Abstract: The present technology provides a method of manufacturing a polyurethane foam having a low thermal conductivity from a foam formulation comprising a polyol, an isocyanate, a polyurethane catalyst, a surfactant, water, and a siloxane rich composition. The siloxane rich composition may act as a nucleating agent to reduce the cell size of the foams and may reduce its thermal conductivity.

Abstract: The present technology provides a method of manufacturing a rigid polyurethane foam having a low thermal conductivity from a foam composition comprising a polyol, an isocyanate, a polyurethane catalyst, a surfactant, water, a modified phenolic resin, optionally a physical blowing agent, and optionally a fire retardant.

Abstract: The invention provides amine catalyst composition useful in producing a polyurethane foam, which catalyst comprises a material described by the general structure: wherein R1 and R2 in each occurrence are independently selected from the group consisting of: methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl; m in each occurrence is any integer between 2 and about 10, including 2 and 10; and R3 and R4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen and C1 to C6 alkyl. flexible polyurethane foams produced using a catalyst according to the invention are low in odor, are not prone to discoloration, and have a low volatile organic chemical (VOC) content.