Abstract: A polyol formulation is disclosed, the formulation including: (a) 80 to 99 parts by weight (pbw) of a polymer polyol comprising a base polyol having a molecular weight in the range of from 2,500 to 6,500, an average nominal functionality (Fn) of at least 2.0, an ethylene oxide content of 50 to 80%, and a primary hydroxyl content of at least 40% and a polymer stably dispersed therein; and, up to a total of 100 pbw, (b) 1 to 20 pbw of a hydrophilic polyol having a molecular weight in the range of from 2,000 to 5,500, an ethylene oxide content of at least 40% by weight and a primary hydroxyl content of at least 50%. The formulation may further include a tin catalyst and optionally a crosslinking agent and is very useful for producing latex-like polyurethane foams. These foams may be suitably applied in cushions (in e.g. car seats and upholstered furniture) or mattresses.

Abstract: A method the preparation of rigid foams by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing promoter characterised in that the isocyanate-reactive material comprises at least one isocyanate-reactive cyclic carbonate or isocyanate-reactive cyclic urea, the reaction being performed in the presence of an inert insoluble organic liquid which is present as the dispersed phase of an emulsion or a microemulsion, and in the presence of a metal salt catalyst.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of rigid foams by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing promoter characterized in that the isocyanate-reactive material comprises at least one isocyanate-reactive cyclic carbonate or isocyanate-reactive cyclic urea, the reaction being performed in the presence of an inert insoluble organic liquid which is present as the disperse phase of an emulsion or a microemulsion, and in the presence of a metal salt catalyst.