Abstract: The invention relates to a process for machining a flexible foam. The flexible foam is treated to temporarily harden the foam. The hardened foam is machined. The foam is then returned to its original flexible state.

Abstract: In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a foam element comprising an isocyanate-based foam matrix having surface, at least a portion of the surface comprising at least one channel having a channel surface, the channel surface being coated with a substantially fluid impermeable material. The foam element is particularly useful in a climate-control vehicular (e.g., automobile) seat.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams comprising the steps of charging at least one blowing agent and a polyol component to an in-line continuous mixer, wherein the at least one blowing agent and the polyol component are continuously charged in separate streams advanced at predetermined flow rates chosen to bring about a desired ratio of blowing agent to polyol component within the in-line continuous mixer.

Abstract: Polyurethane elastomers having a defined node density are produced from specific polyetherester polyols. These elastomers are particularly useful for the production of microcellular and solid polyurethane elastomer components.

Abstract: The use of an adduct of an isocyanate resin and an isocyanate-reactive epoxy resin in an expandable thermosettable composition helps to reduce the tackiness of the composition and also increases its dimensional stability, as compared to compositions in which only non-adducted epoxy resins are present.

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: In a process of generating a polyurethane foam by forming a mixture including isocyanate and polyol reactants, catalyst, and blowing agent, which mixture reacts exothermically to yield a rigid polyurethane foam, there is included in the mixture expandable polymer beads, made of a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polystyrene or a polyolefin) that has a softening point at or below the maximum temperature reached during the exothermic reaction. The beads may be added in unexpanded form, partially expanded form, or fully expanded form. The heat of the urethane-forming reaction causes the beads to sinter, creating hollow polymeric spheres in the foam, which are larger than the cells in the polyurethane matrix, and which appear to improve the foam's crush resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cellular amine-crosslinked polyurethane elastomers, a process for preparing these elastomers and to the production of various parts of shoes and soles of shoes from these elastomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an open pourous polymer material, wherein said method comprises forming or a polymer solution, addition of a porogen to said polymer solution and precipitation with water of polymer from said polymer solution, and said method then comprises removal of solvent and porogen from said polymer material wherein said precipitation is homogenous through that said water is in form of crystal water and that said crystal water is bonded to said porogen, wherein said porogen is a sugar hydrate. It further relates to an open porous polymer material, a mixture comprising a sugar hydrate and a polymer solution. and a designed material, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to flame-retardant flexible polyurethane foams with high aging resistance, which comprise a mixture composed of hydroxyalkyl phosphonates and chlorinated phosphoric esters, and also to a process for preparing these fire-retardant flexible polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A method for forming microcellular foams that causes the material to expand uniaxially during the foaming process, and a method for forming objects from the foam. Liquid crystal polymers or polymers having a planar crystalline structure are saturated with a fluid, normally a gas such as carbon dioxide. The ambient conditions are changed such that the fluid is in a supersaturated state, and the material is brought to near its glass transition temperature to induce the formation of nonspherical elongated gas-filled cells. A process for making objects, such as transducer diaphragms, from microcellular foams includes the step of forming the objects prior to the foaming process.

Abstract: Isocyanate-free foamable mixtures suitable for filling construction voids and for other uses, comprise isocyanate-free, alkoxysilane-terminated prepolymers (A) which have a silane end group of the formula [1], 1

Abstract: This invention relates generally to water resistant peelable protective and decorative clear or pigmented foam coating compositions and, more specifically, to aqueous and solvent based, polymeric coating compositions which form a protective and/or decorative coating and is removably adheres to a variety of substrates, including automotive paints, metals, glass, vinyl, plastics, concrete, natural and synthetic elastomers, and ceramics. The coatings present a three-dimensional expandable foamy coating, and can be readily peeled off from the substrate as a whole piece. The coatings may be formulated for temporary or long-term protection depending upon the application. The peelable coatings can be applied as a paint, paste, film, or expandable foam cord whereby the expansion of the foam can be controlled by the formulation and applicator.

