Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly having a propeller shaft member defining an inner volume. A foam liner member is disposed in at least a portion of the inner volume of the propeller shaft member. The foam liner member is made of a viscoelastic, natural oil polyol-based foam, whereby the foam liner member is operable to reduce vibration amplitudes occurring within the propeller shaft member relative to an undampened propeller shaft member.

Abstract: Simple, economical preparative processes for the provision of pure hydroxyl functional materials derived by converting unsaturated molecules found in animal fats into hydroxyl groups are presented herein. The hydroxylated animal fats can be reacted with isocyanates to form polyurethane articles.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly having a propeller shaft member defining an inner volume. A foam liner member is disposed in at least a portion of the inner volume of the propeller shaft member. The foam liner member is made of a viscoelastic, natural oil polyol-based foam, whereby the foam liner member is operable to reduce vibration amplitudes occurring within the propeller shaft member relative to an undampened propeller shaft member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for hydroxylating vegetable oils to create polyols suitable for use in polymer processes, particularly polyurethane processes. The process includes contacting a vegetable oil with hydrogen peroxide and an organic acid having 1-3 carbon atoms under conditions sufficient to oxidize carbon to carbon double bonds found in the vegetable oil. There is also disclosed a vegetable oil based polyol having an acid number of 2.0 mg KOH/g or less. The polyol contains 0.1% w/w or less water, 0.1% w/w or less of the organic acid used to prepare the polyol, and triglyceride groups having fatty acid moieties ranging from C16 to C18. The fatty acid moieties contain pendant carboxylate groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for hydroxylating vegetable oils to create polyols suitable for use in polymer processes, particularly polyurethane processes. The process includes contacting a vegetable oil with hydrogen peroxide and an organic acid having 1-3 carbon atoms under conditions sufficient to oxidize carbon to carbon double bonds found in the vegetable oil. There is also disclosed a vegetable oil based polyol having an acid number of 2.0 mg KOH/g or less. The polyol contains 0.1% w/w or less water, 0.1% w/w or less of the organic acid used to prepare the polyol, and triglyceride groups having fatty acid moieties ranging from C16 to C18. The fatty acid moieties contain pendant carboxylate groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention relates to RIM molded elastomers prepared from aliphatic isocyanurates and prepolymers thereof. The reactive systems used to prepare these elastomers exhibit longer gel times with improved flow and can still be demolded in about 30 seconds. The resultant elastomers have good weatherability without painting. This invention also relates to phase stable polyol blends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing water-blown rigid polyurethane foams having at least an 80% closed-cell content which involves reacting a) at least one polyol mixture which is composed of (i) at least one polymer polyol; (ii) at least one polyol having a hydroxyl value within the range of from about 200 to about 800; and (iii) optionally, at least one polyol having a hydroxyl value within the range of from about 25 to about 115; with b) at least one polymeric isocyanate and/or a prepolymer thereof; in the presence of c) optionally, at least one catalyst; d) water; and e) optionally, at least one additive or auxiliary agent. The present invention is also directed to the closed-cell water blown rigid polyurethane foams produced by the process of the present invention. The invention is further directed to a polyurethane-foam forming mixture which is used to produce the water-blown rigid polyurethane foams of the present invention.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for hydroxylating vegetable oils to create polyols suitable for use in polymer processes, particularly polyurethane processes. The process includes contacting a vegetable oil with hydrogen peroxide and an organic acid having 1-3 carbon atoms under conditions sufficient to oxidize carbon to carbon double bonds found in the vegetable oil. There is also disclosed a vegetable oil based polyol having an acid number of 2.0 mg KOH/g or less. The polyol contains 0.1% w/w or less water, 0.1% w/w or less of the organic acid used to prepare the polyol, and triglyceride groups having fatty acid moieties ranging from C16 to C18. The fatty acid moieties contain pendant carboxylate groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms.