Abstract: A blowing agent for foaming polystyrene consisting essentially of at least one low permeability volatile organic compound, at least one low volatility non-volatile organic compound and, optionally, at least one high volatility non-volatile organic compound. In one embodiment, the low permeability volatile organic compound is selected from the group consisting of isopentane and isobutane, the low volatility non-volatile organic compound is acetone and the high volatility non-volatile organic compound is carbon dioxide. The blowing agent of the present invention may be used to foam a polystyrene foam structure. The blowing agent is directed to achieving low fugitive volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane are provided. The compositions of the invention are useful in the preparation of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and as aerosol propellants.

Abstract: Disclosed are aromatic polyester polyols, polyester polyol resin blends, methods for preparing such compositions and polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams made using the compositions, wherein the resin blends generally comprise:(a) an aromatic polyester polyol formed by a reaction between a phthalic acid based material; a hydroxylated material having a functionality of at least 2; and a hydrophobic material;(b) a nonionic surfactant; and(c) a C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 hydrocarbon blowing agent.

Abstract: An improved closed cell polymer foam and foaming agent involving the use of a hydrogen-containing halocarbon blowing agent (e.g., HCFC-22) in combination with an effective amount of a hydrogen bond forming blocking agent (e.g., organic ether, ester or ketone). The presence of the blocking agent is shown to significantly reduce the escape of blowing agent from and entry of air into the foam resulting in low thermal conductivity over a longer period of time and improved thermal insulation value. A closed cell thermoplastic foam such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, among others, is disclosed produced by means of an environmentally friendly nonflammable blowing agent substantially free of halogen substituents other than fluorine and comprising HFC-134 (1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane).

Abstract: The present invention aims to improve soundproof and heat insulating properties of a foamed plastic by reducing internal cells pressure inside foamed resins. A base polymer such as a polyester-based polyol and a volatile foaming agent having an conjugate unsaturated group (i.e., conjugate double carbon bonds and/or triple carbon bonds) such as chloroprene (bp. 51.degree. C.) and calcium stearate were blended and then mixed with a hardening agent such as hexamethylene diisocyanate. The volatile foaming agent existing in open cells of the foamed plastic sealed in the Al laminated film and between the film and the foamed plastic, i.e., gap, possesses an unsaturated group, such as isoprene. Thus polymerization may occur by irradiating with electron rays, and the inside of the foams and the gap region may be reduced in pressure while the bag of the laminated film retains its shape.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing hydrocarbon composition comprising the following (1) and (2), wherein the proportions of (1) and (2) in the composition are such that (1) is 100 parts by weight, and (2) is from 0.001 to 10 parts by weight:(1) at least one pentafluoropropane selected from 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and 1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane,(2) the following (i) or (ii):(i) a combination of (a) and at least one member selected from the following (b) to (e):(a) a compound having --NO.sub.2,(b) a compound having --CN,(c) a compound having --CONR.sup.1 R.sup.2 wherein each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 which are independent of each other, is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group,(d) a lactone,(e) a quinone,(ii) at least one member selected from the following (f) and (g):(f) a reaction product of a compound having a halogen atom and an epoxy group with an active hydrogen compound,(g) a reaction product of a compound having a halogen atom and a hydroxyl group with an isocyanate compound.

Abstract: In a process for producing rigid polyurethane foams having improved heat distortion resistance and reduced thermal conductivity by reactinga) polyisocyanates withb) compounds containing hydrogen atoms reactive toward isocyanates, in the presence ofc) water, and, if desired,d) physically acting blowing agents ande) catalysts and known auxiliaries and/or additives, the compounds b) containing hydrogen atoms reactive toward isocyanates are a polyol mixture comprisingb1) a polyol which can be prepared by addition of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide onto a hexitol or a hexitol mixture, with the total hexitol content of the polyol mixture being from 15 to 30% by weight, based on the polyol mixture, andb2) a polyol which can be prepared by addition of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide onto one or more aromatic amines, with the total amine content of the polyol mixture being from 1 to 10% by weight, based on the polyol mixture, and the amount of the polyol mixture in the component b) is from 60 to 100 parts

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: Rigid foams having improved insulation properties are made by reacting a polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing agent mixture composed of from about 1 to about 30% by weight of at least one C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 polyfluoroalkane and from about 70 to about 99% by weight of an HCFC, preferably an HCFC selected from chlorodifluoromethane, 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane and mixtures thereof.

