Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a rectification column (1000) for separating a mixture (S) containing a component A and a component B having a boiling point higher than that of the component A at an operating pressure of the rectification column (1000) which is lower than ambient pressure, wherein the method comprises a step for controlling the mass fraction of the component B in the product stream of the component A (P1) to a value within a first target range from 0.1% to 5.0% and the mass fraction of the component A in the product stream of the component B (P2) to a value within a second target range from 0.1% to 5.0%, wherein the control is carried out as a function of a controlling temperature (TC) for which a setpoint TCsetpoint is calculated according to the equation TCsetpoint=T2+F·(T1?T2), where F is a factor which is in the range from 0.1 to 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyaspartic composition comprising a reaction product of a polyamine and a Michael addition receptor reacted in the presence of a catalyst comprising a phenolic compound, with the proviso that the phenolic compound is not a phenol which is substituted with tert-butyl groups in both ortho positions to the oxygen. Suitable phenolic compounds include phenols, phenolic aldehydes, alkylphenols, benzenediols, cashew nut oil, and combinations thereof. Coatings, adhesives, sealants, composites, castings, and films comprising a polyurea composition may be made by reacting a polyisocyanate with the inventive polyaspartic composition. In particular, floor coatings made with the inventive polyaspartic composition have an elongated work time and a short walk-on time compared to current floor coatings.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing foam wall structures are described. The methods include placing a wall structure proximate to a robotic arm, orienting an imaging device so that the imaging device on the robotic arm faces a cavity in the wall structure, surveying the cavity using the imaging device, determining a spray foaming pattern to fill the cavity to a selected depth with a foam layer, orienting the spray nozzle so the spray nozzle faces the cavity, and spray-applying the foam-forming composition into the cavity to the selected depth by passing the foam-forming composition through the spray nozzle to form the foam layer. Foam wall structure manufacturing systems that are suitable for carrying out such methods are also described.

Abstract: Processes are described for producing an aromatic diamine-initiated polyether polyol having a measured OH number of 300 to 500 mg KOH/g and a viscosity at 25° C. of 5000 to 50,000 mPas. The processes include a first alkoxylation step in which an alkylene oxide consisting essentially of propylene oxide is reacted with a starter consisting essentially of aromatic diamine at a molar ratio of propylene oxide to aromatic diamine of 1.4:1 to 2.0:1 to form an alkoxylated product; and a second alkoxylation step in which an alkylene oxide consisting essentially of propylene oxide is reacted with the alkoxylated product, in the presence of an added catalyst, until the ratio of moles of propylene oxide added in the process to the moles of aromatic diamine added in the process is 4:1 to 9:1.

Abstract: Disclosed are elastomer compositions. The elastomer compositions include at least 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the elastomer composition, of a polymer matrix; and (b) 0.1 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the elastomer composition, of a solid isocyanate residue of isocyanate manufacturing, the solid having, prior to its inclusion in the elastomer composition, a D90,3 particle size of no more than 70 microns. Elastomer products made using these elastomer compositions can include, for example, a tire treadstock, a tire sidewall stock, a roofing membrane, a door seal, a window seal, a trunk seal, a hood seal, a hose, such as a hose in a vehicular cooling system circuit, or a hanger element attaching an exhaust system to a vehicle underfloor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for dasher board assemblies for sports such as hockey. The dasher board assemblies of various embodiments are configured to reduce impact forces when a user collides with the assembly by increasing the flexibility of the dasher board, which allows for a more gradual deceleration. In some embodiments, the dasher board assembly defines a gap behind the dasher board to allow space for deceleration. In certain embodiments, a foam material is placed between the dasher board and a frame of the assembly. In embodiments, a spline connects adjacent dasher boards without rigid connection to adjacent vertical frame elements. In embodiments, the assembly is configured to provide puck play characteristics that are comparable to conventional dasher board assemblies.

Abstract: Isocyanate-reactive composition that include a polyol blend, a blowing agent composition, and a catalyst. The polyol blend includes a polyether polyol having a functionality of 2 to 6 and an OH number of 20 to 50 mg KOH/g, which is present in an amount of at least 30% by weight, based on total weight of the isocyanate-reactive composition, and an aromatic polyester polyol having a functionality of 1.5 to 3 and an OH number of 150 to 450 mg KOH/g, which is present in an amount of at least 40% by weight, based on total weight of the isocyanate-reactive composition. The blowing agent composition includes water, the water being present in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight, based on total weight of the isocyanate-reactive composition and in an amount of at least 90% by weight, based on total weight of the blowing agent composition. The isocyanate-reaction composition has a green content of at least 30% by weight, based on total weight of the isocyanate-reactive composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for purifying polyols containing oxyalkylene units that is an alkali metal catalyzed alkoxylation reaction product of an alkylene oxide and an H-functional starter. The methods include neutralizing the alkali metal ions with an aqueous solution comprising water and sulfuric acid, in which: (i) the sulfuric acid is present in an amount of no more than 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution, and (ii) the sulfuric acid is used in an amount of 2% to 10% more than the theoretical amount necessary to neutralize all of the alkali metal ions present. The methods can produce polyols having a low content of 2-methyl-2-pentenal.

