Abstract: Open-cell rigid foams containing urethane and/or isocyanurate and/or urea groups are produced with a long-chain polyether polyol having low double bond content.

Abstract: Rigid foam excellent in compression strength, dimensional stability, flame retardancy and adhesion is produced.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing composite thermal insulating systems using an organic adhesive or filler material serving as an adhesive for insulating boards to be attached to a facade or as a filler material for evening out facade unevenness prior to attaching the insulating boards or for producing a reinforcing layer on the attached insulating boards. The adhesive or filler material is foamed prior to its use.

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: Polyurethane foams containing a syntactic phase and a cellular, non-syntactic phase are useful as reinforcing foams, such as in automotive applications. The foams are conveniently made in the reaction of a high viscosity isocyanate-reactive component and a high-viscosity polyisocyanate component, at least one of which contains a plurality of hollow microspheres.

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: Polyurethane foams formed under vacuum (below atmospheric pressure) conditions using a specific mixture of polyisocyanate and with a major portion of methylene diisocyanate (MDI) and a specific mixture of polyether and graft polyols exhibit superb static shock cushioning characteristics (energy absorption) as illustrated by drop curves of deceleration versus static load. The foam-forming ingredients are mixed together and foamed under controlled pressures in the range 0.5 to 0.90 bar (absolute), preferably 0.5 to 0.8 bar (absolute). A major portion of the MDI is 4, 4′ methylene diisocyanate.

Abstract: Elastomers with improved physical properties, particularly hardness, resilience, tear strength, and compression set, may be prepared by the chain extension or moisture cure of isocyanate-terminated prepolymers prepared from a polyol component comprising a high molecular weight, low unsaturation polyoxypropylene diol and a low molecular weight diol. The elastomers are useful for applications such as rollers and other applications for which these physical properties are important.

Abstract: Process for making molded flexible polyurethane foams MDI-based foams with high resilience using MDI and a polyol composition.

Abstract: A one-component polyurethane foam composition is described, which contains at least one prepolymer (isocyanate prepolymer), which has isocyanate groups, at least one blowing agent and known auxiliary and additive materials containing at least one ester, free of reactive hydrogens, of a polycarboxylic C2 to C7 acid and a monohydric C1 to C7 alcohol and/or a monocarboxylic C1 to C7 acid with a multihydric C2 to C7 alcohol as means for improving the complete and embrittlement-free curing even at low temperatures and/or low ambient humidities, as well as the use of these esters, which are free of reactive hydrogen atoms, for improving the embrittlement-free curing of such one-component polyurethane foam compositions under unfavorable conditions (low temperature and little available ambient humidity).

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: Polyol blend comprising a polyester polyol, a tertiary amine catalyst and an organic carboxylic acid wherein said carboxylic acid contains at least one OH, SH, NH2 or NHR functional group, wherein R is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group and the use of said polyol blend in the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foams.

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.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyurethane foam, especially according to the one-shot foaming process, the quasi-prepolymer process and the prepolymer 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 reaction product formed by reaction between a tertiary amine and a carboxylic acid having halo functionality and optional hydroxyl functionality.

Abstract: New, useful and surprisingly effective polymeric triphenylmethane colorant-containing compositions which exhibit very low color degradation within polyurethane foams. Generally during polyurethane foam production, certain amine-based hydroxyl-group containing catalysts deleteriously attack the nitrogen linking groups within triphenylmethane polymeric colorants. Such compositions require the presence of nominal yet effective amounts of organic cyclic ester materials. The ring systems of such materials appear to open during exposure to heat (during the foaming procedure) and release carboxylic acids into the foaming formulation. The tertiary amines become quenched by the carboxylic acids and thus do not exhibit degradation of the TPM-based chromophore. The resultant foams exhibit substantially uniform color throughout. The processes and resultant foams are also contemplated within this invention.

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 producing a rigid polyurethane foam provides a rigid polyurethane foam having a closed-cell size of about 80-130 &mgr;m and thus, improved heat insulating properties.