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: This invention provides a process for producing rigid polyurethane foams by reacting A) a polyol component with B) a polyisocyanate component in the presence of C) water, D) at least one catalyst, and, optionally, E) at least one blowing agent. This process specifically requires A) a polyol component which comprises: 1) a polyol containing at least two isocyanate-reactive hydrogen atoms and comprising: a) a mixture of i) an addition product having a OH number of at least 500 of diamines or polyamines containing primary and/or secondary amino groups with alkylene oxides, and ii) castor oil, and/or b) one or more reaction products obtained by reacting i) an addition product having a OH number of at least 500 of diamines or polyamines containing primary and/or secondary amino groups with alkylene oxides, and ii) castor oil; and 2) at least one compound containing at least two isocyanate-reactive hydrogen atoms.

Abstract: A method for making a rigid polyurethane foam by reacting a polyisocyanate and a polyol in the presence of a urethane catalyst, a blowing agent and a silicone surfactant characterized by employing as a blowing agent a C1-C4 HFC or HCFC, preferably HFC-245fa, and as the silicone surfactant a polyether-polysiloxane coploymer having a total surfactant molecular weight of 12,000 to 100,000 g/mole, a wt % siloxane in the surfactant of 10 to 40 wt %, a molecular weight of the polyether portion of 1200 to 6,000 g/mole, and a wt % of ethylene oxide in the polyether portion of 30-100 wt %.

Abstract: There is now provided a closed cell rigid polyisocyanate based foam blown with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon and formic acid as blowing agents, which possesses a uniform density gradient varying by not more than 10 percent. There is also now provided a polyol composition and a froth foaming mixture having good flow by employing a polyol and formic acid in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon having a boiling point of 300K or less as co-blowing agents. The polyol composition advantageously has an average OH number of less than 400 and an average functionality of greater than 4, which when reacted with the isocyanate in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon, yields a rigid closed cell polyisocyanate based dimensionally stable foam having a fine cell structure.

Abstract: In a process for producing open-celled rigid foams by reactinga) polyisocyanates withb) compounds containing hydrogen atoms which are reactive toward isocyanates, in the presence ofc) water,d) if desired, organic compounds acting as physical blowing agents,e) catalysts, auxiliaries and/or additives,the compounds containing reactive hydrogen atoms used are substances having the structure I: ##STR1## where m is 0-15n is 0-1o is 0-15p is 0-1q is 0-15r is 0-1s is 0-15t is 0-1u is 0-10v is 0-15x is 1-5y is 1-4 or mixtures of 1-3 where r+n.noteq.0z is 0-3z.sub.i is 0.1-3R.sub.1 is an aliphatic structure without OH groups based on the structure of polyhydric alcohols, preferably ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,3-butanediol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, glycerol, pentaerythritol, where these substances can also be used in the esterification as any mixture among one another and R.sub.

Abstract: Mixtures leading to hard polyurethane foamed materials, which mixtures are preferably present in a pressure vessel, containa) prepolymers containing isocyanate groups, obtainable by the reaction of polyisocyanates containing isocyanurate groups and optionally urethane groups with compounds having at least two hydrogen atoms which are reactive to isocyanates and having a molecular weight of 62 to 10,000, wherein the content of monomeric polyisocyanate in the prepolymer is less than 2 weight %,b) auxiliary process materials and additives known in the art, andc) foaming agents having a boiling point less than 0.degree. C./760 mm Hg.

Abstract: A thermosetting plastic foam solid formed from the reaction product of: (a) either polyisocyanate or isocyanate; (b) a polyol; (c) a catalyst which is capable of promoting the thermosetting reaction between the polyisocyanate or isocyanate and the polyol; and (d) a blowing agent comprised at least partially from a high purity cyclopentane product, wherein the high purity cyclopentane product is about 95% or greater pure cyclopentane, and, optionally, (e) water and/or (f) liquid flame retardant.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and at least one hydrocarbon selected from the group n-pentane, iso-pentane, cyclopentane, n-hexane and iso-hexane are provided. The compositions of the invention are useful in the preparation of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams.

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: Premixes intended for the preparation of polyurethane or modified polyurethane foams comprising at least one polyol and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane as blowing agent. These premixes have proved to be particularly stable.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evacuated and unevacuated microcellular foam containing an infrared attenuating agent (IAA). The evacuated foam has an average cell size of about 70 micrometers or less. The unevacuated foam has an average cell size of 1.0 micrometers or less. The IAA provide a greater proportional reduction in foam thermal conductivity in these foams than in foams of larger cell size. Further disclosed is a method of using the foams.