Abstract: Preparation of water-blown polyurethane foam using a gaseous co-blowing agent is provided wherein the A-side and B-side are mixed at low pressures.

Abstract: Aromatic polyester polyols, and foams produced therefrom, having an acid number below 3.0 mg/KOH/g, wherein the aromatic polyester polyol is the reaction product of a reaction mixture comprising an acid component, a glycol component, and a urethane catalytic activity agent comprising at least one of a non-alkoxylated aminoalcohol and a metal esterification catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation method for low-density polyurethane foam excelling in the flame retardance and the dimensional stability, wherein rigid polyurethane foam having the average value for the ratio of lengthwise direction diameter/cross direction diameter of cells being 1.0 to 1.4 and the density of 20 to 40 kg/m3 is prepared by combining, as blowing agent, carbon dioxide generated in the reaction between water and polyisocyanate and carbon dioxide under supercritical state, subcritical state or liquid state, and by adding said water and said carbon dioxide under liquid state into said polyol component prior to mixing the polyisocyanate component and the polyol component, and to rigid polyurethane foam obtained by said method.

Abstract: A slow-yellowing flexible polyurethane foam which is prevented from being subject to yellowing the foam itself and color migration due to the yellowing is provided without using expensive aliphatic isocyanate as the isocyanate component in raw material. A slow-yellowing flexible polyurethane foam which is made by foaming a polyurethane raw material containing a polyol component and an isocyanate, wherein the polyol component contains a polyether polyol having ester bonds in the polyol backbone. A slow-yellowing flexible polyurethane foam which is made by foaming a polyurethane raw material containing a polyol component and an isocyanate, wherein the polyol component contains a polyether polyol having a plurality of benzene rings in the polyol structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous production of polyurethane foam from at least one polyol component and at least one isocyanate component in the presence of water as a blowing agent and optionally further additives, in which, the process steps of mixing and nucleation are separated spatially from one another, such that the components are mixed with one another initially, and bubble nuclei are generated in the polyurethane reaction mixture.

Abstract: A new and useful nonaqueous liquid pigment dispersion is provided which is easy to handle and produces thorough and effective colorations within target media, particularly as compared to standard solid pigments or high-viscosity liquid pigment dispersions. More specifically, the present invention relates to liquid pigment dispersions possessing viscosities of at most 5,000 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure. Such a low viscosity is obtained through the addition of relatively low amounts of aprotic viscosity modifiers possessing dipole moments of at between about 1.0 and 5.0, alternatively measured in terms of a flash point between about −20° C. and 180°, such as, most preferably cyclic carbonates.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam compound for an ink holder, characterized in that it comprises a polyol and an isocyanate as main components, and also a crosslinking agent; an ink holder, characterized in that it is prepared by foaming, curing and crosslinking the compound; a method for securing the close contact of an ink holder, which comprises using the above described ink holder, and placing the ink holder in an ink tank for containing an ink in a manner such that the ink holder is attached to the inner wall of the ink tank.

Abstract: Process for preparing flexible polyurethane foam by reacting an MDI-based polyisocyanate terminated prepolymer and a polyether polyol with a high oxyethylene content and foams produced by such process.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams formed at above atmospheric pressure conditions using methylene diisocyanate or a specific mixture of polyisocyanate and with a major portion of methylene diisocyanate (MDI) with a specific mixture of polyether and graft polyols produces high density viscoelastic foams with improved hand touch (surface smoothness) that better retain viscoelasticity over time. The foam-forming ingredients are mixed together and foamed at controlled pressures in the range 1.05 to 1.5 bar (absolute), preferably 1.1 to 1.3 bar (absolute).

Abstract: The present invention relates to low impact resilience polyurethane form that has excellent deodorization property, hygroscopicity and contained carbon powder does not fall because the carbon powder of wide scope grading is dispersed and maintained in low impact resilience polyurethane form, and suitable producing of this low impact resilience polyurethane form; producing of low impact resilience polyurethane form that low impact resilience polyurethane form that carbon powder is dispersed and maintained, isocyanate ingredient and polyol ingredient that carbon powder which has over 1 &mgr;m particle diameter is dispersed previously are molded after blended, heated and foamed, and producing of low impact resilience polyurethane form that isocyanate ingredient, polyol ingredient and carbon powder which has 0.01˜1 &mgr;m particle diameter are molded after blended simultaneously, heated and foamed.

