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.

Abstract: Alkoxylated natural oils are useful for preparation of water-blown polyurethane foams and can replace polyols and emulsifiers generally used in the art to provide polyol compositions having greater shelf-stability and blend-stability. Methods for preparing polyol compositions useful for preparation of water-blown polyurethane compositions, for preparing the polyurethane compositions using the polyol compositions, and kits comprising the polyol compositions are also described.

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.

Abstract: A method of improving the mechanical strength of polyurethane foams made from bio-based polyols, the polyol-containing compositions utilized in the method of the invention, and the polyurethane foams produced by the method of the invention are provided. The method of the invention involves the incorporation of aromatic polyester polyol in the polyol-containing composition used to manufacture the foams. In one embodiment, the aromatic polyester polyol is utilized in a polyol-containing composition which is employed in the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, the aromatic polyester polyol transesterified with a natural oil-containing composition to form a transesterification reaction product that is utilized in a polyol-containing composition which is employed in the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A method for improving the thermal stability of polyurethane-modified polyisocyanurate (PU-PIR) foams is provided. Moreover, a process for producing the PU-PIR foams exhibiting improved thermal stability is provided. The foams have incorporated therein a high molecular weight ammonium polyphosphate (APP). APP is employed as a partial or complete substitute for flame retardants conventionally employed in PU-PIR foams. The foams of the invention exhibit excellent and improved thermal stability characteristics as compared to foams to which no APP has been added.

Abstract: A method for improving the thermal stability of polyurethane-modified polyisocyanurate (PU-PIR) foams is provided. Moreover, a process for producing the PU-PIR foams exhibiting improved thermal stability is provided. The foams have incorporated therein a high molecular weight ammonium polyphosphate (APP). APP is employed as a partial or complete substitute for flame retardants conventionally employed in PU-PIR foams. The foams of the invention exhibit excellent and improved thermal stability characteristics as compared to foams to which no APP has been added.

Abstract: A method of improving the mechanical strength of polyurethane foams made from bio-based polyols, the polyol-containing compositions utilized in the method of the invention, and the polyurethane foams produced by the method of the invention are provided. The method of the invention involves the incorporation of aromatic polyester polyol in the polyol-containing composition used to manufacture the foams. In one embodiment, the aromatic polyester polyol is utilized in a polyol-containing composition which is employed in the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foam. In another embodiment, the aromatic polyester polyol transesterified with a natural oil-containing composition to form a transesterification reaction product that is utilized in a polyol-containing composition which is employed in the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A polyurethane-modified polyisocyanurate (PU-PIR) foam exhibiting improved thermal stability is provided. The foam has incorporated therein a high molecular weight ammonium polyphosphate (APP). APP is employed as a partial or complete substitute for flame retardants conventionally employed in PU-PIR foams. The foams of the invention exhibit excellent and improved thermal stability characteristics as compared to foams to which no APP has been added.

Abstract: The present technology provides at least one prepolymer comprising a polyisocyanate and a ring-containing isocyanate reactive component as a load-bearing capacity improvement agent in flexible polyurethane foam manufacture. The ring-containing component eliminates and/or reduces the need for a copolymer polyol containing suspended solids in the manufacture of flexible foam products. This can reduce production costs, reactivity variations, filter plugging, color variations, foam shrinkage/tightness, foam irregularity, and foam malodor while maintaining an adequate load-bearing capacity.

Abstract: The present technology relates to methods and compositions for preparing all water blown spray polyurethane foams by reacting an aromatic polymeric polyisocyanate with a polyol blend. The polyol methods and compositions of the present technology comprises a polyol component, water, a cell opening agent, and a non-reactive diluent. Polyurethane foams prepared according to the present technology meet the physical and processing requirements stipulated by the industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ring-containing component polyol and process for making the same for use as a load-bearing capacity improvement agent in flexible polyurethane foam manufacture. The ring-containing component polyol eliminates and/or reduces the need for a copolymer polyol containing suspended solids in the manufacture of flexible foam products. This may reduce production costs, reactivity variations, filter plugging, color variations, foam shrinkage/tightness, foam irregularity, and foam malodor while maintaining an adequate load-bearing capacity. The present polyol blends can be non-opaque or transparent.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyester-ether polyols and their use in foams, in particular rigid or flexible foams. Methods for producing such polyester-ether polyols using potassium hydroxide or double metal cyanide catalysts are disclosed, along with methods for producing urethane prepolymers. The polyester-ether polyols of the instant invention are preferably the reaction product of phthalic anhydride, diethylene glycol, and propylene oxide. These polyester-ether polyols are useful as either the primary polyol in urethane compositions or in combination with conventional auxiliary polyester- and/or polyether-based polyols. The polyester-ether polyols impart greatly improved solubility and compatibility to mixtures of either polyether and/or polyester polyols. The polyester-ether polyols of the instant invention are desirably of lower viscosity than their precursor intermediate polyester polyols and are generally soluble in either polyester- and/or polyether-based polyols.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing all water blown spray polyurethane foams by reacting a polyisocyanate with a polyol blend. The polyol methods and compositions of the invention comprises a polyol component, water, a cell opening agent, and a diluent. Polyurethane foams prepared according to the invention meet the physical and processing requirements stipulated by the industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing all water blown spray polyurethane foams by reacting a polyisocyanate with a polyol blend. The polyol methods and compositions of the invention comprises a polyol component, water, a cell opening agent and a diluent. Polyurethane foams prepared according to the invention meet the physical and processing requirements stipulated by the industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ring-containing component polyol and process for making the same for use as a load-bearing capacity improvement agent in flexible polyurethane foam manufacture. The ring-containing component polyol eliminates and/or reduces the need for a copolymer polyol containing suspended solids in the manufacture of flexible foam products. This may reduce production costs, reactivity variations, filter plugging, color variations, foam shrinkage/tightness, foam irregularity, and foam malodor while maintaining an adequate load-bearing capacity. The present polyol blends can be non-opaque or transparent.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing all water blown spray polyurethane foams by reacting a polyisocyanate with a polyol blend. The polyol methods and compositions of the invention comprises a polyol component, water, a cell opening agent, and a diluent. Polyurethane foams prepared according to the invention meet the physical and processing requirements stipulated by the industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing all water blown spray polyurethane foams by reacting a polyisocyanate with a polyol blend. The polyol methods and compositions of the invention comprises a polyol component, water, a cell opening agent and a diluent. Polyurethane foams prepared according to the invention meet the physical and processing requirements stipulated by the industry.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for preparing polyurethane foams using emulsified polyol mixture comprising (a) a polyol formulation comprising a polyester polyol having an OH value of from about 150 to 350; and (b) a cell opening agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for preparing polyurethane foams using emulsified polyol mixture comprising: (a) a polyol formulation comprising a polyester polyol having an OH value of from about 150 to 350; and (b) a cell opening agent.

Abstract: Polyurethane, polyisocyanurate and polyurea polymers, particularly foamed polymers can be prepared from formulations including non-silicone polyether surfactants. The non-silicone polyether surfactants can be polyethers having from about 10 to about 90 weight percent oxyethylene units and from about 10 to about 90 weight percent oxyalkylene units having at least 4 carbons. The non-silicone polyether surfactants can be used to prepare foams having properties substantially similar to foams prepared with conventional silicone based surfactants.