Abstract: A composition having the formula: wherein R is a linear alkyl, branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycyclic alkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, or alkyloxyalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and at least one primary, secondary, or tertiary amino functional group. The composition is effective as a catalyst in the production of polyurethanes.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel polyisocyanate compositions, to a process for these polyisocyanate compositions, to a process for the production of cold cure flexible molded foams wherein this novel polyisocyanate composition comprises the polyisocyanate component, and to the cold cure flexible molded foams produced by this process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing porous polymer materials by a combination of gas foaming and particulate leaching steps. The invention is also directed to porous polymer material prepared by the process, particularly having a characteristic interconnected pore structure, and to methods for using such porous polymer material, particularly for tissue engineering.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams formed under vacuum (below atmospheric pressure) conditions using methylene diisocyanate or a specific mixture of polyisocyanate and with a major portion of methylene diisocyanate (MDI) with a specific mixture of polyether and graft polyols produces cushioning foams with lower density (1.4 to 1.8 pounds per cubic foot) and higher support factor (above 2.4). The foam-forming ingredients are mixed together and foamed under controlled pressures in the range 0.5 to 0.9 bar (absolute), preferably 0.6 to 0.8 bar (absolute). A major portion of the MDI is 4,4′ methylene diisocyanate.

Abstract: The present invention is a low density polyurethane foam cushion useful as an attached carpet cushion or as a detached carpet underlay. The low density foams of the present invention are prepared by a process wherein a polyurethane foam formulation is blown by both mechanical and chemical processes.

Abstract: A composition for production of cover packing, comprising:

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 polyurethane foam and associated production process, in particular flexible to semi-hard block foams or soft molded foams, using polyesters or polyethers as polyols. A carbamate, or a mixture of carbamates, is used simultaneously as propellant and as catalyst, wherein the carbamate or the carbamates have the general Formula I wherein: R1 and R2 represent the same or different alkyl radicals, R3 and R4 represent the same or different radicals and denote hydrogen or alkyl radicals, R5 denotes hydrogen, an alkanol radical, a polyether monool radical or the alkyl radical, characterized by X and n represents 2 or 3.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the formation of a flexible slabstock polyurethane foam having substantially improved indentation force deflection and resilience characteristics while maintaining the other physical properties. The method comprises the steps of reacting a triol polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol having a plurality of internal blocks formed from oxyalkylene monomers with a plurality of terminal caps comprising ethylene oxide attached to said plurality of internal blocks, the internal blocks containing at least 80% by weight propylene oxide based on the total weight of all of the oxyalkylenes in said internal blocks and the amount of ethylene oxide in the terminal caps comprising from 5 to 25% by weight based on the total weight of the polyol, said polyol having a degree of unsaturation of less than or equal to 0.015 meq/g KOH with a polyisocyanate component in the presence of a catalyst and water as a blowing agent at a level of between 3 to 7% by weight.

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: New, useful and surprisingly effective polymeric triphenylmethane colorant-containing compositions which exhibit very low color degradation within polyurethane foams. Generally during polyurethane foam production, certain amine-based hydroxyl-group containing catalysts deleteriously attack the nitrogen linking groups within triphenylmethane polymeric colorants. Such compositions require the presence of nominal yet effective amounts of organic cyclic ester materials. The ring systems of such materials appear to open during exposure to heat (during the foaming procedure) and release carboxylic acids into the foaming formulation. The tertiary amines become quenched by the carboxylic acids and thus do not exhibit degradation of the TPM-based chromophore. The resultant foams exhibit substantially uniform color throughout. The processes and resultant foams are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing polyurethane foam, comprising bringing together under pressure one or more foam components and a gaseous CO2 auxiliary blowing agent and discharging the combination through a permeable discharge head in the form of plural individual wire meshes sintered together to form at least one composite element having a structure such as to require repeated division, divergence and convergence of flow paths and impingement of the individual flows with the sintered wire mesh and the flows through adjacent pores in three dimensions within its axial thickness, and at which the pressure is reduced for forming a froth, wherein the combination of the foam components and gaseous CO2 is arranged to be in a non-homogeneous state containing gas bubbles prior to passage through the discharge head.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane or urethane modified polyisocyanurate foams having improved flame resistance are disclosed. The foams are prepared from a composition containing (a) an isocyanate, (b) an isocyanate reactive composition, (c) a hydrocarbon/water blowing agent and (d) a phosphorus material.

