Abstract: A method of making a molecularly imprinted porous structure makes use of a surfactant analog of the molecule to be imprinted that has the imprint molecule portion serving as the surfactant headgroup. The surfactant analog is allowed to self-assemble in a mixture to create at least one supramolecular structure having exposed imprint groups. The imprinted porous structure is formed by adding reactive monomers to the mixture and allowing the monomers to polymerize, with the supramolecular structure serving as a template. The resulting solid structure has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the supramolecular structure and has cavities that are the mirror image of the imprint group. Similarly, molecularly imprinted particles may be made by using the surfactant to create a water-in-oil microemulsion wherein the imprint groups are exposed to the water phase.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam or elastomer comprises an organic polyisocyanate component, an active hydrogen-containing component reactive with the polyisocyanate component, wherein the viscosity of this component is less than about 500 cP at room temperature, a catalyst component, a surfactant, and a flame retarding composition. The components may be low VOC. A preferred flame retarding composition comprises an antimony-based compound, a halogenated, active hydrogen-containing component reactive with the polyisocyanate component, and a halogenated flame-retarding agent. Such polyurethanes are useful as gaskets, seals, padding, in automotive applications, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of silicone-polyether copolymers of the formula I as surface-active substances in the production of polyurethane foams.

Abstract: The invention relates to the addition of &agr;-methyl styrene, isobutanol and/or isopropanol to reduce vapor pressure, improve k-factor, enhance the solubility of the blowing agent in the premix and/or improve the processing characteristics of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate closed-cell foams prepared with a blowing agent comprising a hydrofluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and mixtures thereof.

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: In a process for producing flexible polyurethane foams by the reaction known per se of polyisocyanates with compounds containing at least two hydrogen atoms which react with isocyanate, the reaction is carried out in the presence of cyclic or heterocyclic compounds containing at least one reactive hydrogen atom.

Abstract: A method of making a molecularly imprinted porous structure makes use of a surfactant analog of the molecule to be imprinted that has the imprint molecule portion serving as the surfactant headgroup. The surfactant analog is allowed to self-assemble in a mixture to create at least one supramolecular structure having exposed imprint groups. The imprinted porous structure is formed by adding reactive monomers to the mixture and allowing the monomers to polymerize, with the supramolecular structure serving as a template. The resulting solid structure has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the supramolecular structure and has cavities that are the mirror image of the imprint group. Similarly, molecularly imprinted particles may be made by using the surfactant to create a water-in-oil microemulsion wherein the imprint groups are exposed to the water phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to the addition of &agr;-methyl styrene, isobutanol and/or isopropanol to reduce vapor pressure, improve k-factor, enhance the solubility of the blowing agent in the premix and/or improve the processing characteristics of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate closed-cell foams prepared with a blowing agent comprising a hydrofluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and mixtures thereof.

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: The invention relates to the use of mixtures of organofunctionally modified polysiloxanes with branched alcohols in the production of flexible polyurethane foams.

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: The invention relates to the use of mixtures of organofunctionally modified polysiloxanes with branched alcohols in the production of flexible polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a porous matrix-type drug delivery system is provided. It comprises the steps of: dispersing, stirring, and emulsifying an aqueous solution of a drug in an organic solvent having a polymer compound and a surface active agent solved therein; thereafter forming it into a desirable matrix shape; lyophilizing or drying it at a low temperature or room temperature until the matrix surface is hardened; and drying it again in order to remove the water and the organic solvent.

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 method of making a molecularly imprinted porous structure makes use of a surfactant analog of the molecule to be imprinted that has the imprint molecule portion serving as the surfactant headgroup. The surfactant analog is allowed to self-assemble in a mixture to create at least one supramolecular structure having exposed imprint groups. The imprinted porous structure is formed by adding reactive monomers to the mixture and allowing the monomers to polymerize, with the supramolecular structure serving as a template. The resulting solid structure has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the supramolecular structure and has cavities that are the mirror image of the imprint group. Similarly, molecularly imprinted particles may be made by using the surfactant to create a water-in-oil microemulsion wherein the imprint groups are exposed to the water phase.

