Abstract: Closed-cell polyisocyanate-based foams are prepared using a blowing agent mixture containing an organic compound having a boiling point in excess of 65.degree. C. in conjunction with another organic compound having a boiling point below about 40.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for preparing a multilayer structure. The structure is produced at an elevated temperature. The structure is characterized in that it distorts upon changes in temperature; includes at least two layers of different materials, at least one of which creeps significantly at the elevated temperature at which the structure is prepared and; contains no layers which creep significantly at ambient temperature. The process includes cooling said structure such that at least one of the layer(s) which creeps at said elevated temperature is cooled at a rate which is least 50% less than the material cooling rate thereof.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement in a process for preparing a molded rigid polyurethane or polyurethane-polyurea foam wherein a polyol having an average of at least 3 hydroxyl groups per molecule is reacted with a polyisocyanate in a mold in the presence of a blowing agent under conditions such that a rigid polyurethane or polyurethane-polyurea foam is formed. The improvement comprises employing as all or a portion of said polyol an aminoalkylpiperazine-initiated polyol having an equivalent weight from about 87 to about 500, said aminoalkylpiperazine-initiated polyol being employed in an amount sufficient to increase the cure rate of the foam relative to a similar foam prepared in the absence of the aminoalkylpiperazine-initiated polyol. Excellent flowability k-factors and rapid cures are obtained according to the invention.

Abstract: The K-factor and/or dimensional stability and/or expansion at demold properties of rigid foams are improved by including in the reaction mixture containing a polyol, polyisocyanate, foaming agent and catalyst, an appropriate amount of a compound containing at least one aliphatic primary amine group such as ethylene diamine.

Abstract: Polyhalogenated polyols are prepared having the formula (Q)--N(R).sub.b --(CH.sub.2).sub.c N(Q)].sub.d --.sub.2).sub.c OH wherein Q is 3-polyhalophenoxy-2-hydroxy-propyl; R is --CH.sub.2).sub.c OH or --CH.sub.2).sub.c CH.sub.3 ; a is 1 or 2; b is 0 or 1; c is 1-4 and d is 0 or 1 with the proviso that when a is 2, b is 0 and halo is bromine or chlorine.These polyols such as N,N-bis[3-(2',4'-dibromophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl]ethanolamine are used to make fire retardant rigid polyurethane foams using isocyanates, blowing agents, and the like.