Abstract: A rigid PU or PU-PIR foam comprising a reaction product of water, a catalyst, a foam-stabilizing surfactant, a polyisocyanate, a blowing agent and a blend comprising: (a) 90 to 99 wt.% of an aromatic polyester polyol having a hydroxyl number within the range of 150 to 400 mg KOH/g; and (b) 1 to 10 wt.% of a fatty acid derivative selected from the group consisting of C8 to C18 fatty acid esters and C8 to C18 fatty acid amides.

Abstract: One-component (1K) adhesive compositions (“PEEP” compositions) and a process for making them are disclosed. A polyepoxide is reacted with a polyether polyol composition, a polyester polyol composition, or both in the presence of a heat-activated Lewis acid catalyst at a temperature within the range of 100° C. to 220° C. for a time effective to cure the adhesive. The compositions are storage-stable under ambient conditions. Compared with conventional epoxy compositions, the 1K PEEP compositions offer improved room temperature lap shear strength, better resilience, and higher elongation. The 1K PEEP systems deliver a desirable balance of physical and mechanical properties while avoiding polyisocyanates and polyamine crosslinkers.

Abstract: A low-VOC, two-component polyurethane adhesive is provided. The polyurethane adhesive has an A-side that includes an isocyanate and a non-reactive plasticizer, and a B-side that includes an aliphatic polyester polyol, a non-polyester polyol, and a urethane catalyst. The A-side and the B-side are reacted at a volume ratio of 1:1 and formulated at an NCO/OH index within the range of 0.90 to 1.10. The polyurethane adhesive is solvent-free and is particularly suitable for adhering a polymeric membrane to a substrate.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams, polyester polyols used to produce them, and methods for formulating the foams are disclosed. The foams comprise a reaction product of a polyisocyanate, a polyester polyol, water, a surfactant, a catalyst and optional ingredients. The polyester polyols comprise a phthalimide-containing polyacid, a phthalimide-containing polyol, or a combination thereof. Rigid foams produced from the polyester polyols exhibit higher thermal stability and/or greater intumescence when compared with foams made from other polyester polyols. The phthalimide-containing polyester polyols should allow formulators to improve the flammability performance of rigid foams with reduced levels of flame retardants and/or lower index and should facilitate the production of thinner insulation panels.

Abstract: Noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH) properties of an industrial or consumer product are reduced by incorporating therein an effective amount of a polyether- or polyester-epoxide polymer (PEEP) composition. The PEEP compositions are one-component or two-component reaction products of a polyepoxide compound and a polyol composition. The PEEP compositions have a glass-transition temperature within the range of ?50° C. to 50° C. and a loss factor of at least 0.5 by ASTM D5992 over a temperature range of at least 15 Celsius degrees at one or more frequencies within the range of 0.1 to 10,000 Hz. The PEEP compositions provide NVH damping over a broad temperature range, have improved flexibility compared with conventional epoxy technologies, avoid amine and isocyanate reactants, and can be tailored to meet target specifications.

Abstract: A low-VOC, two-component polyurethane adhesive is provided. The polyurethane adhesive has an A-side that includes an isocyanate and a non-reactive plasticizer, and a B-side that includes an aliphatic polyester polyol, a non-polyester polyol, and a urethane catalyst. The A-side and the B-side are reacted at a volume ratio of 1:1 and formulated at an NCO/OH index within the range of 0.90 to 1.10. The polyurethane adhesive is solvent-free and is particularly suitable for adhering a polymeric membrane to a substrate.

Abstract: A low-VOC, two-component polyurethane adhesive is provided. The polyurethane adhesive has an A-side that includes an isocyanate and a non-reactive plasticizer, and a B-side that includes an aliphatic polyester polyol, a non-polyester polyol, and a urethane catalyst. The A-side and the B-side are reacted at a volume ratio of 1:1 and formulated at an NCO/OH index within the range of 0.90 to 1.10. The polyurethane adhesive is solvent-free and is particularly suitable for adhering a polymeric membrane to a substrate.

Abstract: One-component (1K) adhesive compositions (“PEEP” compositions) and a process for making them are disclosed. A polyepoxide is reacted with a polyether polyol composition, a polyester polyol composition, or both in the presence of a heat-activated Lewis acid catalyst at a temperature within the range of 100° C. to 220° C. for a time effective to cure the adhesive. The compositions are storage-stable under ambient conditions. Compared with conventional epoxy compositions, the 1K PEEP compositions offer improved room temperature lap shear strength, better resilience, and higher elongation. The 1K PEEP systems deliver a desirable balance of physical and mechanical properties while avoiding polyisocyanates and polyamine crosslinkers.