Abstract: An improved process to enhance polyurethane foam performance is described. Polyurethane foam is prepared by reactions between a polyisocyanate and a polyfunctional isocyanate-reactive component wherein said reactions are conducted in the presence of catalysts composed of (a) a specific reactive tertiary amine compound selected from the group consisting of bis(dimethylaminopropyl)amino-2-propanol, bis(dimethylaminopropyl)amine, dimethylaminopropyldipropanolamine, bis(dimethylamino)-2-propanol, N,N,N′-trimethyl-N′-hydroxyethyl-bis(aminoethyl)ether and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one carboxylic acid salt of the specific reactive tertiary amine compound selected from the group consisting of hydroxy-carboxylic acid salts and halo-carboxylic acid salts.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an insulation board comprising a rigid polyisocyanurate foam core having two major surfaces and a facing material on at least one of the major surfaces, comprising (a) conveying a facing material along a production line for attachment to one major surface of the core; (b) applying a foam-forming mixture of polyisocyanurate to the facing material such that the mixture is applied along the entire width of the facing material; (c) optionally conveying a second facing material along the production line for attachment to the other major surface of the core; (d) conveying the facing material with applied foam-forming mixture into a laminator which comprises a gap for foam expansion and allowing the mixture to foam and expand to fill the gap within the laminator; and (e) curing the foam. The process provides excellent boardstock thickness control, minimal wasted densification at the foam/facer interface, greater compressive strength and high line speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isocyanate-reactive composition comprising an isocyanate-reactive compound having an equivalent weight of from about 400 to about 12000, and a stabilizing amount of methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)propionate with optional costabilizers selected from another phenolic, an amine, a phosphite, a thioether, or a lactone stabilizer to form a stabilizer package which may be further used in a process for preparing a flexible polyurethane foam comprising reacting together an organic polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive composition in the presence of a blowing agent to form the polyurethane foam.

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: A wound dressing has a wound-contact layer formed from a polyurethane foam. The foam comprises one part by weight of the reaction product of an isocyanate-capped prepolymer with water (and optionally other hydroxy-functional compounds), and from 0.03 to 0.3 parts by weight of a natural or synthetic rubber. The isocyanate-capped prepolymer is preferably an isocyanate-capped ethyleneoxy/propyleneoxy copolymer, and the rubber is preferably an acrylic rubber.

Abstract: A method of making a molecularly imprinted porous structure makes use of a surfactant analog of the molecule to be imprinted that has the imprint molecule portion serving as the surfactant headgroup. The surfactant analog is allowed to self-assemble in a mixture to create at least one supramolecular structure having exposed imprint groups. The imprinted porous structure is formed by adding reactive monomers to the mixture and allowing the monomers to polymerize, with the supramolecular structure serving as a template. The resulting solid structure has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the supramolecular structure and has cavities that are the mirror image of the imprint group. Similarly, molecularly imprinted particles may be made by using the surfactant to create a water-in-oil microemulsion wherein the imprint groups are exposed to the water phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible polyurethane foam having good resistance to wet heat aging and resistance to ozone deterioration and a speaker edge having an excellent waterproofness comprising such a flexible polyurethane foam. As a polyol, a polyol component obtained by mixing a polyester polyol having an excellent compatibility with polyether polyol such as adipate of a long-chain alkylene glycol having at least 5 carbon atoms with a foaming agent, a catalyst, a foam stabilizer, etc. is reacted with a polyisocyanate to obtain a flexible polyurethane foam having good resistance to wet heat aging and resistance to ozone deterioration. Further, the incorporation of a specific aromatic secondary amine compound, a monofunctionally-terminated compound and an ultraviolet absorbent in the foam composition makes it possible to obtain a flexible foam having better resistance to ozone deterioration and weather resistance.

Abstract: Use as foaming agents having a low environmental impact of azeotropic or near azeotropic compositions using difluoromethoxy-bis(difluoromethyl ether) and/or 1-difluroromethoxy-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether.

Abstract: A process for producing a rigid foam based on isocyanate comprises reacting an organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanate with a polyol composition and, optionally, a relatively low molecular weight chain extender or crosslinker in the presence of a catalyst, and, optionally, further auxiliaries and/or additives, wherein the polyol composition comprises a phthalic anhydride-initiated polyester polyol, a blowing agent comprising C4-C6 hydrocarbon, and a fatty acid or fatty alcohol ethoxylate compatibilizing agent. 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: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing foam board or sheet including the steps of (A) forming a foamable mixture of (1) a major amount of a styrenic polymer having a high melt index, (2) a minor amount of a low melt index styrenic polymer, and (3) a blowing agent containing a major amount of carbon dioxide under a pressure sufficient to prevent prefoaming of the mixture, and (B) foaming the mixture into a region of reduced pressure to form a foam product.

Abstract: An isocyanate-reactive composition containing a blowing agent that is generally a gas at ambient temperature and pressure which is storage stable is produced by including a phenol or alkylphenol having at least one phenolic hydroxyl group in the isocyanate-reactive composition in an amount sufficient to promote the solubility of the blowing agent. The isocyanate-reactive composition may be stored at ambient conditions rather than under pressure. The isocyanate-reactive composition containing blowing agent may be used to produce foams having good physical properties after storage at ambient temperature and pressure for periods as long as 3 months.

Abstract: Provided herein are subcombinations from which polyurethane foams and polyurethane foams containing polyisocyanurates may be prepared. The subcombinations are unique in that they contain components which synergistically act towards promoting compatibility between a blowing agent and the remaining components of the formulation. Through the use of the teachings herein, blowing agent concentrations in excess of 25% by weight of the total subcombination may be incorporated.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of silicone-polyether copolymers of the formula I 1

Abstract: An isocyanate-based rigid foam comprising the reaction product of an organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanate, a resin blend and, optionally, a relatively low molecular weight chain extender or crosslinker in the presence of a catalyst, and, optionally, further auxiliaries and/or additives, wherein the resin blend comprises a phthalic anhydride-initiated polyester polyol, a blowing agent comprising a C4-C6 hydrocarbon, and a fatty acid or fatty alcohol ethoxylate compatibilizing agent. 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: A process for the production of micro-cellular or non-cellular, light-stable elastomeric, flexible or semi-flexible polyurethane moldings which are especially suited for window encapsulation applications from a reaction mixture by the reaction injection molding process, wherein: A) an isocyanate component containing an isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) trimer/monomer mixture having an NCO content of from 24.

Abstract: It has been found that non-chlorinated pentafluoropropane blowing agents may be used alone or in combination with water in flexible integral skin foams. For example, foams prepared from a resin blend incorporating 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFA-245fa) alone or in combination with water exhibit physical characteristics such as resistance to abrasion and cracking on flex comparable to conventional chlorinated fluorocarbon blown foams. Such foams made using the resin blend of the present invention are suitable for use in many applications including, for example, shoe soles.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a process of preparing a novel polyimide foam having superior heat-resistance, flame retardancy, homogeneous size and distribution of cells, and low density, wherein a polyimide precursor in a granular form is prepared by means of using heterocyclic amine as catalyst and then foaming. According to the present invention, the preparing process of a polyimide foam comprises reacting aromatic carboxylic acid or the anhydrides thereof with an excess of aliphatic univalent alcohol to yield an aromatic ester solution. To the aromatic ester solution, divalent amines or the mixture thereof were added in the equivalent amount of said carboxylic acid or the anhydrides thereof in addition to a catalyst and surfactant to yield a polyimide. Then, the precursor in a granular form mixture was imidized while foaming by means of pre-heating and then heating in a microwave oven, after which was cured at a high temperature.

Abstract: B-side compositions comprising a polyol and a gaseous blowing agent comprising 124 dissolved in the polyol are provided, as are processes for producing closed-cell polyurethane or polyisocyanurate polymer foam comprising contacting an isocyanate-containing component with a polyol component in the presence of a blowing agent comprising 124, said blowing agent being dissolved in said polyol component.

Abstract: A polyurethane composition to provide a rigid polyurethane foam suitable for use as a core material in a composite laminate and which polyurethane composition includes an additive compound or oligomer-prepolymer having hydroxy groups for reaction with the diisocyanate of the polyurethane or which has been prereacted with a diisocyanate and which contains after the polyurethane reaction ethylenically unsaturated groups, like allyl or acrylic groups, to react with an unsaturated polyester resin. The invention includes the organic additive oligomer-prepolymer and the hybrid polyester-rigid polyurethane laminates.

Abstract: Premixes intended for the preparation of polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams comprising at least one polyol, at least one hydrofluoroalkane corresponding to the general formula CF.sub.3 --CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 --CF.sub.2 --R.sup.3, where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent, independently, a hydrogen atom or an optionally fluorinated C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl group and where R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and at least one stabilizer chosen from nitroalkanee, diketones, alkaline-earth metal salts and brominated compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to the addition of .alpha.-methyl styrene, isobutanol and/or isopropanol to reduce vapor pressure, improve k-factor, enhance the solubility of the blowing agent in the premix and/or improve the processing characteristics of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate closed-cell foams prepared with a blowing agent comprising a hydrofluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Polymethacrylimide foams are prepared by a method, comprising:preparing a mixture consisting of(a) a monomer mixture of 40-60 wt. % methacrylonitrile, 60-40 wt. % methacrylic acid, and, optionally, up to 20 wt. %, based on the sum of methacrylic acid and methacrylonitrile, of other monofunctional, vinyl-unsaturated monomers,(b) 0.5-8 wt. % of a propellant mixture of formamide or monomethyl formamide and a univalent C.sub.3-8 -aliphatic alcohol,(c) a cross-linking agent system, which consists of(c.1) 0.005-5 wt. % of a vinyl-unsaturated compound which can be radically polymerized, with at least two double bonds in the molecule, and(c.2) 1-5 wt. % magnesium oxide, dissolved in the monomer mixture, and at least one radical initiators and optionally at least one additive, shaped in the form of a sheet;polymerizing the monomers in the sheet;subsequently foaming the polymerizate sheet at temperatures from 200-260.degree. C.; and thenheat treating the sheet in two steps, at a first step of 2-6 hours at 100-130.

Abstract: A flexible, flame-bondable polyurethane-polyether block foam is prepared by a process in which at least one diol is added to the block foam.

Abstract: A flexible, flame-bondable polyurethane-polyether block foam is prepared by a process in which at least one diol is added to the block foam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an open cell rigid polyurethane foam which comprises reacting the mixture of a polyol for producing rigid polyurethane foam, a volatile blowing agent which is free from environmental pollution and selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrofluoroalkanes and perfluoroalkanes or a mixture of the volatile blowing agent with water, a monohydric fatty alcohol having a good solubility to hydrocarbon as a cell opening agent, a foam stabilizer forming a very small cell in the presence of a isocyanate trimer catalyst and an organic isocyanate. The resultant open cell rigid polyurethane foam has a cell size of about less than 95 um, and is suitable for use, for example, as a core material in a vacuum heat insulating material. The foam may be enclosed in a container under a vacuum of 0.1.about.0.01 torr and has a thermal conductivity of 0.0045.about.0.0050 kcal/mhr.degree.C.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyurethane foams by reacting a polyisocyanate composition with an isocyanate-reactive composition under foam-forming conditions, wherein the isocyanate-reactive composition comprises a monofunctional alcohol and an isocyanate-reactive cyclic urea.

Abstract: Premixes intended for the preparation of polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams comprising at least one polyol, at least one hydrofluoroalkane corresponding to the general formula CF.sub.3 --CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 --CF.sub.2 --R.sup.3, where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent, independently, a hydrogen atom or an optionally fluorinated C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl group and where R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and at least one stabilizer chosen from nitroalkanes, diketones, alkaline-earth metal salts and brominated compounds.

Abstract: Preparation of polyisocyanate-based aerogels in the presence of polyfunctional isocyanatge-reactive compounds having an average nominal hydroxyl functionality 2 to 4 and number average molecular weight 50 to 5000, especially linear glycols containing from 2 to 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam is derived from a mixture comprising a crude isocyanate component and a polyol component which contains all or some of the following products in a homogeneous mixture: polyols, catalysts, surfactants, water, flame-retardants, expanding agents, fillers, dyes and pigments, in which the expanding agents comprise a pentane component associated with a dialkanolamide derived from fatty or oily substances of vegetable origin.

Abstract: A phenolic foam having exceptional absorption capacities for pollutants such as hydrocarbons and other substances is described. The foam is hydrophobic and is capable of absorbing such substances in amounts up to 72 times its own weight. It is the reaction product of a resol and a cross-linking agent made of linear and/or cyclic, partially or completely sulphonated, phenolic oligomers, in the presence a surfactant and a swelling agent, and, optionally, of a coloring agent and stabilizers. A method for making the foam, an installation for implementing the method and a use of said foam are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a foamed elastomeric polymer. The process involves forming a reverse emulsion of liquid droplets in a continuous liquid phase of polymer precursor and then polymerizing the precursor to entrap uniformly distributed droplets of the liquid in pores formed in the polymer bulk. The liquid in the pores is then removed under supercritical conditions.

Abstract: A polyol composition is provided which when reacted with and organic isocyanate, has good flow characteristics and makes an all water blown rigid polyurethane foam having good dimensional stability at low core densities of 1.1 pcf to 2.0 pcf. The polyol composition has a polyol component which must have present a polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol having an equivalent weight of 130 or less, an average functionality of 3.1 or greater, and a hydroxyl number of 400 or more, a polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol having an average functionality from 1.5 to 3.1 and a viscosity of less than 800 cP at 25.degree. C., and a polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol having an average functionality of greater than 3.1 and an equivalent weight of greater than 130. The polyol composition also has water as the blowing agent, and further contains a blow catalyst, a delayed action gel catalyst, and preferably a cure catalyst and a surfactant.

Abstract: Clear, amine-initiated polyether polyols are made by epoxidizing an amine in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide catalyst. After the desired degree of epoxidation has been achieved, a hydroxy-carboxylic acid is added to the epoxidized mixture in an amount sufficient to neutralize any remaining alkali metal hydroxide. The polyols produced in this manner are particularly useful for the production of polyurethane and apolyisocyanurate foams.