Abstract: Described herein are biological devices and methods for using the same to produce a polyactive carbohydrate. The biological devices include microbial cells transformed with a DNA construct containing genes for producing a chitin synthase, a chitosanase, and a chitin deacetylase. In some instances, the biological devices also include a gene for lipase. Methods for using the polyactive carbohydrate are also provided herein, including, but not limited to, enhancing the physiological properties of plants; medical applications; applications in the construction, materials science, and home goods industries; personal care, grooming, cosmetics, and oral care compositions containing the polyactive carbohydrate; methods for water decontamination; and the production of polyurethanes.

Abstract: Provided is a reaction-curable adhesive that exhibits an excellent adhesive strength even under a low-temperature environment. The reaction-curable adhesive includes an epoxy compound and an amine compound, the reaction-curable adhesive being cured through a reaction between the epoxy compound and the amine compound, in which a compound having a specific molecular structure is used as at least one of the epoxy compound or the amine compound.

Abstract: Monomers and polymerizable compositions that can be polymerized using a free-radical polymerization reaction are provided. The monomers have two vinyl groups as well as a spirobisindane-type structure. Polymers prepared from the polymerizable compositions are also provided. The polymers can be porous.

Abstract: Disclosed are fast-curing, inexpensive corn-gluten resin compositions, methods for making them, methods for forming them into solid articles. In some embodiments, the resin composition includes corn meal gluten and a non-toxic organic acid.

Abstract: A catalyst composition including a solution of at least one member selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal carboxylate and an alkaline earth metal carboxylate in a solvent which is nonreactive with the isocyanate groups of a polyisocyanate.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam is obtainable from the reaction of a mixture comprising A) an isocyanate-reactive compound; B) a blowing agent selected from the group comprising linear, branched or cyclic C1-C6 hydrocarbons, linear, branched or cyclic C1-C6 (hydro)fluorocarbons, N2, O2, argon and/or CO2, wherein said blowing agent B) is in the supercritical or near-critical state; and C) a polyisocyanate. The isocyanate-reactive compound A) comprises a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion and has an average hydroxyl functionality of more than 1. The hydrophobic portion comprises a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbonaceous chain having 6 or more carbon atoms and the hydrophilic portion comprises alkylene oxide units and/or ester units. Component A) is very preferably a sorbutan ester of the formula (II): where w+x+y+z=20.

Abstract: To suppress deterioration of mechanical properties of a foam, by using a polyol system solution stored. A polyol system solution is prepared by using a polyether polyol (A1) having a hydroxy value of from 5 to 45 mgKOH/g and an average number of hydroxy groups of from 2 to 8, obtainable by subjecting an alkylene oxide to ring-opening addition polymerization to an initiator, in the presence of a double metal cyanide complex catalyst, to obtain an intermediate polyol; and subjecting ethylene oxide to a ring-opening addition polymerization in an amount of from 1 to 23 mol per 1 mol of the initiator to the intermediate polyol, in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide as a polymerization catalyst, and a flexible polyurethane foam is produced by using the polyol system solution.

Abstract: One- and two-part spray non-isocyanate foams that include an amide-based oligomer containing pendant carboxylic acid and a polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent is provided. The amide oligomer typically contains urea links, urethane links or both groups. Additionally, the foams may include one or more plasticizer, a non-functionalized resin, a surfactant, and/or a thickening agent or rheology modifier. The amide oligomer does not contain any isocyanate groups, and, as a result, there are no free isocyanate moieties generated during formation of the foam that may be potentially hazardous to workers installing the foam. The presence of the urethane segments on the oligomer permits for the generation of a polyurethane foam without the drawbacks of conventional polyurethane foams. The foams may be used to fill cavities, cracks, gaps and crevices, such as around windows and doors, and may also be used in flash and batt systems.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing a plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or a diblock copolymer resin at least partially cured into gel particles into a mixture of polyurethane foam forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The plasticized copolymer resin is polymerized to form a cured gelatinous elastomer or gel, which is then reduced in size, for instance to give an average particle size of 10 millimeters or less. Polymerizing the polyol and the isocyanate forms polyurethane foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking and in some cases integrating the triblock copolymer within the polyurethane polymer matrix. The gel component has higher heat capacity than polyurethane foam and thus has good thermal conductivity and acts as a heat sink.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer containing one or more phase change materials, known as “phase change gel”, and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing at least partially cured phase change gel particles comprising plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or diblock copolymer resin and one or more phase change materials, into a mixture of polyurethane foam-forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The phase change gel can be crosslinked to form a cured gelatinous gel, which is then reduced in size before introduction. After the foam-forming components polymerize to make polyurethane foam, the phase change gel particles are discrete visible particles dispersed throughout the foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking.

