinforcement and as fire retardant.

Abstract: A method for preparing aromatic polyols useful for the production of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate polymers involves digesting scrap polyalkylene terephthalate polymers with a digesting agent, typically a low molecular weight polyol. The digestion product is then treated with an alkylene oxide to produce a low viscosity polyol which displays excellent stability over long term storage.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams are prepared by reacting an excess of an organic polyisocyanate with an etherified modified aromatic polyol. The etherified modified aromatic polyol is prepared by digesting scrap polyalkylene terephthalate polymers with a low molecular weight polyol. The digested polyol is reacted with a low molecular weight polyhydroxy compound containing from about 3 to about 8 hydroxyl groups to form an intermediate product which is alkoxylated with 1 to 4 mols of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide to produce a low viscosity etherified modified aromatic polyol which displays excellent stability over long term storage. The etherified modified aromatic polyol is useful in the manufacture of good quality polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams having improved properties.