Abstract: An ink wastage absorber is made from a flexible polyurethane foam having an air-permeability of 1.0 cc/cm2/sec or more, or is made from a flexible polyurethane foam produced by using a foamable raw material containing a polyol, an isocyanate, a catalyst, and a foaming agent, wherein the polyurethane foam is impregnated with a surface active agent. An ink supporter includes an ink permeation member provided at a portion corresponding to a printer head and an ink absorbing member being in contact with the ink permeation member.

Abstract: A method of ensuring the production of efficient lanthanum phosphate catalysts (LAPO's) and rare earth phosphate catalysts (REPO's), and methods of alkoxylation using said efficient catalysts.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams formed under vacuum (below atmospheric pressure) conditions using toluene diisocyanate or a specific mixture of polyisocyanates with a specific mixture of polyether and graft polyols produces a foam with lower density and better flame retardancy than latex foam, but with equally high resiliency. The foam-forming ingredients are mixed together and foamed under controlled pressures in the range 0.6 to 0.95 bar (absolute), preferably 0.8 to 0.95 bar (absolute). The resulting foam has a ball rebound above about 65 percent.

Abstract: Foamed molded articles produced by reaction injection molding (RIM) are provided. The molded articles are formed by reaction of a polyisocyanate component with an isocyanate reactive component in a mold using a blowing agent. The molded articles are preferably composites formed in the presence of a fibrous reinforcing material. The foamed articles are characterized by relatively short minimum mold residence times, and can thereby be produced more economically than prior art composites. The foamed articles are further characterized by a reduction in physical defects, such as splits and voids.

Abstract: A foamed article having a density of at least 0.1 g/cm3, a single glass transition temperature within the temperature range of −20° to 60° C., a storage modulus (E′) of 0.5 to 2 MPa and tan &dgr; of 0.16 to 0.5 as obtained from dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 10 Hz and a temperature of 25° C. The foamed article can be used for a member for shoe soles, a shoe sole and the like.

Abstract: An improved material comprising the reaction product of an A-side having a prepolymer isocyanate and a B-side having a cross-linker comprising a multifunctional alcohol, a first vegetable oil, preferably a blown/oxidized vegetable oil, most preferably a blown/oxidized soybean oil, and a catalyst and the method of producing the same.

Abstract: A polyurethane polymer includes at least one buffer selected to adjust pH to a pH within a desired range. The buffer compound is immobilized within the polymer, and the polymer has a buffer capacity in excess of 3 micromoles of acid or base per gram polymer. A polymer includes at least one enzyme that is selected to catalyze a reaction of a substance. The enzyme is immobilized within the polymer. The polymer also includes at least one buffer selected to adjust the pH in the vicinity of the enzyme to a pH within a desired range. The buffer compound is also immobilized within the polymer. The polymer preferably has enzyme activity and a buffer capacity in excess of 3 micromoles acid or base per gram polymer. In one embodiment, each of the enzyme(s) and the buffer(s) are covalently bonded to the polymer.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyurethane foam is provided which comprises reacting a polyisocyanate and an active hydrogen-containing component, including water and an organic polyol, in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a delayed action amine catalyst system, and optionally an organotin catalyst.

Abstract: Single component compositions for making a moisture-cured polyurethane foam are disclosed. Foam produced from the compositions of the present invention produce very low foaming pressure due to their 60-95 percent open-cell content. After these compositions are applied and cure, they form a permanent seal around the perimeter of installed fenestration products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing water-blown rigid polyurethane foams having at least an 80% closed-cell content which involves reacting a) at least one polyol mixture which is composed of (i) at least one polymer polyol; (ii) at least one polyol having a hydroxyl value within the range of from about 200 to about 800; and (iii) optionally, at least one polyol having a hydroxyl value within the range of from about 25 to about 115; with b) at least one polymeric isocyanate and/or a prepolymer thereof; in the presence of c) optionally, at least one catalyst; d) water; and e) optionally, at least one additive or auxiliary agent. The present invention is also directed to the closed-cell water blown rigid polyurethane foams produced by the process of the present invention. The invention is further directed to a polyurethane-foam forming mixture which is used to produce the water-blown rigid polyurethane foams of the present invention.