Abstract: Azeotropic compositions made up of from about 60 to about 78% by weight of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and from about 22 to about 40% by weight of tetramethylsilane have been found to be particularly useful as blowing agents for the production of polyurethane foams.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane foams having low thermal conductivity values are produced by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an organic material having at least two isocyanate reactive hydrogen atoms and an OH value of from about 200 to about 650 in the presence of a blowing agent. The blowing agent is a mixture which includes dichlorofluoroethane (HCFC-141b) and greater than 1.0% by weight (based on total weight of the foam forming mixture) water. The foams obtained are characterized by a thermal conductivity of less than about 0.160 Btu-in./hr.ft.sup.2 .degree. F., preferably less than about 0.150 Btu-in./hr.ft.sup.2 .degree. F. These foams are particularly useful as insulation materials.

Abstract: A thermosetting plastic foam solid formed from the reaction product of: (a) either polyisocyanate or isocyanate; (b) a polyol; (c) a catalyst which is capable of promoting the thermosetting reaction between the polyisocyanate or isocyanate and the polyol; and (d) a blowing agent comprised at least partially from a high purity cyclopentane product, wherein the high purity cyclopentane product is about 95% or greater pure cyclopentane, and, optionally, (e) water and/or (f) liquid flame retardant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foam compositions which are expanded with hydrohalocarbon blowing agents in the presence of catalysts which result in a decreased 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 at least one catalyst for polymerization of the polyisocyanate and polyol wherein the catalyst is less volatile than N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine or the catalyst is a tertiary amine having at least one isocyanate-reactive functionality selected from the group consisting of --OH and --NH-- and the catalyst results in a decreased amount of decomposition of the hydrohalocarbon blowing agents to haloalkenes during polymerization of the polyisocyanate and the polyol and especially during use of the foam samples at a temperature of at least about 54.degree. C.

Abstract: Polyol formulations, containing polyether polyols possessing 40 to 80 wt % of tertiary amino groups and having an OH number of 300 to 500, preferably 350 to 420, obtainable by addition of exclusively propylene oxide to o-toluylenediamine, which contain cyclopentane and/or n- and/or i-pentane and/or hydrofluoro alkanes as blowing agent, are used for the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foams by reacting with organic polyisocyanates, optionally further compounds with at least two hydrogen atoms reactive to isocyanates, optionally in the presence of water, and further blowing agents known per se as well as conventional auxiliaries and additives.

Abstract: Rigid foams having improved insulation properties are made by reacting a polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing agent mixture composed of from about 1 to about 30% by weight of at least one C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 polyfluoroalkane and from about 70 to about 99% by weight of an HCFC, preferably an HCFC selected from chlorodifluoromethane, 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: There is now provided a method for making a polyisocyanate based rigid closed cell foam by reacting an organic isocyanate and a polyol composition containing a polyol having polyester linkages and a number average molecular weight of 400 or more, and at least about 8 php of a silicone-containing surfactant polymer, in the presence of an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 hydrocarbon blowing agent. Either mixed into the polyol composition at the time of foaming, mixed into an isocyanate, or both, is an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method of making a microporous carbon material which includes providing a precursor selected from the group consisting of crystalline salts of aromatic sulfonates and nonporous polymeric salts. Prior to carbonization, the precursor is treated by ion exchange or other conventional processes to introduce a metal such as iron, nickel and cobalt into the precursor. Heat treatment of such composite precursors in the temperature range of 350.degree. to 850.degree. C. in an inert oxygen free atmosphere for a sufficient time promotes thermally induced hydrogen abstraction and rearrangement of BSUs which result in the formation of a composite, carbonaceous microporous material which contains a metal component, and has a pore size distribution in the range of about 4-15 .ANG. A. The structural and storage characteristics of the microporous carbon materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of nonafluoromethoxybutane and at least one component selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-heptane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene and acetone, and 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane are described. These compositions are useful as cleaning agents, displacement drying agents, refrigerants, heat transfer media, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, and buffing abrasive agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic article formed from several foamed thermoplastic elastomers, such as a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer based on polypropylene and a vulcanized elastomer at least one of an elastomeric styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene block copolymer, an elastomeric styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymer, a thermoplastic elastomer based on polypropylene and an elastomeric styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene block copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer based on polypropylene and an elastomeric styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymer. The present invention further provides plastic articles based on a blend of thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic elastomer olefins. The invention further provides a process for making these articles.

