Abstract: Polymer polyols prepared by a semi-batch process using a small amount of a seed polymer polyol are disclosed. The final polymer polyol has a broader particle size distribution as compared to an identically prepared polymer polyol prepared in the absence of the seed polymer polyol. The polymer polyols are suitable for use in producing polyurethanes, particularly polyurethane foams.

Abstract: Low-toxicity invert emulsion fluids for well drilling are disclosed. The fluids comprise a non-hydrocarbon, non-mineral oil continuous phase and a dispersed aqueous phase. The continuous phase materials of the invention pass the 48 hour, LC50 Mysidopsis bahia bioassay test protocol.

Abstract: It has been discovered that particular flexible polyurethane foam formulations having a chlorinated alkane incorporated therein have the advantage of improved combustion resistance, but also unexpectedly the additional advantages of improved durability (dynamic fatigue), and better processing in terms of a delayed onset of gel. These results were surprisingly achieved with the use of a chlorinated alkane as the sole component to improve combustion resistance. Incorporation of as much as 34 parts of chlorinated alkane per hundred parts of polyol have been accomplished.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer polyols and a method for preparing polymer polyols which have (1) exceptional dispersion stability, especially at high styrene contents, and (2) substantially smaller particle sizes than polymer polyols having equivalent viscosity. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first reaction product is obtained by feeding the following materials to a first continuous reactor in the presence of a free radical initiator or catalyst: (a) less than about 50 wt % of a total monomer proportion or monomer mixture, preferably comprising styrene/acrylonitrile at a ratio preferably greater than about 50/50 wt %; (b) at least about 50 wt % of a total base polyol proportion; (c) a majority of a precursor stabilizer; and, (d) a polymer control agent (PCA).

Abstract: Monomers having at least two reactive ethylenically unsaturated sites may be polymerized via a free-radical reaction in the presence of a polyol to produce a dispersant useful in preparing polymer polyols that find uses as coreactants to produce polyurethane foams. The monomers include, but are not limited to, polyethylenically unsaturated maleimides and acrylates. The dispersants prepared in this manner can be used in very small quantities, about 2 to 5 wt. % of the total polyol and still produce a styrene/acrylonitrile polymer polyol with high solids and high styrene levels.

Abstract: Dispersants that are the reaction product of polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols with polymers containing anhydride groups are discussed. These dispersants may be used in the production of polymer polyols having high styrene contents and high solids contents. The polymers containing the anhydride groups may be preformed polymers which are then reacted with the polyol, or may be formed in the polyol directly prior to esterification with the polyol to form the dispersants. Maleic anhydride and methacrylic arthydride and derivatives thereof are examples of monomers suitable for the dispersants. Polymer polyols made using these dispersants may be reacted with polyisocyanates to produce polyurethanes.

Abstract: Improved polymer/polyol compositions and processes for making them; high potency preformed stabilizers used to make the polymer/polyol compositions and processes for making them; and improved polyurethane products made from the polymer/polyols compositions; characterized by a material reduction in polymer/polyol viscosity while raising the polymer solids content.

Abstract: Novel polymer polyols based on halogenated aromatic monomers such as tribromostyrene give polyurethane foams with improved flame retardant properties. For example, replacing conventional SAN polymer polyols with tribromostyrene (TBS)/acrylonitrile polymer polyols allows the preparation of polyurethane foams passing British Standard 5852, Part 2, Ignition Source 5 Combustion Test and having better ASTM E-906 values without the need for solid fillers such as melamine or aluminum trihydrate, although these and other flame retardant additives may be optionally employed as well. Elimination of these fillers also provides other improvements such as superior strength and better compression set properties. The TBS dispersions may also be used in conjunction with melamine to eliminate the need for liquid fire retardant additives.

Abstract: A stable, low viscosity polymer polyol composition comprising a continuous phase, a disperse phase within the continuous phase, and a dispersant for enhancing the stability of the resultant polymer polyol is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispersant is formed by polymerizing at least one acrylate monomer in a polyether polyol to form a single phase homogeneous liquid intermediate reaction product which is transesterified to form a polyol polyacrylate dispersant.

Abstract: Improved polymer/polyol compositions and processes for making them; high potency preformed stabilizers used to make the polymer/polyol compositions and processes for making them; and improved polyurethane products made from the polymer/polyols compositions; characterized by a material reduction in polymer/polyol viscosity while raising the polymer solids content.