Abstract: A polyurethane composition for fabricating antimicrobial based products such as polyurethane foam carpet backing materials and carpets having a polyurethane foam carpet backing material. The polyurethane composition includes a plurality of particles comprising an antimicrobial agent which are at least partially encapsulated by a plasticizer material before being dispersed within a polyurethane.

Abstract: New, useful and surprisingly effective polymeric triphenylmethane colorant-containing compositions which exhibit very low color degradation within polyurethane foams. Generally during polyurethane foam production, certain amine-based hydroxyl-group containing catalysts deleteriously attack the nitrogen linking groups within triphenylmethane polymeric colorants. Such compositions require the presence of nominal yet effective amounts of organic cyclic ester materials. The ring systems of such materials appear to open during exposure to heat (during the foaming procedure) and release carboxylic acids into the foaming formulation. The tertiary amines become quenched by the carboxylic acids and thus do not exhibit degradation of the TPM-based chromophore. The resultant foams exhibit substantially uniform color throughout. The processes and resultant foams are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: Storage-stable, blowing agent-containing halogen-free emulsions for producing rigid foams based on isocyanate comprise a) compounds containing hydrogen atoms which are reactive toward isocyanate groups, b) water, c) physically acting, halogen-free blowing agents and, if desired, d) auxiliaries and/or additives which are customary in polyurethane chemistry, wherein the component a) comprises polyether alcohols having a functionality of greater than 1.5 and a hydroxyl number of from 10 to 100 mg KOH/g in an amount of from 0.2% by mass to 80% by mass, based on the mass of the component a), and the halogen-free, physically acting blowing agents c) used are hydrocarbons having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Process for preparing a flexible foam by reacting a prepolymer having an NCO value of 3-15% by weight, which is the reaction product obtained by reacting an excessive amount of a polyisocyanate with a polyether polyol or a mixture of such polyols, said polyol or mixture having an average nominal hydroxyl functionality of from 2 to 6, an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of from 500 to 5000 and an oxyethylene content of at least 50% by weight, with water, the amount of water being 15-500 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of prepolymer, at the start of the reaction the temperature of the prepolymer being 10-50° C. and the temperature of the water being 10-50° C. higher than the temperature of the prepolymer and a process for preparing a flexible foam by reacting the above prepolymer with water in the presence of a superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing polyurethane foam without the assistance of any through-flow mixing device for the precursor components. Air or other safe gas is mixed with a polyol-containing precursor to form a froth, and the froth is directed in a stream via a dispenser into a free space at a first predetermined rate of flow. Liquid isocyanate-containing precursor is directed in a stream via a dispenser at a second predetermined rate of flow into the free space so as to contact and mingle with the stream of froth. The mixed components then fall together into a container where they react to form polyurethane foam. Mixing of the streams is facilitated by a target upon which the two streams impinge in close proximity to each other.

Abstract: An open-cell polyisocyanurate foam for fixing and supporting plants, which is prepared from an aromatic isocyanate, a hydroxyl compound having an average number of functional groups of 1.0 or above and an oxyethylene content of 20 wt % or above, an isocyanuration catalyst and a silicone foam stabilizer consisting of a polysiloxyane/polyoxyalkylene copolymer wherein the terminal OH group of the polyether segment is capped with a compound not having any other active hydrogen atom and oxyethylene units are contained in an amount of 30 wt % or above, and which exhibits a density of 8 to 70 kg/m3, an open cell content of 98% or above, a hardness of 0.1 to 2.

Abstract: A superporous hydrogel composite is formed by polymerizing one or more ethylenically-unsaturated monomers, and a multiolefinic crosslinking agent, in the presence of particles of a disintegrant and a blowing agent. The disintegrant, which rapidly absorbs water, serves to greatly increase the mechanical strength of the superporous hydrogel and significantly shorten the time required to absorb water and swell. Superporous hydrogel composites prepared by this method have an average pore size in the range of 10 &mgr;m to 3,000 &mgr;m. Preferred particles of disintegrant include natural and synthetic charged polymers, such as crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, crosslinked sodium starch glycolate, and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone. The blowing agent is preferably a compound that releases gas bubbles upon acidification, such as NaHCO3. Improved hydrogel composites formed without a blowing agent are also provided.