Abstract: The invention discloses novel azeotrope-like mixtures of fluorinated compounds which are useful for heating and cooling as heat transfer agents and/or refrigerants. The azeotrope-like mixture comprises: (a) pentafluoropropane; and (b) a hydrofluorocarbon of the formula: C.sub.x F.sub.y H.sub.z, wherein x is 3, 4, 5, or 6 and y and z are each independently 1 or a positive whole number such that the result of y/(y+z) is greater than 0.67.

Abstract: Disclosed are foamable EPDM compositions comprising EPDM, a carbon black having a CTAB of about 50 to 60 m2/g and DBP of 90 to 115 cc/100 g and a blowing agent which are advantageous for use in applications where UHF microwave curing is utilized and for replacing foamable EPDM compositions incorporating similar amounts of conventional blends of carbon blacks. Also disclosed are foamed, cured EPDM compositions comprising: EPDM and a carbon black having a CTAB of about 50 to 60 m2/g and DBP of 90 to 115 cc/100 g which have advantageously lower sponge density and lower sponge compression set than EPDM compositions incorporating similar amounts of conventional low reinforcing carbon blacks. Further disclosed is a process for producing the foamed, cured EPDM compositions of the present invention. Additionally disclosed is use of the foamed, cured EPDM compositions of the present invention as weatherstripping.

Abstract: A foamed rubber composition for tire comprises a particular amount of particles having specified hardness and average particle size and containing aluminum-bonded hydroxy group and/or silicon-bonded hydroxy group at its surface, and a particular amount of at least one specified silane coupling agent, and develops excellent performances on ice. Further, pneumatic tires contain the foamed rubber composition as a tread rubber.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing hydrocarbon composition comprising the following (1) and (2), wherein the proportions of (1) and (2) in the composition are such that (1) is 100 parts by weight, and (2) is from 0.001 to 10 parts by weight:(1) at least one pentafluoropropane selected from 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and 1,1,2,2,3-pantafluoroproapne,(2) the following (i) or (ii):(i) a combination of (a) and at least one member selected from the following (b) to (e):(a) a compound having --NO.sub.2,(b) a compound having --CN,(c) a compound having --CONR.sup.1 R.sup.2 wherein each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 which are independent of each other, is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group,(d) a lactone,(e) a quinone,(ii) at least one member selected from the following (f) and (g):(f) a reaction product of a compound having a halogen atom and an epoxy group with an active hydrogen compound,(g) a reaction product of a compound having a halogen atom and a hydroxyl group with an isocyanate compound.

Abstract: Closed cell, rigid polymer foams are prepared by (a) continuously conveying a carrier along a production line, (b) supplying on the carrier a foam-forming mixture comprising a polyisocyanate, a catalyst, a hydrogen-containing blowing agent or a mixture of the hydrogen-containing blowing agent and at least one co-blowing agent, and an isocyanate-reactive component comprising (i) a high acid polyester polyol having an acid number greater than 1, or (ii) a mixture of the high acid polyester polyol and at least one other isocyanate-reactive compound, (c) passing the carrier and mixture between two constricting members forming therebetween a metering gap, and (d) allowing the mixture after passing through the gap to freely expand to form a plastic foam, wherein the acid number and amount of the high acid polyester polyol in the mixture are sufficiently high to result in a superior resistance to cold temperature shrinkage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing non-CFC resol foams of low density using perfluorinated ethers along with a HCFC or CFC blowing agent, and to foams produced by such a process. The process generally comprises: (a) forming a mixture by combining a resol resin with a blowing-agent blend comprising (i) at least one blowing agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated chlorofluorocarbons and hydrogenated fluorocarbons and (ii) at least one perfluoroether additive selected from the group consisting of perfluorinated ethers; (b) adding an acid catalyst to the mixture to initiate foaming and form a foam; and (c) curing the foam to form a cured foam that is essentially free of CFCs.

Abstract: Substantially constant boiling mixtures of difluoromethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane or perfluoroethane are useful as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, and expansion agents for polymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to insulating foams and to a process for producing the foams. Preferably, the foams are made from phenol formaldehyde resins. The blowing agents for making the foams include film forming coating material which coats the interior surfaces of the foam cells. The coated foams have better thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam is constituted by using a blowing agent selected from the group consisting of iodofluorohydrocarbons, perfluoroalkenes and hydrogen-containing fluoromorpholine derivatives. These blowing agents have a low thermal conductivity and a short life in the air, and thus impose no or very small load such as ozone layer depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) on the environment. The iodofluorohydrocarbon, in particular, can give an incombustibility and self-extinguishing property to the conventionally used inflammable substance such as cyclopentane or the like, and thus is also advantageous from the viewpoint of safety of the thermal insulating material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a rigid polyurethane foam in which a polyisocyanate containing a benzene ring is used as an organic isocyanate and a polyether polyol and/or polyester polyol is used as a polyol, characterized in that a hydrocarbon is used as the blowing agent and a compound having a hydrophobic group and a hydroxyl group in the molecule is used as an emulsifying agent. The blowing agent is preferably a hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of cyclopentane, n-pentane and iso-pentane.

