Abstract: An improvement is described in a prior art process and apparatus for the preparation of continuous polymer bunstock having substantially rectangular cross-section which employs a panel member having its downstream end pivotally mounted above a conventional moving trough-shaped mold, the underside of said panel member floating freely in tangential contact with the rising foam in the area immediately following the gel point of said foam but before the point at which the foam is no longer sufficiently mobile to be molded without distortion of the cells thereof. The improvement, which is particularly designed for use in those cases (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a panelboard processing line is disclosed for controlling the application of smoothing pressure to a facing sheet of a laminate comprising at least one such sheet and a layer of plastic foam. Smoothing pressure is applied to the facing sheet during continuous production of the laminate in a conventional nip-roll, free-rising foam panelboard system. To this end, provision is made for adjustably suspending a belt-like member generally parallel to, but in variably spaced relation above, the processing line at a region downstream of the conventional nip-roll in the typical free-rising foam system. The belt-like member is flexible along its longitudinal axis but is relatively stiff transversely thereof, and is so suspended as to produce a depending loop or sag intermediate its ends.

Abstract: Polyisocyanurate foams are disclosed which are characterized by a combination of a high degree of fire resistance with low smoke evolution, low foam friability yet high compressive strength, and, most unexpectedly, the formation of a protective intumescent char over unburnt foam when the foam is subjected to combustion.This combination of advantageous features is achieved by employing in the foam forming reaction a minor amount of a polyol mixture prepared by the transesterification, with a glycol of molecular weight from about 60 to about 400, of a residue obtained from the manufacture of dimethyl terephthalate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for the preparation of continuous polymer foam bunstock having substantially rectangular cross-section. The novel feature comprises a panel member having its downstream end pivotally mounted above a conventional moving trough-shaped mold, the underside of said panel member floating freely in tangential contact with the rising foam in the area immediately following the gel point of said foam but before the point at which the foam is no longer sufficiently mobile to be molded without distortion of the cells thereof.

Abstract: Polyisocyanurate foams are disclosed which are characterized by low Flame Spread Ratings and low smoke generation values, as determined by the Underwriter's Laboratory Tunnel Test in accordance with the ASTM E-84 test procedure. The smoke and flame resistant properties are achieved, not through the use of flame retardants or additives, but rather by the use of a minor amount of a hydroxyl terminated aromatic polyester having a hydroxyl equivalent weight from about 150 to about 500 and which is the product of the reaction of an excess of a polyethyleneglycol having an equivalent weight from about 75 to about 225, with an aromatic polycarboxylic compound.

Abstract: Novel fire resistant insulating structural building elements are provided which are comprised of unitized structures such as walls, roofs, ceilings, and floors in combination with a layer of plastic foam insulation to which is in turn bonded a coating of gypsum plaster by a layer of bonding agent. The novel elements of the invention find particular utility in the rapid and economic construction of thermally insulated and fire resistant buildings. Additionally, a method is disclosed for a facile and economic way of providing thermal barrier protection for exposed plastic foam insulation in existing buildings by the application of a bonding agent and a plaster coat on said foam.

Abstract: A novel catalyst combination for the trimerization of polyisocyanates to polyisocyanurates is disclosed. The catalyst combination comprises (i) a tertiary amine trimerization catalyst containing a dimethylamino moiety, (ii) an alkali metal salt of an N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)methyl glycine, and (iii) a monomeric epoxide. The use of these catalysts in the preparation of polyisocyanurate foams results in facile machine preparation of bun stock foam without incurring the processing problems that arise from the prior art method. The polyisocyanurate foams produced using the novel catalyst combination of the invention are characterized by a reduced level of smoke generated on combustion.