Abstract: A plasticizer with a crosslinking/chain extending agent is incorporated into a water-blown flexible polyurethane foam formulation to provide acceptable softness, openness, and tensile strength characteristics. The class of plastisizers is selected from the group consisting of alkyl benzyl phthalates, phosphate esters and benzoates. The aromatic polyhydroxy compounds are a preferred class of crosslinking/chain extending agents, particularly dihydroxyaromatic compounds, more particularly resorcinol. Other classes of preferred crosslinking/extending agents are saccharides, alkyl glycosides, and alkylene oxide adducts of aliphatic triols. Other preferred crosslinker/extenders include epoxidized soybean oil, polymeric 1,3,5-trimethyl, 2-hydroxy-benzene, selected phenolic resins, selected low molecular weight adducts of a polyfunctional aliphatic amines, and polyoxyalkylene polyols wherein the hydroxyl number is less than about 200 and the average number of hydroxyl groups range from about 3 to about 8.

Abstract: Polyols initiated with a first initiator having a relatively high functionality averaging greater than eight and comprising a range of species of different functionality, and optionally a second initiator, having low functionality, i.e. a two to eight nominal functionality initiator molecule. Another aspect of the invention is a process for making the polyol. The invention is also directed to a process for producing polyurethane foam by reacting the polyol of the invention with isocyanates, and the foam produced thereby.

Abstract: An exotherm reducing additive including a tetrahalogenated ionic compound and an exotherm reducing additive composition for organic polymer compositions including an exotherm reducing-effective amount of the tetrahalogenated ionic compound, a solvent for the tetrahalogenated ionic compound, and a diluent compatible with the tetrahalogenated ionic compound, the solvent and the organic polymer composition, The tetrahalogenated ionic compound preferably is a tetrahalogenated borate, and more specifically lithium or sodium tetrafluoroborate. Organic polymer compositions containing the additive also are provided, as are methods incorporating the additive into the polymer compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for manufacturing a cross-linked expanded safety support having a cellular structure comprising closed cells. The process involves kneading by thermomechanical working a rubber composition comprising a diene elastomer having a molar ratio of diene units (defined as units resulting from dienes) of less than 15%, water in an amount of from 3 to 6 phr (phr=parts by weight per 100 parts elastomer), a blowing agent, such as azobisformamide, that provides for formation of the cellular structure and a vulcanization system. The rubber composition so prepared is then formed, e.g. by injection or extrusion, into cross-linkable blank, which is then cured in a mold and then demolded. The demolded blank is then expanded by decomposition of the blowing agent and vulcanized to produce the cross-linked expanded elastomeric support.

Abstract: This relates variously to techniques for comminuting polymeric foams, to techniques for preparing polymeric foams containing that comminuted foam, and to the resulting comminuted foam powder and polymeric foams. The procedures may be used on foams containing production contaminants such as polyolefins, paper, and foam skins and on other foams containing consumer contaminants such as wood, metal, leather, etc. The comminuted foam powder, with or without contaminants, preferably is screened or sifted to obtain a foam powder having a particle size of about 2 mm or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyol compositions which can be used to produce dimensionally stable, low density water-blown rigid foams which have acceptable compressive strengths and acceptable k-factors. In one embodiment of the present invention, the polyol compositions are composed of at least one aromatic amine-initiated polyether polyol and at least one polyether polyol having a functionality greater than or equal to 2.5 in which at least 50% by weight of the polyol composition is aromatic amine-initiated polyether polyol and in which no more than 50% by weight of the polyol composition is polyether polyol having a functionality greater than or equal to 2.5.