Abstract: The invention relates to rigid polyurethane foams obtainable by reaction of A) organic or modified organic polyisocyanates or mixtures thereof, B) compounds having two or more isocyanate-reactive hydrogen atoms in the presence of C) optionally further polyester polyols, D) optionally polyetherol polyols, E) optionally flame retardants, F) one or more blowing agents, G) catalysts, and H) optionally further auxiliaries and/or additives, wherein component B) comprises the reaction product of a1) 15 to 40 wt % of one or more polyols or polyamines having an average functionality of 2.5 to 8, a2) 2 to 30 wt % of one or more fatty acids and/or fatty acid monoesters, a3) 35 to 70 wt % of one or more alkylene oxides of 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention relates to particle-comprising polyether alcohols which can be prepared by in-situ polymerization of olefinically unsaturated monomers in a polyether alcohol, wherein the polymerization is carried out in the presence of at least one compound (A) comprising a polyethersiloxane chain on which at least one polyether chain comprising at least one reactive hydrogen atom and a polyether chain comprising at least one olefinic double bond are present.

Abstract: The invention relates to particle-comprising polyether alcohols which can be prepared by in-situ polymerization of olefinically unsaturated monomers in a polyether alcohol, wherein the polymerization is carried out in the presence of at least one compound (A) comprising a polysiloxane chain to which at least one polyether chain comprising at least one reactive hydrogen atom and a polyether chain comprising at least one olefinic double bond are bonded.

Abstract: Molded flexible polyurethane foam is made from a polyol mixture that contains a dispersion of polymer particles in one or more polyether polyols of a particular type and one or more high functionality, high-ethylene oxide polyols which have an average oxyethylene content of from 26 to 100% by weight, an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of from 1400 to 2200 and an average nominal hydroxyl functionality of from 6 to 10. The polyol mixture produces a foam that has excellent resiliency and low compression sets.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a water absorbent resin, which promotes the formation of interconnected voids (continuous gas bubbles) in a foamed polymer (foam-like water absorbent resin) by a more convenient method, and produces with high efficiency a water absorbent resin which exhibits a high water absorption rate even when stepped into a sheet form or a powder form in hygiene articles and the like.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams are made and attached to a substrate having an open cavity, but reacting prepolymer and polyol components in the presence of certain carbamate blowing agents. This process allows for very fast curing, good quality, adherent foamy to be produced on, for example, vehicle parts and assemblies, for acoustical or vibration dampening and for structural reinforcement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to melamine-formaldehyde foams comprising hollow microspheres wherein said hollow microspheres have a median particle diameter (D50, volume averaged, Malvern, Fraunhofer diffraction) in the range from 260 ?m to 490 ?m, and also processes for producing these melamine-formaldehyde foams and their uses.

Abstract: A process for preparing water-absorbing polymer particles, comprising polymerization of a foamed monomer solution or suspension, drying, grinding and classification.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions-of-matter composed of a continuous elastomeric matrix and a liquid; the matrix entrapping the liquid therein in the form of closed-cell droplets dispersed throughout the matrix. The disclosed compositions-of-matter are characterized by a low tensile/compressive modulus and are capable of retaining the liquid for exceedingly long periods of time. Further disclosed are processes for forming the compositions-of-matter and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds produced by the reaction of glycidyl ethers and glycidyl esters with ether compounds including N,N,N?-trimethyl-bis-(aminoethyl) ether. N,N,N?-trimethyl-bis-(aminoethyl) ether and its derivatives can be used as polyurethane catalysts.