Abstract: This invention relates to an in-situ formed polyol blend having an overall functionality of 2 to 3 and an overall hydroxyl number of 50 to 150. A process for preparing these polyol blends is also disclosed. These in-situ formed polyol blends are suitable for preparing viscoelastic flexible polyurethane foams. A process for preparing these foams is also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyurethane coating compositions are disclosed that include an isocyanate-reactive component that includes a polycyclic polyether polyol that is the reaction product of a reaction mixture that includes a polycyclic polyol starter, and an alkylene oxide, as well as an isocyanate-functional component that includes a non-aromatic polyisocyanate. The polyurethane coating compositions may be particularly useful as a gel coat in the manufacture of glass fiber reinforced plastics.

Abstract: Laminated parts are described that include a core, a fiber layer arranged on each side of the core and impregnated with a polyurethane resin, and an outer layer that at least partially coats at least one of the polyurethane impregnated fiber layers, in which the outer layer is the cured reaction product of a reaction mixture that includes: (1) a polyisocyanate, (2) a polyether polyol having a molecular weight of 800 Da to 25,000 Da and a functionality of 2 to 8, and (3) a fatty acid ester having isocyanate-reactive functionality. Methods of producing such laminated parts are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing di- and polyamines of the diphenyl methane series. More specifically, the process comprises reacting aniline and formaldehyde by (1a) mixing aniline with hydrochloric acid to form aniline hydrochloride, and (1b) mixing the aniline hydrochloride with a first portion of aqueous formaldehyde; or (1c) mixing aniline with a first portion of aqueous formaldehyde to form an aminal, and (1d) mixing the aminal with hydrochloric acid; to obtain a first reaction product; (2) converting the first reaction product to a second reaction product comprising di- and polyamines of the diphenyl methane series in a cascade of 4 to 25 reaction zones arranged in series, wherein a second portion of aqueous formaldehyde is added to the second of the reaction zones, in which second reaction zone the temperature is equal to or up to 20° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-corrosion composition comprising an inorganic ion-exchanger and a waterborne resin, wherein a substrate exposed to a halide-containing environment and having the anti-corrosion composition applied thereto has a reduced level of corrosion compared to the substrate exposed to the halide-containing environment without the anti-corrosion composition being applied. The inventive waterborne anti-corrosion composition may find use on substrates such as automotive vehicles, bridges, cranes, superstructures, offshore oil & gas rigs, pipes, tanks, ships, barges, boats, aircraft, concrete, and masonry that are exposed to halide-containing environments.

Abstract: Methods of removing amine contaminants from equipment used in the production of polyether polyols. These methods include: (a) contacting the equipment with an aqueous solution of a first acid; (b) discharging the aqueous solution of the first acid from the equipment; (c) contacting the equipment with an aqueous solution of an acidic metal conditioner; (d) discharging the aqueous solution of the acidic metal conditioner from the equipment; (e) contacting the equipment with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide; and (f) discharging the aqueous solution of the alkali metal hydroxide from the equipment.

Abstract: Modified and connected foam wall structures and methods for making them are described. The wall structures include a frame, a foam panel attached to the frame, a foam layer disposed in a cavity defined by the frame, and a structural adhesive. The structural adhesive may be disposed in at least one of: (A) an aperture located within the foam layer, and (B) an aperture located between the foam layer and a frame member. In some cases, a cured structural adhesive is located between connecting members of adjacent foam wall structures.

Abstract: This invention relates to rigid polyurethane foams which are co-blown with a mixture of a hydrocarbon blowing agent and a halogenated olefin blowing agent. This invention also relates to a process for preparing these rigid polyurethane foams, and to an isocyanate-reactive component containing a polyol blend and the mixture of blowing agents. Phase stable isocyanate-reactive blends are also described.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a sound insulating layer by application of raw materials for urethane resin, by applying row materials for urethane resin in their liquid states along a surface of a porous layer of a soundproof body to manufacture as the sound insulating layer.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing a polyisocyanurate comprising: trimerizing an aliphatic polyisocyanate with a trimerization catalyst in the presence of a thermally decomposable acid at a molar ratio of acid to catalyst of from 0.1 to 10, wherein the polyisocyanurate has a greater pot life than the pot life of the polyisocyanurate not containing the thermally decomposable acid. Polyisocyanurates made according to the inventive process lengthen the pot life of pultrusion composite formulations made therefrom without affecting the reactivity of the formulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reaction mixture comprising a blend of a first isocyanate-based uretdione-containing resin and a second isocyanate-based uretdione-containing resin, a neutralized polyol and a tertiary amine catalyst, and optionally, an additive package selected from the group consisting of flow control additives, pigments (colorants), wetting agents, and solvents, wherein the first isocyanate and the second isocyanate are different. The first isocyanate-based uretdione-containing resin and the second isocyanate-based uretdione-containing resin may be cold blended or hot blended. Coatings, adhesives, castings, composites, and sealants made from hot blended formulations exhibit superior performance over those made from cold blended formulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising the reaction product of an aliphatic diisocyanate, and a reactive intermediate made from one selected from the group consisting of oxazolidinones, benzoic sulfimides (saccharins), 1H-indole-2,3-diones (isatins), succinamides, N-hydroxysuccinamides, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehydes (vanillins), ?-ketoamides, piperazines, benzofuranones, 3,4-dihydroxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-diones (squaric acids), squaric acid esters, ?-ketoamides, anilines, and ?-ketoamide, phenols. The aliphatic diisocyanate comprises one selected from the group consisting of isocyanurates, biurets, iminooxadiazine diones, urethanes, uretdiones, carbodiimides, and allophanates. The resulting compositions may be useful in producing coatings, adhesives, sealants, castings, composites and films having durability, color stability, high gloss, and chemical resistance properties similar to those made from polyurethane.