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: 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: This invention relates to flame-laminable polyurethane block foams having high peel strength, a process for their production and the use thereof for textile lamination.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane foams are prepared from an isocyanate composition containing diphenylmethane diisocyanate, three ring oligomers of polyphenylene polymethylene polyisocyanate and higher homologues of polyphenylene polymethylene polyisocyanate.

Abstract: There is disclosed an elastic member constituted of polyurethane foam obtained by agitationally mixing with water, a urethane prepolymer synthesized from a polyol and a polyisocyanate, characterized by simultaneously employing as polyols, a (A) polymer polyol synthesized from a polyether polyol as a basis, comprising at least 70% by weight of oxypropylene moiety; and a (B) hydrophilic polyether polyol comprising at least 50% by weight of oxyethylene moiety, or simultaneously employing as polyols, the component (A), the component (B) and a (C) polyether polyol comprising at least 70% by weight of oxypropylene moiety. The above elastic member is simultaneously imparted with excellent characteristics such as low hardness, fine cells, low residual compressive strain, high strength and the like. The polyurethane foam which constitutes the elastic member can be produced by free foaming.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyurethane flexible molded by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with a polyol in the presence of urethane catalyst, water as a blowing agent, optionally a cell opener, and a silicone surfactant cell stabilizer having the formula: Me3Si(OSiMe2)x(OSiMeG)yOSiMe3 wherein x has an average value from 1 to 4.5 and y has an average value from 0.75 to 7.5, the value of x/y is from 0.25 to 5 and the value of x+y is from greater than 5 to 9, G is a group having the formula —D(OR″)mA where D is a divalent organic linking radical, R″ is an alkylene group, m has an average value from 1 to 5, and A denotes an —OR′″ or an —OOCR′″ group, where R′″ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, and a combination of methyl and ethyl.

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 and apparatus for producing a polymeric foam, wherein foam components are brought together under pressure and are passed through a permeable discharge head where the pressure is reduced. The permeable discharge head comprises a diffuser element having a structure such as to require division, divergence and convergence of flow paths in three dimensions within its axial thickness, considered in the direction of flow therethrough. The diffuser element comprises plural individual woven wire meshes sintered together to form a composite element. The invention also provides the diffuser element.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyurethane flexible foam which comprises reacting an organic polyisocyanate with a polyol in the presence of urethane catalyst, water as a blowing agent, optionally a cell opener, and a polydimethylsiloxane cell stabilizer composition which comprises at least 90 wt % of polydimethylsiloxane molecules having the formula: Me3Si(OSiMe2)nOSiMe3 where n is 5 to 7, provided at least 15 wt % of each of the three molecules in which n is 5, 6 and 7 is present.

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 present invention is a low density polyurethane foam cushion useful as an attached carpet cushion or as a detached carpet underlay. The low density foams of the present invention are prepared by a process wherein a polyurethane foam formulation is blown by both mechanical and chemical processes.

Abstract: The present invention includes new compositions for making polyurethane and polyurethane foam compositions. These compositions comprise the reaction product of an isocyanate A-Side and a B-Side comprising: (i) a polyol having a molecular weight of about 1000 g/mol or more, and having an average functionality of 2.0 or greater; (ii) a polyol having a Tg of about −80° C. or less, and having a molecular weight of about 1000 g/mol or more, and having an average functionality of 2.0 or greater; and(iii) a polyhydric alcohol having a molecular weight of about 90 g/mol or more, and having an average functionality of 3.0 or more. In the case of polyurethane foam compositions, the system also comprises water. The invention also includes processes for making the polyurethane and polyurethane foam compositions, as well as methods of adhering the same to cosmetic layers comprising thermoplastic, acrylic, and gel coat materials. The invention also includes articles made from these reinforced cosmetic layers.