Abstract: In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to a foamed isocyanate-based polymer derived from a reaction mixture comprising toluene diisocyanate, wherein the foam has a compression force deformation of at least about 50 kPa at 30% deflection when measured pursuant to ASTM 3574 and a density of less than about 45 kg/m3. In another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a process for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer comprising the steps of: contacting an isocyanate comprising toluene diisocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound, a dendritic macromolecule and a blowing agent to form a reaction mixture; and expanding the reaction mixture to produce the foamed isocyanate-based polymer; wherein at least a 15% by weight of the dendritic macromolecule may be mixed with a polyether polyol having an OH number less than about 40 mg KOH/g to form a stable liquid at 23° C.

Abstract: In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a foamed isocyanate-based polymer having a compression force deformation of greater than about 130 kPa at 10% deflection when measured pursuant to ASTM 1621 and a flexural displacement at yield of greater than about 5 mm when measured pursuant to ASTM D790-00. The present foamed polymer has a novel combination of hardness/stiffness and a flexibility.

Abstract: This invention relates to syntactic foams comprising the reaction product of a liquid diphenylmethane diisocyanate component, with an isocyanate-reactive component, a filler having a density of less than 1 g/cm 3, and at least one organo-metallic catalyst. This invention also relates to the use of these syntactic foams for insulating pipes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method of manufacturing frothed polyurethanes from raw materials that may best be described as quasi-prepolymer types where a partial prepolymer is reacted with a polyol. A partial pre-polymer, such as 4-4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, may be combined with a 4000 MW propylene-oxide based polyether polyol, such as polypropylene glycol which may be end-capped with a polyethylene glycol, or a 6000 MW propylene-oxide based polyether polyol, such as polypropylene glycol which may be end-capped with a polyethylene glycol, and a catalyst to produce frothed polyurethane material in sheet form having enhanced compressibility and elastic recovery.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyurethane foam, especially according to the one-shot foaming process the quasi-prepolymer process and the prepolymer process, by reactions between a polyisocyanate and an active hydrogen-containing component including water and an organic polyol wherein said reactions are conducted in the presence of a reaction product formed by reaction between a tertiary amnine and an aryloxy substituted carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to integral skin foams and in particular to integral skin foams that are prepared using 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFA-245fa) alone or in combination with water as the blowing agent. The foams exhibit physical characteristics such as resistance to abrasion and cracking on flex comparable to conventional chlorinated fluorocarbon blown foams. The foams of the present invention are suitable for use in many applications including, for example, shoe soles.

Abstract: Foam blowing agent blends of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and one or more pentanes are provided, as are polyol premixes and foam compositions containing such blends. The resulting foams exhibit dramatic improvement in fire resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to flame resistant rigid foams and formulations useful for the production thereof. The polyol formulation must include at least one substance which is inert with respect to isocyanates, does not deplete the ozone layer and has a boiling point below 55° C. and a reaction product of at least one compound with an aromatic ring, at least one aldehyde or ketone and at least one primary or secondary amine. This polyol formulation is reacted with an isocyanate, optionally with other commonly used additives, to produce rigid flame resistant foams.

Abstract: Foam blowing agent blends of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and one or more pentanes are provided, as are polyol premixes and foam compositions containing such blends. The resulting foams exhibit dramatic improvement in fire resistance.

Abstract: A storage-stable moisture-curing one-component fire-retardant polyurethane system, useful as adhesive, sealant or coating material, comprising at least one hydrated mineral having a water-content of less than 0.1% and being treated with a moisture-reactive compound, and at least one binder on isocyanate basis. Such PU-systems preferably further comprise at least one phosphorus-containing compound, most preferably a phosphorus-containing plasticizer, which is preferably halogen-free. The binder on isocyanate basis has preferably an isocyanate content in the range of from 0.01 to 10% by weight referred to the total weight of the system.

Abstract: Rigid, closed-cell polyurethane foams are produced by a RIM process by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive mixture in which a significant amount of a bio-based polyol is present. The foams produced by this process are characterized by improved heat sag and heat distortion temperature.