Abstract: A foamed rubber composition for pneumatic tires comprises at least one diene polymer as a rubber ingredient and includes closed cells in a matrix rubber, each of these cells being covered with a coat layer made from a given amount of a resin or resin composite having a JIS-C hardness of not less than 75, a particle size of 10-200 .mu.m and a reacted conjugate diene unit content of not less than 10% by weight. In the production of the foamed rubber composition, the melting point or glass transition point of the resin or resin composite is restricted to at least 5.degree. C. lower than the vulcanizing temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a halogen-free, flame retardant rigid polyurethane foam based on polyether-polyols and polyisocyanates, which comprises, as the polyol component, mixtures of nitrogen-free and nitrogen-containing polyether-polyols and, as the flameproofing agent, ammonium polyphosphate.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed which include 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and a propane, tris(trifluoromethyl)amine, trifluoromethylsulfur pentafluoride or fluoroethane. The term propane includes compounds of the formula C.sub.3 F.sub.a H.sub.8-a wherein 0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.8 as well as cyclic compounds of the formula C.sub.3 F.sub.b H.sub.6-b wherein 0.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.6. These compositions are useful as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: There is now provided a closed cell rigid polyisocyanate based foam blown with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon and formic acid as blowing agents, which possesses a uniform density gradient varying by not more than 10 percent. There is also now provided a polyol composition and a froth foaming mixture having good flow by employing a polyol and formic acid in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon having a boiling point of 300 K or less as co-blowing agents. The polyol composition advantageously has an average OH number of less than 400 and an average functionality of greater than 4, which when reacted with the isocyanate in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon, yields a rigid closed cell polyisocyanate based dimensionally stable foam having a fine cell structure.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane are provided. The compositions of the invention are useful in the preparation of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and as aerosol propellants.

Abstract: Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions of effective amounts of 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cyclopentane and methanol or 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and cyclopentane to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition are disclosed that are useful as cleaning agents, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes and as power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: A process for producing CFC-free polyurethane rigid foams having reduced thermal conductivity comprises reactinga) isocyanate semiprepolymers modified with urethane groups and containing from 31 to 20% by weight of NCO, based on aromatic polyisocyanates and at least one aromatic and/or preferably aliphatic polyester-polyol having a hydroxyl number of from 22 to 400,b) at least one relatively high molecular weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms, which advantageously have arylene units bonded to them, and, if desired,c) low molecular weight chain extenders and/or crosslinkersin the presence ofd) blowing agents, preferably cyclopentane and/or cyclohexane in combination with water,e) catalysts and, if desired,f) additives.The CFC-free polyurethane rigid foams are preferably used as insulation material in refrigeration appliances and as insulation in composite and heating elements, for example for insulating remote heating pipes.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam is constituted by using a blowing agent selected from the group consisting of iodofluorohydrocarbons, perfluoroalkenes and hydrogen-containing fluoromorpholine derivatives. These blowing agents have a low thermal conductivity and a short life in the air, and thus impose no or very small load such as ozone layer depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) on the environment. The iodofluorohydrocarbon, in particular, can give an incombustibility and self-extinguishing property to the conventionally used inflammable substance such as cyclopentane or the like, and thus is also advantageous from the viewpoint of safety of the thermal insulating material.

Abstract: Expandable styrene resin beads are described, which, when expanded to a bulk density of 20 g/l, give pre-expanded beads in which the number of cells present along those surface parts of radii which range from the bead surface to a depth of 0.2 mm from the surface is from 3 to 20 per mm and to the bead center is 10 or larger per mm, the number of the number of cells present along those inner parts of the radii which range from a depth of 1 mm from the bead surface to the bead center is 10 or larger per mm, the number of cells present along said surface parts being smaller than the number of cells present along said inner parts.

Abstract: Rigid foams which possess urethane groups are prepared by reacting polyisocyanates with compounds which possess at least two active hydrogen atoms which are reactive towards isocyanate groups, in the presence of water and alkanes as blowing agent and solution promoters. The solution promoter used is a compound with a polar group.