Abstract: A novel polyurethane resin foam composition is provided which is only water-blown and requires no chlorofluorocarbon or other auxiliary blowing agents, yet suffers little or no degradation in physical properties even at reduced isocyanate indexes. The formulation includes a relatively low molecular weight polyethylene glycol along with the conventional polyol to make a blend for the polyol component. The molecular weight range of the polyethylene glycol is from about 200 to about 600. The lower molecular weight polyethylene glycol may range from about 2 to about 10 parts by weight of the polyol, based on the total polyurethane foam composition.

Abstract: Polymer polyol compositions are provided which are useful for the production of flexible polyurethane foams. The polymer polyol compositions are composed of (1) a high functionality polyol, (2) a subsidiary polyalkylene oxide high in polyoxyethylene content and (3) a stably dispersed polymer. The latter component is formed by in situ polymerization of low molecular weight compounds within components (1) and/or (2) used in making the polymer polyol composition. The polymer polyol compositions provide stable and non-shrinking, free-rise foam at high water levels and over a wider crosslinker and index range permitting increased density and load latitude relative to commercial high resilience polymer polyols. A process for their use and foams and articles prepared therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: Aqueous, uncured but curable, polymer compositions which are stable at room temperature and possess excellent shelf life in uncured form are disclosed. The uncured polymer compositions can be made into fibers using conventional fiber forming processes and cured to produce absorbent fibers capable of absorbing at least 60 times their weight of brine.

Abstract: Aqueous, uncured but curable, polymer compositions which are stable at room temperature and possess excellent shelf life in uncured form are disclosed. The uncured polymer compositions can be made into fibers using conventional fiber forming processes and cured to produce absorbent fibers capable of absorbing at least 60 times their weight of brine.

Abstract: Polyacrylate graft-polyols are found to be homogeneous liquids useful as dispersants in vinyl polymer polyols. The novel polyacrylate graft-polyols are made by polymerizing at least one acrylate monomer in a polyol where the resultant polyacrylate is soluble in the polyol used. The polyol may be a polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol. No copolymer or unsaturated polyol is required to make vinyl polymer polyols having high styrene/acrylonitrile ratios, good stability and improved viscosity properties when these polyacrylate graft-polyol dispersants are employed. The vinyl polymer polyols are in turn useful in reactions with polyisocyanates in the presence of suitable catalysts to make polyurethane products.

Abstract: A method for producing an aqueous C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 olefin/maleic anhydride copolymer suspension is disclosed. The aqueous copolymer suspension is particularly suitable for use in applications such as fiber spinning syrups in which a copolymer in dry powder form is not needed.

Abstract: Polyol compositions suitable for use in the production of fibre-reinforced rigid polyurethane foam comprises (a) at least one amino polyol obtainable by reacting an alkylene oxide with an initiator which has a functionality greater than 2, at least one aromatic ring and at least one amino nitrogen atom and (b) at least 3% by weight, based on the total weight of (a) plus (b), of an adduct of a tertiary amine and an alkylene carbonate. These novel polyol compositions provide foam-forming formulations of suitable viscosity without the need to use a CFC blowing agent and also combine high reactivity with a broad reactivity profile.

Abstract: Very low viscosity polymer polyols having high styrene/acrylonitrile ratios and good stability may be achieved by the use of epoxy modified polyols as dispersants. The epoxy modified polyols useful as dispersants may be made by one of three methods: (1) adding the epoxy resin internally to the modified polyol, (2) capping or coupling a polyol not containing an epoxy resin with such a resin, and (3) providing the epoxy resin both internally to the polyol and as a cap or coupler. Epoxy modified polyols having a hydroxyl to epoxy ratio of about 8 or less, made by one of these techniques, are superior dispersants and provide polymer polyols having higher styrene contents, and improved stability and viscosity properties. In one aspect, the epoxy modified polyols contain a significant amount of high moleular weight polyol adducts; generally from about 5 to about 30 wt. % of materials having a GPC molecular weight of greater than 100,000; and at least greater than 80,000.

Abstract: Aqueous, uncured but curable, polymer compositions which are stable at room temperature and possess excellent shelf life in uncured form are disclosed. The uncured polymer compositions can be made into fibers using conventional fiber forming processes and cured to produce absorbent fibers capable of absorbing at least 60 times their weight of brine.

Abstract: A stable, low viscosity polymer polyol composition comprising a continuous phase, a disperse phase within the continuous phase, and a dispersant for enhancing the stability of the resultant polymer polyol is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispersant is formed by polymerizing at least one acrylate monomer in a polyether polyol to form a single phase homogeneous liquid intermediate reaction product which is transesterified to form a polyol polyacrylate dispersant.