Abstract: There is now provided a polyisocyanate-based foam made by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with a polyol solution containing a C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon as a blowing agent. The hydrocarbon blowing agent is soluble in the polyol solution having polyols with polyester linkages by using a reacted or unreacted compatibilizing agent represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is preferentially OH, and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.6 -C.sub.24 aliphatic, branched or unbranched, hydrocarbon group.

Abstract: Novel porous copolymers are disclosed which can be used to prepare ion-exchange resins and polymeric adsorbents. The copolymers comprise a copolymer of at least one monovinylidene monomer and a crosslinking monomer and have a unique cellular pore structure. The cellular structure comprises a macroporous void phase which is dispersed within a continuous copolymer phase. The porous void phase comprises a plurality of cellular void spaces which are at least partially enclosed by walls of the continuous copolymer phase. Also disclosed are processes which can be used to prepare the porous copolymers, as well as ion-exchange resins and polymeric adsorbents using the porous copolymers.

Abstract: There is now provided a polyisocyanate-based foam made by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with a polyol solution containing a C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon as a blowing agent. The hydrocarbon blowing agent is soluble in the polyol solution having polyols with polyester linkages by using a reacted or unreacted compatibilizing agent represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is preferentially OH, and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.6 -C.sub.24 aliphatic, branched or unbranched, hydrocarbon group.

Abstract: A flexible polyurethane foam formulation comprising a first polyol, a second polyol, an unhindered primary diamine or its corresponding carbamate, a diol, water, at least one catalyst, a foam stabilizer and isocyanate is disclosed. No auxiliary blowing agent is required. The resulting soft foams have densities of less than about 2 pcf and 25% IFD values of less than about 10 pounds/50 sq. inches.

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: The pourable porous carrier material is produced from at least one thermoplastic basic polymer with additives incorporated in the porous structure.First suitable foaming agents are added to the basic polymer, the mass is melted, mixed before and/or after melting. The mixture is then preferably extruded and cooled to form a pourable porous carrier material.At least one additive is added to the porous carrier material and mixed with this at a temperature (T.sub.M) below the melting point of the basic polymer but above the melting point of the additive.The porous carrier material has preferably ellipsoid pores which are brought into their longitudinal form during extrusion.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane foam and laminate articles comprising a facing material and the said polyurethane foam are prepared by contacting under reaction conditions a urethane-modified polyisocyanate with a polyahl in the presence of a blowing agent comprising water. The urethane-modified polyisocyanate has an isocyanate content of from about 10 to about 29 weight percent and is obtained by reacting a polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate with a polyether polyol having a molecular weight of at least 2000 and an oxyethylene content of at least 35 weight percent. Use of this polyisocyanate provides for enhanced adhesion of the resulting foam, especialIy when it is an all-water blown foam, to facing materials such as metal.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyurethane foam according to the one-shot foaming process by reactions between a polyisocyanate and an active hydrogen-containing component including water and an organic polyol wherein said reactions are conducted in the presence of a salt of a tertiary amine and a carboxylic acid having hydroxyl functionality.

Abstract: There is now provided a polyol composition containing a polyol having polyester linkages, an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 hydrocarbon blowing agent, and a polyoxyalkylene polyether monool initiated with a C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 fatty hydrocarbon having one alkylene oxide active hydrogen atom. We have found that the monool emulsifies the C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 blowing agent in the compound having polyester linkages, to form an emulsified polyol composition, after which an organic aromatic isocyanate may be reacted with the emulsified polyol composition to form a closed cell polyurethane foam.The polyol composition is used to make rigid closed cell polyisocyanate based foams which are dimensionally stable, and have good insulation values and flame retardance. Combining the monool with the polyester based polyol produces a foam having a density lower than that of a reference foam made with the same ingredients and amounts except in the absence of the monool.

Abstract: There is now provided a rigid closed cell polyisocyanate based foam for use as a positive flotation material for watercraft which meets the U.S. Coast Guard immersion test (CGD 75-168, 33 C.F.R. .sctn.183.114). As a blowing agent for this foam, a mixture of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) as a frothing agent and water is used, where the amount of water is less than 2.5 weight percent based on the weight of the formulated polyol composition. Also, in preferable embodiments, the polyols in the polyol composition are initiated by at least one amine; and the polyol composition contains a delayed action tertiary amine catalyst. The foams used in the invention have excellent dimensional stability. In another embodiment, there is also provided a formulated polyol composition of R-134a and a polyol composition having an average OH# of less than 400 and an average functionality of greater than 4 using R-134a and less than 2.5 wt.

Abstract: There is now provided a polyol composition containing a polyol having polyester linkages, an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 hydrocarbon blowing agent, and a polyoxyalkylene polyether monool initiated with a C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 fatty hydrocarbon having one alkylene oxide active hydrogen atom. We have found that the monool emulsifies the C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 blowing agent in the compound having polyester linkages, to form an emulsified polyol composition, after which an organic aromatic isocyanate may be reacted with the emulsified polyol composition to form a closed cell polyurethane foam.The polyol composition is used to make rigid closed cell polyisocyanate based foams which are dimensionally stable, and have good insulation values and flame retardance. Combining the monool with the polyester based polyol produces a foam having a density lower than that of a reference foam made with the same ingredients and amounts except in the absence of the monool.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an improved process for preparing polymethylene polyphenyl polyisocyanate comprising reacting phosgene with polymethylene polyphenyl polyamine, the improvement wherein the polymethylene polyphenyl polyamine is acidified prior to phosgenation.

Abstract: Compounds containing ester groups and tertiary amino groups and optionally hydroxyl groups are made by reacting optionally hydroxyfunctional acetoacetic acid esters of monofunctional or polyfunctional alcohols (particularly polyfunctional polyether polyols) with primary/tertiary polyamines (particularly diamines). These compounds are useful as optionally incorporable catalysts for the isocyanate addition reaction in the production of polyurethane foams by the isocyanate polyaddition process.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a flexible, open-celled, urethane foam which comprises reacting at least one isocyanate and at least one polyol in the presence of at least one catalyst and an epoxidized soybean oil, wherein each polyol is a saturated polyether polyol. A further aspect of the present invention provides a pre-formation method for the preparation of a flexible, open-celled, urethane foam, the method comprising reacting at least one isocyanate and at least one polyol in the presence of at least one catalyst and about 7 phR to about 25 phR of an epoxidized soybean oil, wherein each polyol is a saturated polyester polydol. Flexible, open-celled urethane foams prepared in accordance with the methods set forth previously are also included in the present invention.

Abstract: A flexible polyurethane foam which has a low density, enhanced impact resilience, improved compression set and excellent effect on the reduction of 6 Hz vibration transmissibility and is obtained by a reaction of an organic polyisocyanate composition, that is, a mixture of (a) polymethylenepolyphenyl isocyanate containing from more than 60 to 90% by weight of a two benzene ring compound and having a weight ratio [three benzene ring compound]/[four or more benzene ring compounds + less active ingredient] of 1.1-20.0, and (b) tolylene diisocyanate in a ratio (a)/(b) of 97.apprxeq.80/3.apprxeq.20 by weight, or by reaction of a prepolymer derived from said organic polyisocyanate composition and a specific polyol, with a resin premix comprising a water blowing agent and an active hydrogen containing compound; and a process for preparing the flexible polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A polyol composition is provided which when reacted with an organic isocyanate, has good flow characteristics and makes a rigid polyurethane foam having good dimensional stability at low densities. The polyol compostion has a polyol component which must have present a polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol having an equivalent weight of 130 or less 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 a viscosity of 5,000 cp or less at 25.degree. C. The polyol composition also has formic acid or a mixture of formic acid and water as blowing agents, and further contains a delayed action blow catalyst and a delayed action gel catalyst.

Abstract: There is now provided a polyisocyanate-based foam made by an organic polyisocyanate with a polyol solution containing a C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon as a blowing agent. The hydrocarbon blowing agent is soluble in the polyol solution having polyols with polyester linkages by using a reacted or unreacted compatibilizing agent represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is preferentially OH, and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.6 -C.sub.24 aliphatic, branched or unbranched, hydrocarbon group.

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: An organic acid having at least two carboxylic acid groups, no tertiary amino groups and a pK.sub.a of up to 3.1 is added to an HCFC blowing agent or to a composition, preferably an isocyanate-reactive composition, in which an HCFC blowing agent is present to reduce decomposition of the HCFC blowing agent. The resultant compositions are useful in the production of polyisocyanurate, polyurethane and/or polyurea foams.

Abstract: A process for the CFC-free production of cellular polyurethane molded parts/articles with solid surfaces by reacting a reaction mixture of per se known starting materials in sealed molds, to yield polyurethane foams. Carbamates obtainable from aliphatic aminoalcohols and carbon dioxide are used as blowing agents, optionally in conjunction with other blowing agents. The process is suitable for producing foam coverings on steering wheels, spoilers and protective upholstery in car interiors, and for producing soles of shoes or shoe components.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula ##STR1## in which n represents an integer from 2 to 6, preferably 2 or 3,m represents an integer from 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 3,R represents --C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 andX represents hydrogen or the group ##STR2## are used as core discoloration preventing agents in a process for the production of isocyanate-based foams.

Abstract: A flexible plasticized polyurethane foam is taught in which water is used as the foaming agent and a plasticizer selected from phosphate ester, phthalate and benzoate plasticizers is added to improve the softness and flexibility of the polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to using lithium salts of an organic material having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and at least one carboxylic acid in a rigid polyurethane formulation to produce foams having energy absorbing properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a rigid, hydrocarbon blown, polyurethane foam by reacting a polyisocyanate with a polyol composition comprising a fatty oil. The fatty oil has a fatty acid content, especially a hydroxyl-substituted fatty acid, which enhances the miscibility of the hydrocarbon blowing agent. A preferred fatty oil is castor oil comprising as principle constituent the hydroxyl-substituted fatty acid, ricinoleic acid. Enhanced storage stability of a polyol composition containing hydrocarbon blowing agent in amounts required for production of low density foam is observed.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the quantity of emissions emanating from a foam-forming composition during the preparation of a fully-cured foam comprising contacting emissions emanating from the foam-forming composition during preparation of the fully-cured foam with vegetable oil. A further aspect provides a method for reducing the quantity of emissions emanating from a fully-formed foam during hot processing of the foam comprising contacting emissions emanating from the foam during such hot processing with vegetable oil.

Abstract: Spray polyurea elastomers are disclosed made from an (A) component and a (B) component, where the (A) component has a quasi-prepolymer made from an isocyanate and an active hydrogen-containing material, such as a polyoxyalkylenepolyamine. The (B) component includes an amine resin, such as an amine-terminated polyoxyalkylene polyol which may be the same or different from the polyoxyalkylene polyamine of the quasi-prepolymer. The viscosity of the (A) component is reduced by the inclusion of an organic, alkylene carbonate, such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and the like. The alkylene carbonate also serves as a compatibilizer between between the two components, thus giving an improved mix of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyurethane foam moldings having a compact surface skin and a density of at least 150 kg/m.sup.3 comprising foaming a polyurethane-forming starting mixture inside a mold. The starting mixture comprises organic blowing agents which correspond to one or both of the following general formulas:HOOC--R--COOH (I)wherein: R represents a CH.sub.2 group or a CH.dbd.CH group;and ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another represent either a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl radical wherein the hydrogen atoms may be partly substituted by OH groups.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyurethane foams, in particular for the production of composite articles by back-foaming a plastics film as covering layer by the reaction ofa) one or more polyisocyanates withb) a polyol component which is free from salt groups in the presence ofc) at least one blowing agent,d) alkali metal carboxylates ande) from 0.01 to 30% by weight, based upon the weight of component b), of one or more organic compounds which are different from components a) through d), which are free from tertiary amino groups, metal and phosphorus and which have a dipole moment above 2.0 Debye.

Abstract: Low thermal conductivity insulation for refrigerators and the like is produced by blowing a resinous foam in an inert (e.g., nitrogen) atmosphere with a mixture of carbon dioxide and a low thermal conductivity inert gas such as krypton or xenon. The foam is then sealed in a gas-impervious enclosure and carbon dioxide is removed therefrom, typically by inclusion in said enclosure of a solid material reacted therewith such as an alkaline reagent. The final partial pressure of the low thermal conductivity gas in the enclosure is in the range of about 20-200 torr, and the total pressure is up to 110% of said partial pressure.

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: The invention is a rigid polyurethane foam to which a base stock lubricating oil made of at least 55 weight percent paraffinic carbons and less than 10 weight percent aromatic carbons has been added as a hydrophobic agent protecting the polyurethane foam from reacting with environmental moisture. The foam is useful for deposit in railroad spike holes or any structural member having a cavity and where moisture within or on the cavity would otherwise react with the isocyanate to produce an uncontrollable foaming mass.

Abstract: Polyurethane foam of low thermal conductivity is prepared by employing carbon dioxide as a blowing agent, preferably in combination with a halogenated compound, typically a halocarbon or halohydrocarbon such as monofluorotrichloromethane or 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, and incorporating in the foam a carbon dioxide-reactive reagent. Sodium hydroxide and soda lime are illustrative carbon dioxide-reactive reagents. The carbon dioxide is preferably formed in situ by the reaction of water with the diisocyanate precursor of the polyurethane, and the carbon dioxide-reactivereagent is preferably introduced in admixture with a portion of the polyol precursor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foam compositions which are expanded with hydrohalocarbon blowing agents in the presence of catalysts which are capable of decreasing the amount of decomposition of the hydrohalocarbon blowing agents to haloalkenes during the polymerization. Thus, the present invention provides compositions comprising polyisocyanate, polyol, hydrohalocarbon blowing agent, surfactant, and catalyst for polymerization of the polyisocyanate and polyol wherein the catalyst is capable of decreasing the amount of decomposition of the hydrohalocarbon blowing agents to haloalkenes during polymerization of the polyisocyanate and the polyol.

Abstract: Low thermal conductivity insulation for refrigerators and the like is produced by blowing a resinous foam in an inert (e.g., nitrogen) atmosphere with a mixture of carbon dioxide and a low thermal conductivity inert gas such as krypton or xenon. The foam is then sealed in a gas-impervious enclosure and carbon dioxide is removed therefrom, typically by inclusion in said enclosure of a solid material reacted therewith such as an alkaline reagent. The final partial pressure of the low thermal conductivity gas in the enclosure is in the range of about 20-200 torr, and the total pressure is up to 110% of said partial pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved internal mold release system for the production of low density molded foam parts. The process comprises reacting a reaction mixture of an isocyanate and at least one organic compound containing isocyanate-reactive hydrogens in the presence of a blowing agent, a catalyst, a surfactant, an IMR, and, optionally, a reinforcing agent, in a closed mold. The IMR comprises:a) mixed esters comprising the reaction product of i) aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, ii) aliphatic polyols, and iii) monocarboxylic acids with 12 to 30 carbon atoms in the molecule. The IMR may additionally comprise b) and/or c) wherein:b) represents a compound comprising the reaction product of i) N,N-dimethylpropylene diamine with ii) a compound selected from the group consisting of tall oil, C.sub.8-20 monofunctional carboxylic acids, and mixtures of C.sub.

Abstract: In a method of preparing a poly-urethane and/or -urea foam from a formulation including (a) a polyisocyanate, (b) an isocyanate-reactive component, and (c) a visible emissions producing component, wherein (a), (b) and (e) are reacted under reaction conditions sufficient to form a poly-urethane and/or -urea foam and the foam is then cooled, whereby visible emissions are emitted during cooling, an improvement comprising including in the formulation a visible emissions reducing agent, such that the amount of the visible emissions is reduced as compared with the amount emitted by a foam prepared from a formulation which does not contain the visible emissions reducing agent but which is otherwise substantially similar. Foams prepared therefrom exhibit reduction in visible emissions during the cure period, which is particularly evident when the foams are mechanically cooled. They also exhibit generally good physical properties.

Abstract: A cellular, foamed-polymer product is disclosed, which is constituted by a mixture comprising: at least one isocyanate, at least one anhydride, at least one vinylidene compound, poly-(vinyl chloride), at least one foaming agent, a heat stabilizer, calcium stearate and zinc stearate.The product production scraps and processing wastes and residues are not riskful for health and environment, and can be disposed of as "waste similar to solid municipal waste".

Abstract: A process for preparing low-density flexible polyurethane foams obtained, in the absence of expanding agents of chlorofluoroalkane type, by the polycondensation of an organic polyisocyanate with at least one polyol of equivalent weight exceeding 50 and functionality equal to or greater than 2, in the presence of an expanding system comprising water and dimethyl carbonate (DMC).

Abstract: An improved polystyrene foam having less corrugation is disclosed which uses carbon dioxide as the blowing agent and 1-30 weight percent endothermic agent, such as water, with the weight based on the total carbon dioxide blowing agent and endothermic agent weight. This combination of carbon dioxide and endothermic agent decreases the corrugation of the thermoplastic foam, while just slightly increasing density, when the process parameters, including throughput, are equivalent to using only carbon dioxide. The process an also allow an increased foaming temperature and greater process throughput of an equivalent density thermoplastic foam at approximately equivalent corrugation levels when compared to the use of only using only carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A halogen-free blowing agent is used to produce isocyanate-based polymeric foams. The blowing agent is an organic liquid which is free from halogens and contains a positive binary azeotrope having a minimum boiling temperature in the range of about 15.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C. at normal atmospheric pressure. Particularly preferred is a binary azeotrope of an alicyclic hydrocarbon such as cyclopentane or cyclohexane and methyl formate.The halogen-free blowing agents contemplated herein provide the following advantages: no ozone depletion potential, no global warming potential, direct replacement in foam formulations for trichloromonofluoromethane (CFC-11), relatively higher blowing action, relatively lower foam density, relatively lower thermal conductivity, better compatibility, and relatively lower materials cost.

Abstract: A process for the production of fluorochlorocarbon-free, urethane-containing, soft-elastic, semirigid or rigid moldings having a cellular core and a compacted peripheral zone and an essentially pore-free, smooth surface involves reactinga) an organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanate withb) at least one relatively high-molecular-weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms, and, if desired,c) a low-molecular-weight chain extender and/or cross-linking agent,in the presence ofd) a blowing agent,e) a catalyst,f) at least one amorphous, microporous silica gel which preferably has a mean pore diameter with a frequency of occurrence of more than 40% in the range from 0.1 to 10 nm, a pore volume of from 0.15 to 1.8 ml/g and a BET surface area of from 200 to 900 m.sup.2 /g, and, if desired, further additives andg) assistants,in a closed mold with compaction.

Abstract: Polyol blends containing HCFC-22 and basic catalyst, stabilized by the presence of an acid-ended polyester having a molecular weight in the range 300 to 3000 and an acid value in the range 5 to 100 mg KOH/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing foams comprising reacting polyisocyanates with an in situ produced stable low solids dispersion of polyureas and/or polyhydrazodicarbonamides in a hydroxyl-group-containing material as a dispersing agent by reacting:(a) organic polyisocyanates with(b) a member selected from the group consisting of (i) polyamines containing primary and/or secondary amino groups, (ii) hydrazines, (iii) hydrazides, or (iv) mixtures thereof, in(c) said hydroxyl-group-containing material.

Abstract: To arrive at an economical method of producing water-expanded polymer resin moldings, it is proposed that a monomer component and a cross-linker on an acrylate basis and/or a PMMA prepolymer be used as resin-forming components of a curable mixture.

Abstract: In an active hydrogen-containing B-side composition for reaction with a polyisocyanate-containing A-side composition to make a polyurethane or polyurethane/urea elastomer by reaction injected molding, the improvement which comprises a mold release composition which is the reaction product of a C.sub.12 -C.sub.36 fatty acid, a tertiary amine having at least one C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 alkyl substituent and a C.sub.2 -C.sub.21 reactive epoxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polyurethane foam stabilizing additive that comprises from about 10 to about 50 weight percent a hydrocarbon oil, and in from about 90 to about 50 weight percent a polyester polyol which is a solid at room temperature. Use of the additive in a polyurethane foaming process provides for improved dimensional stability of the resulting foam. The additive is especially of value when preparing water blown polyether polyol-based polyurethane foam useful, for example, in sealant applications.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a polyurethane foam having a high-density skin layer by reacting a polyol with a polyisocyanate in a short time. The reaction is allowed to proceed in the presence of a blowing agent, a catalyst, and optionally an additive, the blowing agent being composed only of water, and the catalyst being an amine represented by formula (I) below and/or an organic acid salt thereof: ##STR1## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are, independently, an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbons, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, and/or R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 may be linked to form a cycloalkyl or heterocyclic ring together with the adjacent nitrogen atom; and R.sub.5 is hydrogen, an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbons, a phenyl group, or a cycloalkyl group. This process does not use halogenated hydrocarbons which cause ozone layer destruction.

Abstract: In a method of producing a thermosetting foam, a first of two foam forming blends ("A-Blend") is prepared using a multi-functional isocyanate such as polymeric polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate ("PMDI"). A second of two foam forming blends ("B-Blend") is prepared by mixing together a polyol; water; a tertiary amine catalyst having at least two hydrogen bonding sites for one molecule; and, an alkali metal organo-salt catalyst. The tertiary amine catalyst is of a type wherein both the hydrogen segment and the hydroxyl segment of water are attracted by both of the hydrogen bonding cites on the catalyst molecule essentially simultaneously. A first blowing agent is included with one of the two foam forming blends. When the first and second foam forming blends are mixed together, the tertiary amine catalyst quickly initiates a reaction predominately of the polymeric polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate with water (as opposed to a reaction with the polyol).

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyurethane foam which comprises reacting an organic polyisocyanate and a polyol in the presence of a blowing agent, cell stabilizer and a catalyst composition which comprises a quaternary ammonium carboxylate inner salt having the following formula I ##STR1## where R.sub.1 -R.sub.3 are independently C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl or a heterocycle, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl or heteroaromatic. R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 or R.sub.1 -R.sub.3 together with the nitrogen atom can also be part of nitrogen containing ring system such as piperidine, morpholine, triethylenediamine, imidazole, or 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. R.sub.4 is a divalent R.sub.1.

Abstract: A blowing agent composition and method of use that is not destructive to the ozone while producing a polyurethane integral skin foam product having high dimensional stability with minimal or no shrinkage. The blowing agent of the present invention is comprised of specific ratios of two or more components having no known ozone depleting characteristics. The components include methylene chloride, methyl formate, and one or more of n-pentane, isopentane, and cyclopentane. In one embodiment, the resulting product also demonstrates fire retardancy.