Abstract: One- and two-part spray non-isocyanate foams that include an amide-based oligomer containing pendant carboxylic acid and a polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent is provided. The amide oligomer typically contains urea links, urethane links or both groups. Additionally, the foams may include one or more plasticizer, a non-functionalized resin, a surfactant, and/or a thickening agent or rheology modifier. The amide oligomer does not contain any isocyanate groups, and, as a result, there are no free isocyanate moieties generated during formation of the foam that may be potentially hazardous to workers installing the foam. The presence of the urethane segments on the oligomer permits for the generation of a polyurethane foam without the drawbacks of conventional polyurethane foams. The foams may be used to fill cavities, cracks, gaps and crevices, such as around windows and doors, and may also be used in flash and batt systems.

Abstract: A copolymer defines interconnected pores and comprises polymerized monomers. The monomers comprise a first monomer more hydrophilic than 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and a second monomer as hydrophilic as, or less hydrophilic than, HEMA. In a method of forming a polymer, a bicontinuous microemulsion comprising water, a surfactant, and a combination of monomers copolymerizable for forming a porous copolymer is provided. The combination of monomers comprises the first and second monomers. The monomers in the bicontinuous microemulsion are polymerized to form the porous copolymer. The first monomer may comprise N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) or methacrylic acid (MAA). The second monomer may comprise HEMA or methyl methacrylate (MMA).

Abstract: A foamable resol type phenolic resin molding or forming material comprising a liquid resol type phenolic resin, foaming agent, a foam stabilizer, an acid curing agent and an additive, the additive being a nitrogen-containing bridged cyclic compound having an average particle diameter of 80 ?m or less, and a phenolic resin foamed product formed by foaming and curing the above molding or forming material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polyethers containing urethane or urea groups as foam stabilizers, obtained by reacting at least one isocyanate with (a) at least one hydrophilic polyether which statistically carries at least one OH and/or NH2 and/or NH function and (b) at least one hydrophobic polyether which statistically carries at least one OH and/or NH2 and/or NH function and optionally (c) further compounds which carry at least one OH and/or NH2 and/or NH function and/or other isocyanate-reactive groups, such as carboxyl or epoxide functions, with the proviso that at least one isocyanate is ?difunctional.

Abstract: A hydrofluoroolefin and hydrofluoroolefin isomers and a process for manufacture them comprising eliminating HF from a fluorinated precursor compound are described. The fluorinated precursor compound may be provided by fluorinating a chlorinated precursor. The fluorinated precursor compound may be a fluorinated alkane. The hydroolefines are suitable as blowing agents, heat transfer fluids, or drying agents or degreasing solvents.

Abstract: In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to foamed isocyanate-based polymer derived from a reaction mixture comprising an isocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound, a dendritic macromolecule and a blowing agent; wherein at least a 15% by weight of the dendritic macromolecule may be mixed with a polyether polyol having an OH number less than about 40 mg KOH/g to form a stable liquid at 23° C. The dendritic macromolecule confers advantageous load building characteristics to the foamed isocyanate-based polymer and may be used to partially or fully displace the use of conventional copolymer polyols used. A process for production of a foam isocyanate-based polymer and a process for conferring loading building properties to a foamed isocyanate-based polymer are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to reinforced polyurethane-urea elastomers with a specific urea content and a specific urethane content, to sheet polyurethane moldings with high surface energy and good lacquer adhesion produced therefrom, and to their use.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams are made and attached to a substrate having an open cavity, but reacting a polyisocyanate component and a polyol component in the presence of a blowing agent. The polyisocyanate component includes at least one isocyanate-terminated, oxazolidone-containing intermediate. This process allows for very fast curing, good quality, adherent foams to be produced on, for example, vehicle parts and assemblies, for acoustical or vibration dampening and for structural reinforcement.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing discrete solid beads of polymeric material e.g. phenolic resin having a mesoporous structure, which process may produce resin beads on an industrial scale without aggregates of resin building up speedily and interrupting production. The process comprises the steps of: (a) combining a stream of a polymerizable liquid precursor e.g. a novolac and hexamine as cross-linking agent dissolved in a first polar organic liquid e.g. ethylene glycol with a stream of a liquid suspension medium which is a second non-polar organic liquid with which the liquid precursor is substantially or completely immiscible e.g. transformer oil containing a drying oil; (b) mixing the combined stream to disperse the polymerizable liquid precursor as droplets in the suspension medium e.g.

Abstract: A foam material is made through a spray process by combining a polyol with a pre-reacted isocyanate. The pre-reacted isocyanate contains an isocyanate pre-reacted with a prefoaming agent, such as a second polyol. The second polyol might be the same or different than the first polyol. Once combined in the presence of a blowing agent, the polyol and the pre-reacted isocyanate form a foam material, such as a polyurethane foam. The foam material is particularly well suited for insulating surfaces. In one embodiment, for instance, the foam is formed and applied on site.

Abstract: A process for producing a leather-like sheet, wherein a skin-like layer composed of a resin composition (C) is formed on top of a fibrous substrate (E), comprising; heating and melting a moisture-curable polyurethane hot-melt resin composition (C) which contains a hot-melt urethane prepolymer (A) having isocyanate groups at molecular terminal ends and a colorant (B), and applying said heated and melted resin composition (C) to either [1] a releasable substrate (D) and then bonding the coated surface to a fibrous substrate (E), or [2] a fibrous substrate (E) and then bonding the coated surface to a releasable substrate (D); wherein the colorant (B) contains a polyol with a number average molecular weight within a range from 1,000 to 20,000 as a vehicle (B-1), and a pigment (B-2).

Abstract: A primer for adhesive sheets which comprises as a main component thereof an oligomer comprising a reaction product of a portion of an isocyanurate compound which is a trimer of tolylene diisocyanate and a polyol and has a number-average molecular weight in a range of 700 to 50,000; an article comprising an adhesive sheet attached to an adherend using a layer of the above primer as the intermediate layer; a process for producing an article attached with an adhesive sheet which comprises coating an adherend with the primer and attaching the adhesive sheet to the article when 1 minute to 24 hours has passed after the coating. Peeling and displacement of the adhesive sheet can be prevented and excellent properties can be maintained even when the adhesive sheet is attached to an article in a short time after the article is coated with the primer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyol dispersions with long-term stability, to cellular polyurethane moldings produced therewith, to processes for their preparation and to their use.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane blowing agent enhancers, methods for using them, and the products produced by these methods are disclosed. The enhancers are low molecular weight alcohols and/or ethers that assist the action of blowing agents comprising a hydrohalocarbon compound.

Abstract: A method for producing a rigid foamed synthetic resin, which comprises reacting a polyol with a polyisocyanate compound in the presence of water, a catalyst and a fluorine-containing compound of the formula 1: Rf—O-(A-O)n—R??Formula 1 where in the formula 1, Rf is a C2-27 fluorine-containing organic group, n is an integer of from 1 to 100, A is an alkylene group having a carbon number in the straight chain portion between bonds of from 2 to 4, provided that when n is from 2 to 100, the plurality of A may be the same or different, and R is a hydrogen atom, a C1-18 alkyl group or a C1-18 acyl group.

Abstract: Prepare a multimodal thermoplastic polymer foam having a distribution of large and small cells in a substantial absence of water by using a blowing agent stabilizer. Multimodal foams of the present invention have blowing agent stabilizer predominantly located proximate to large cells. The resulting multimodal foams have particular utility as thermal insulating materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technological sector of mineral fillers used in the sector which manufactures polyurethane foams and in particular fillers of the carbonate, hydroxide, silicate, sulphate type and similar mineral fillers. The invention relates in particular to a method of treating mineral fillers of a specific grain size with the aid of treatment agents of the organic phosphate type, incorporating a de-agglomeration step, and optionally a selection step, with a view to improving the techniques used to manufacture polyurethane foams either by foaming without an auxiliary blowing agent or with a blowing agent such as CO2, and composite polyurethane, whilst reducing the time needed to mix this treated filler treated with the polyol and other reagents. Numerous applications for block foams or moulded foams, for mattresses and similar, the automotive industry, various industrial components, etc . . .

Abstract: Method for the treatment of mineral fillers using organic phosphate treatment agents. Treated mineral fillers obtained by said method and suspension of these treated mineral fillers in polyols. Use of these suspensions in the manufacture of flexible, semirigid, or rigid polyurethane foams used for the manufacture of molded or nonmolded objects.

