Abstract: There is described a novoel isocyanate-based polymer foam. The isocyanate-based polymer foam is derived from a reaction mixture comprising: (a) an isocyanate; (b) a mixture of active hydrogen-containing compounds; and (c) a blowing agent. The mixture of active hydrogen-containing compounds comprises: (i) a bio-based polyol having an OH functionality of greater than about 2.0, an OH number in the range of from about 90 to about 200 and a molecular weight (Mn) of at least about 1100, and (ii) a petroleum-based active hydrogen-containing compound. It has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that relatively high amounts (compared to the prior art) of such a bio-based polyol may be incorporated into an isocyanate-based polymer foam while maintaining a desirable balance of properties in the foam.

Abstract: A one-part moisture curable polyurethane adhesive composition comprises a blend of polyurethane prepolymers and one or more additives which unexpectedly improve the sag resistance and mechanical properties of the formulation. The final adhesive composition retains good stability in the absence of moisture for an extended period between manufacture and application of the adhesive, and has a relatively rapid and consistent cure rate in the presence of atmospheric moisture. The final cured composition exhibits good mechanical properties and generally is unaffected by ambient application and cure conditions.

Abstract: Isocyanate prepolymer compositions can be cured quickly and thoroughly in the presence of atmospheric moisture by reacting them with a curing system that includes a mixture of (1) an oxazolidine moisture scavenger and curing agent and (2) a hydroxyl curing agent. The oxazolidine moisture scavenger/curing agent can be monocyclic oxazolidine or bicyclic oxazolidine. The hydroxyl curing agent preferably is a polyhydric compound. If desired, an organic solvent, a catalyst, and/or fillers can be used with the invention in order to speed the curing reaction or improve the physical and mechanical properties of the final polymer product. The present invention enables high quality polyurethane/polyurea polymers to be formed in thick layers under various environmental conditions, including humidity, that render the invention suitable for use in the field.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in a latex comprising homopolymers of C.sub.4-6 conjugated diolefins, acrylic polymers, vinyl acetate polymers, chloroprene polymers, vinyl pyridine polymers, homopolymers of vinylidene monoaromatic monomers, copolymers of ethylene and propylene, copolymers of acrylonitrile and butadiene or copolymers of butadiene and styrene, copolymers of butadiene and styrene containing one or more monomers selected from the group alpha-beta ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes, alpha-beta ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, amide derivatives of alpha-beta ethylenically unsaturated acids which may be unsubstituted or substituted at the nitrogen atom by a C.sub.1-8 alkyl or a C.sub.1-4 alkanol radical, or a C.sub.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of an improved impact polystyrene by the use of a polybutadiene which contains an optical brightener as the rubber to be dissolved in the styrene monomer, following which the polybutadiene-styrene solution is polymerized.