Abstract: Disclosed are methods for formulating a polyisocyanurate foam-forming composition with good low temperature insulation performance. The polyisocyanurate foam-forming composition includes: a) an organic polyisocyanate, b) a polyol composition comprising at least one polyester polyol with a nominal hydroxyl functionality of at least 2.0, c) a blowing agent composition present in an amount sufficient to produce foam having a density of less than 1.85 lb/ft3 and comprising: (1) a hydrocarbon having an atmospheric pressure boiling point of at least 68° F. (20° C.), and (2) water, d) a trimerization catalyst, e) a flame retardant, and f) a silicone surface-active agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of a high molecular weight polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol by the continuous addition of starter (CAOS) process. This process enables a shorter cycle time while maintaining a low viscosity in high molecular weight polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols.

Abstract: A device for torque measurement of friction includes a cylindrical core and a cap with a central cavity for receiving the cylindrical core. The cap includes at least one protrusion or indent on an inner surface, and the cylindrical core includes at least one protrusion or indent on an exterior surface. The device includes at least one protrusion to provide a pulsed interference contact with a second protrusion or indent on the cylindrical core or cap as the protrusion moves into and out of contact with the at least one second protrusion or indent when the cap is rotated about the cylindrical core. The device may be connected to a test apparatus configured to measure rotational torque between the cap and cylindrical core as they rotate with respect to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed are coated particles. The coated particles include substrate particles and a coating disposed over at least a portion of the substrate particles. The coating includes a condensation reaction product of a reaction mixture that includes a liquid isocyanate-functional component and an isocyanate-reactive composition. Also disclosed are methods for making such particles and methods for using such particles as proppants in hydraulic fracturing.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyurethane-foam forming compositions, rigid polyurethane foams and methods for their production, as well as to composite articles comprising such foams sandwiched between facer substrates, including use of such composite elements for floor insulating elements for refrigerated tractor trailers. The rigid polyurethane foams are produced from an isocyanate-reactive composition comprising: (1) a polyol blend; (2) a hydrochlorofluoroolefin; and (3) a tertiary amine catalyst composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides long chain, active polyether polyols which are characterized by a functionality of 2 to 6 and an equivalent weight of 1000 to 2200 Da. These long chain polyethers comprise the alkoxylation product of (1) a starter composition having an equivalent weight of 350 Da or less, with (2) one or more alkylene oxides, in which up to 20% of ethylene oxide may be added as a cap, in the presence of (3) at least one basic catalyst. Suitable starter compositions (1) comprise the alkoxylation product of (a) a low molecular weight polyether having a functionality of 3 and an equivalent weight of less than 350 Da, (b) at least one low molecular weight starter compound comprising glycerin, and (c) propylene oxide or a mixture of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, in the presence of (d) at least one double metal cyanide catalyst. A process for preparing these long chain polyether polyols is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are ethylenically unsaturated macromers produced using a residue of an isocyanate manufacturing process. Also disclosed are preformed stabilizers produced using such macromers, polymer polyols produced using such preformed stabilizers, foam-forming compositions produced using such polymer polyols, and foam produced using such compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for producing molded polyurethane elastomers and products, such as filter end caps, that include such elastomers. The elastomers are the reaction product of a non-foaming reaction mixture comprising an isocyanate-reactive composition and an organic polyisocyanate prepolymer with an internal mold release agent.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for making and using curved holographic optical elements (“HOEs”) are described. A hologram to apply a first optical power to playback light may be embedded in an internal volume of a curved lens, where the curved lens has a first curvature to apply a second optical power to the playback light and a second curvature opposite the first curvature to define the internal volume of the curved lens. The first optical power may be equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the second optical power. The curved HOEs described herein are particularly well-suited for use when integrated with a curved eyeglass lens to form the transparent combiner of a virtual retina display.

Abstract: A curable composition, a method of making the curable composition, and an article and product produced therefrom are provided. A morpholinedione is contacted with an isocyanate to form a resin composition. The resin composition is reacted with an amine to form the curable composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing viscoelastic flexible polyurethane foam comprising reacting an isocyanate component with an isocyanate-reactive component that comprises a polyol blend having a hydroxyl number of 56 to 250 and an average functionality of greater than 2, and a hydroxyl-terminated prepolymer. The invention also relates to viscoelastic flexible polyurethane foams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating composition comprising: 1% to 99% of a blend of two or more aspartic ester functional amines; 20% to 70% of an acrylate-containing compound; 0.01% to 5% of an alkyl carbodiimide; 0.1% to 5% of a photoinitiator; and 20% to 70% of one or more polyisocyanates, wherein the composition has reduced discoloration compared to the composition without the alkyl carbodiimide. The ready-to-apply coating produced from this composition may find use on substrates such as countertops and floors.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel macromers comprise the reaction product of a starter compound having a functionality of 2 to 8 and a hydroxyl number of 20 to 50, with a modified isocyanate component. This invention also relates to preformed stabilizers prepared from these macromers, and to polymer polyols prepared from these novel macromers and novel preformed stabilizers. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing these compositions, to polyurethane foams comprising these polymer polyols, and to processes for preparing these polyurethane foams.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing a flexible polyurethane foam in which the isocyanate-reactive component comprises a specific isocyanate-reactive component. The invention also relates to flexible polyurethane foam wherein the isocyanate-reactive comprises the specific isocyanate-reactive component.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer polyols which comprise one or more base polyols, at least one preformed stabilizer, one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and, in the presence of at least one free radical polymerization catalyst, and optionally, one or more polymer control agents. The base polyol of these polymer polyols comprises one or more amine initiated polyols. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing these polymer polyols, to foams prepared from these polymer polyols, and to processes for producing foams from these polymer polyols.

Abstract: Polyether polyols are made by a process that includes a continuous addition of starter and alkylene oxide. The feed of starter is discontinued when 80 to 95% of the alkylene oxide has been fed to the reactor. This process produces a product with a narrow molecular weight distribution.