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.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for preparing rigid foams by contacting a polyisocyanate with a polyol mixture comprising(a) from about 40-95% by weight of a polyester or polyether polyol;(b) a catalytic amount of a catalyst system comprising a primary catalyst and an amino acid salt catalyst derived from sarcosine; and(c) a non-chlorofluorocarbon blowing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for preparing rigid foams by contacting a polyisocyanate with a polyol mixture comprising(a) from about 40-95% by weight of a polyester or polyether polyol;(b) a catalytic amount of a catalyst system comprising a primary catalyst and an amino acid salt catalyst derived from sarcosine; and(c) a non-chlorofluorocarbon blowing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for preparing rigid foams by contacting a polyisocyanate with a polyol mixture comprising(a) from about 40-95% by weight of a polyester or polyether polyol;(b) a catalytic amount of a catalyst system comprising a primary catalyst and an amino acid salt catalyst derived from sarcosine; and(c) a non-chlorofluorocarbon blowing agent.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams can be prepared which have improved retention of insulative properties. The foams are prepared from formulations including a glycerine initiated ethoxylated polyol prepared from a formulation including from about two to about three moles of ethylene oxide per mole of glycerine initiator and/or a tri- to octa-functional substantially linear hydroxy alkane initiated ethylene carbonate ethoxylated polyol prepared from a formulation including from about 2 to about 15 moles of ethylene carbonate per mole of initiator wherein the ratio of moles of ethylene carbonate to initiator functionality is from 0.5 to less than 2.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams having improved retention of insulative properties can be prepared using one or more of two novel polyols. One of the polyols is a polyether prepared by reacting a monoepoxide with a compound having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein X is H, Li, Na, K; A is N, S or O; L is a covalent bond or a connecting group having from 1 to 10 carbons; M is any group capable of reacting with an ethylene oxide molecule in the presence of a basic catalyst; and J is an integer from 2 to 8. The other polyol is prepared by (1) admixing ethylene carbonate and one or more hydroxyl functional compounds under reaction conditions sufficient to react the ethylene carbonate and the hydroxyl functional compounds to produce a polyol precursor, and (2) admixing the polyol precursor with diethylene glycol and an anhydride, a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid or mixtures thereof, optionally in the presence of a catalyst.