Abstract: A promoted membrane suitable for use in single-ply roofing applications is disclosed. The membrane comprises EPDM rubber and 0.1 to 10 wt. % of an adhesion promoter. The promoter comprises a polyester resin having a hydroxyl number within the range of 28 to 250 mg KOH/g, a content of terephthalate recurring units within the range of 40 to 65 wt. % based on the amount of polyester resin, and a glass-transition temperature within the range of 40° C. to 80° C. Roofing systems comprising the promoted EPDM membranes are also disclosed. Compared with an unpromoted membrane, the promoted membranes provide a substantial and unexpected boost in peel strength such that the roofing systems resist weather-induced failure of the bond between the roofing membrane and the roof substrate. The invention helps roofers minimize or limit the aggravation and cost of warranty claims from customers whose buildings and contents may otherwise be damaged or destroyed by exposure to wind and/or rain.

Abstract: Polyether-epoxide polymer compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a reaction product of a polyepoxide compound and a polyol composition comprising a polyether polyol. The ratio of epoxy equivalents to hydroxyl equivalents is within the range of 0.5:1 to 3:1. The polyether-epoxide composition has a Tg within the range of ?40° C. to 60° C. The polyether polyol has a hydroxyl value within the range of 150 to 800 mg KOH/g and an average hydroxyl functionality within the range of 3.5 to 8.0. In some aspects, the polyol composition further comprises a polyester polyol. Low- and elevated-temperature processes catalyzed by bases or Lewis acids for making the polyether-epoxide compositions are also disclosed. In a simple yet innovative approach, a new class of polymers useful for coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, and other valuable products is assembled from readily available starting materials without reliance on polyamines or polyisocyanates.

Abstract: Isocyanate-modified polyester-epoxide polymer (i-PEEP) compositions are disclosed. The i-PEEP compositions comprise a reaction product of a polyepoxide compound, a polyisocyanate, and a polyester polyol composition. The ratio of epoxy equivalents to hydroxyl equivalents is within the range of 0.2 to 2. The i-PEEP index as defined herein is within the range of 100 to 200. The i-PEEP composition has a Tg within the range of ?30° C. to 35° C. Low- and elevated-temperature processes catalyzed by bases or Lewis acids for making the i-PEEP compositions are also disclosed. In a simple yet innovative approach, a new class of polymers useful for coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, and other valuable products is assembled from readily available starting materials without reliance on the polyamines typically used to cure epoxy systems.

Abstract: Blends comprising an aromatic polyester polyol and a 1 to 10 wt. % of a fatty acid derivative are disclosed. The fatty acid derivative is a C8 to C18 fatty acid ester or a C8 to C18 fatty acid amide. Also disclosed are rigid PU or PU-PIR foams that comprise a reaction product of water, a catalyst, a foam-stabilizing surfactant, a polyisocyanate, a blowing agent, and the polyester polyol/fatty acid derivative blends. Surprisingly, low-temperature R-values of rigid foams based on pentane blowing agents can be improved significantly by using blends of aromatic polyester polyols and a minor proportion of readily available fatty acid derivatives. In some aspects, the difference between initial R-values of the foam measured at 75° F. and 40° F. is at least 5% greater than that of a similar foam prepared in the absence of the fatty acid derivative.

Abstract: Polyester-epoxide polymer (PEEP) compositions are disclosed. The PEEP compositions comprise a reaction product of a polyepoxide compound (eq. wt. 125 to 250 g/eq.) and a polyester polyol composition. The ratio of epoxy equivalents to hydroxyl equivalents is within the range of 0.8 to 3.5. The PEEP composition has a Tg within the range of ?40° C. to 60° C. Elevated temperature-cure and low temperature-cure processes for making the PEEP compositions are also disclosed. In a simple yet innovative approach, a new class of polymers useful for adhesives, coatings, elastomers, and other valuable products is assembled from readily available starting materials without reliance on polyisocyanates or polyamines. The PEEP compositions have increased elongation and lower Tg when compared with traditional epoxy products.

Abstract: Polyether- or polyester-epoxide polymer (PEEP) compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise reaction products of a polyepoxide compound and a polyol composition. The polyol composition has a melting point within the range of 20° C. to 100° C. and a hydroxyl number less than 35 mg KOH/g. The PEEP composition is a solid-solid phase-change material. As measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating/cooling rate of 10° C./minute, the PEEP composition has a transition temperature within the range of ?10° C. to 70° C., a latent heat at the transition temperature within the range of 30 to 200 J/g, and little or no detectable hysteresis or supercooling upon thermal cycling over at least five heating/cooling cycles that encompass the transition temperature.