Abstract: The invention is a hydrophobic polyurethane foam prepared from a conventional PO/EO polyether polyol, a graft polyol and a hydrophobicity inducing surfactant. The foam is sufficiently hydrophobic to pass a stringent water impermeability test.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for the production of a polyurethane resin, which comprises an amine compound of the following formula (1): wherein each of R1 and R2 which are independent of each other, is a C1-4 alkyl group, such alkyl groups bonded to each other directly or via a nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom to form a ring structure, a dimethylaminopropyl group or a diethylaminopropyl group, and R3 is a C2-16 straight chain or branched chain alkylene group, and an amine compound of the following formula (2): wherein each of R4 and R5 which are independent of each other, is a C1-4 alkyl group, such alkyl groups bonded to each other directly or via a nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom to form a ring structure, a dimethylaminopropyl group or a diethylaminopropyl group, R6 is a C2-16 straight chain or branched chain alkylene group, R7 is a C2-3 straight chain or branched chain alkylene group, and n is an integer of from 0 to 2.

Abstract: A method for making an energy-absorbing foam having a density that is less than about 7 pcf that exhibits excellent strength properties and that is particularly suitable for automobile bumper applications. The invention is also directed to the energy-absorbing foam made with the method.

Abstract: Provided are catalyst systems which produce flexible polyurethane polyester foams that are color stable, are lower in odor, and uses less catalysts than current most commonly practiced technology. The use of lower amounts of catalysts with low vapor pressure reduces worker exposure to alkaline corrosive materials, reduces pollution through less pounds of volatile organic chemicals (VOC's) and is less expensive.

Abstract: Novel acid-blocked amine catalysts and their use in the preparation of polyurethanes. The acid-blocked amine catalysts have the general structure shown below: wherein A is the residue of an organic acid anhydride; R1 is H or C1 to C6 alkyl; R2 is H or C1 to C6 alkyl; n is an integer of 0 to 10; and B is a compound containing a protonated amine and one or more primary amine, secondary amine, or tertiary amine groups.

Abstract: Carbamate solutions are obtainable by reacting at least one alkanolamine with carbon dioxide in, as solvent, at least one organic compound having a molecular weight of from 60 to 600 and containing at least one hydroxyl group, wherein the carbamate contains at least 0.

Abstract: A polyester polyol composition comprising a phthalic anhydride-initiated polyester polyol, a C4-C6 hydrocarbon blowing agent, and an oxyethylated fatty acid or fatty alcohol compatibilizing agent having an HLB of from about 7 to about 12. The blowing agent is soluble in the polyol composition, thereby reducing the risks associated with such blowing agents in processes for making rigid polymer foam articles and providing rigid foams having good dimensional stability and improved insulation properties.

Abstract: Provided herein are catalyst systems useful for providing polyurethane foam products which exhibit low fogging characteristics while possessing favorable overall physical properties when used as interior components of automobiles and other motorized vehicles.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of open celled rigid polyurethane or urethane-modified polyisocyanurate foams by reaction of a polyfunctional isocyanate-reactive composition with a polyisocyanate composition comprising a prepolymer of NCO-value 21-30% based on a high molecular weight oxyethylene-containing polyol.

Abstract: A process for preparing hydrocarbon blown rigid polyurethane foam using a novel compatibilizing agent. The compatibilizing agent is an alkoxylate adduct of a triglyceride with a hydroxyl value of about 100 or less. The triglyceride adduct has an ethylene oxide content of at least 40% by weight thereof. These adducts may be used alone or in mixture with other compatibilizers. The compatibilizers increase the stability of rigid foam formulation emulsions containing greatly increased hydrocarbon blowing agent levels while showing little or no adverse affect to physical properties of foams prepared therewith.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertain generally to at least semi-rigid polyurethane foams which cure upon exposure to moisture and which contain major amounts of non-ozone depleting hydrofluorocarbon gas. The foams additionally contain a diisocyanate, preferably, 4,4′-diphenylmethane diusocyanate (MDI) and optionally including higher oligomers of MDI (polymeric MDI) in addition to at least two polyols of different molecular weights, e.g., as measured by number average molecular weight, preferably a polyester or polyether polyol, more preferably a polyalkylene polyol. The at least two polyols have a difference in molecular weight which is greater than or equal to 10%, preferably greater than or equal to 20%, more preferably greater than or equal to 35%, and most preferably greater than or equal to 50%, said number average molecular weight of the higher molecular weight polyol being no greater than approximately 4,000.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combined use of metal salts of ricinoleic acid with reactive amines in the preparation of polyurethane foams (PUR foams) and of their solutions in aqueous or organic solvents in the preparation of polyurethane foams in combination with reactive amines.