Abstract: A promoted membrane suitable for use in single-ply roofing applications is disclosed. The membrane comprises EPDM rubber and 0.1 to 10 wt. % of an adhesion promoter. The promoter comprises a polyester resin having a hydroxyl number within the range of 28 to 250 mg KOH/g, a content of terephthalate recurring units within the range of 40 to 65 wt. % based on the amount of polyester resin, and a glass-transition temperature within the range of 40° C. to 80° C. Roofing systems comprising the promoted EPDM membranes are also disclosed. Compared with an unpromoted membrane, the promoted membranes provide a substantial and unexpected boost in peel strength such that the roofing systems resist weather-induced failure of the bond between the roofing membrane and the roof substrate. The invention helps roofers minimize or limit the aggravation and cost of warranty claims from customers whose buildings and contents may otherwise be damaged or destroyed by exposure to wind and/or rain.

Abstract: A low-VOC, two-component polyurethane adhesive is provided. The polyurethane adhesive has an A-side that includes an isocyanate and a non-reactive plasticizer, and a B-side that includes an aliphatic polyester polyol, a non-polyester polyol, and a urethane catalyst. The A-side and the B-side are reacted at a volume ratio of 1:1 and formulated at an NCO/OH index within the range of 0.90 to 1.10. The polyurethane adhesive is solvent-free and is particularly suitable for adhering a polymeric membrane to a substrate.

Abstract: Polyether-epoxide polymer compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a reaction product of a polyepoxide compound and a polyol composition comprising a polyether polyol. The ratio of epoxy equivalents to hydroxyl equivalents is within the range of 0.5:1 to 3:1. The polyether-epoxide composition has a Tg within the range of ?40° C. to 60° C. The polyether polyol has a hydroxyl value within the range of 150 to 800 mg KOH/g and an average hydroxyl functionality within the range of 3.5 to 8.0. In some aspects, the polyol composition further comprises a polyester polyol. Low- and elevated-temperature processes catalyzed by bases or Lewis acids for making the polyether-epoxide compositions are also disclosed. In a simple yet innovative approach, a new class of polymers useful for coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, and other valuable products is assembled from readily available starting materials without reliance on polyamines or polyisocyanates.

Abstract: Isocyanate-modified polyester-epoxide polymer (i-PEEP) compositions are disclosed. The i-PEEP compositions comprise a reaction product of a polyepoxide compound, a polyisocyanate, and a polyester polyol composition. The ratio of epoxy equivalents to hydroxyl equivalents is within the range of 0.2 to 2. The i-PEEP index as defined herein is within the range of 100 to 200. The i-PEEP composition has a Tg within the range of ?30° C. to 35° C. Low- and elevated-temperature processes catalyzed by bases or Lewis acids for making the i-PEEP compositions are also disclosed. In a simple yet innovative approach, a new class of polymers useful for coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, and other valuable products is assembled from readily available starting materials without reliance on the polyamines typically used to cure epoxy systems.

Abstract: Polyester-epoxide polymer (PEEP) compositions are disclosed. The PEEP compositions comprise a reaction product of a polyepoxide compound (eq. wt. 125 to 250 g/eq.) and a polyester polyol composition. The ratio of epoxy equivalents to hydroxyl equivalents is within the range of 0.8 to 3.5. The PEEP composition has a Tg within the range of ?40° C. to 60° C. Elevated temperature-cure and low temperature-cure processes for making the PEEP compositions are also disclosed. In a simple yet innovative approach, a new class of polymers useful for adhesives, coatings, elastomers, and other valuable products is assembled from readily available starting materials without reliance on polyisocyanates or polyamines. The PEEP compositions have increased elongation and lower Tg when compared with traditional epoxy products.

Abstract: An aromatic polyester polyol having a nominal functionality of at least about 2 is produced from the esterification reaction of a phthalate-based composition containing less than 50 mol % of ortho-phthalic acid or phthalic anhydride, with a hydroxyl material containing at least 20 mol % of at least one branched aliphatic diol, and optionally transesterified with at least one hydrophobic material. The polyester polyol has improved shelf-life stability as demonstrated by the polyester polyol remaining clear and homogeneous for at least 6 months when stored at room temperature. The polyester polyol, when incorporated into a polyol foam-forming resin composition in an amount of at least 40 wt %, results in polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams that exhibit low smoke and weight loss upon burning conditions.