Abstract: New shape memory polymer compositions, methods for synthesizing new shape memory polymers, and apparatus comprising an actuator and a shape memory polymer wherein the shape memory polymer comprises at least a portion of the actuator. A shape memory polymer comprising a polymer composition which physically forms a network structure wherein the polymer composition has shape-memory behavior and can be formed into a permanent primary shape, re-formed into a stable secondary shape, and controllably actuated to recover the permanent primary shape. Polymers have optimal aliphatic network structures due to minimization of dangling chains by using monomers that are symmetrical and that have matching amine and hydroxl groups providing polymers and polymer foams with clarity, tight (narrow temperature range) single transitions, and high shape recovery and recovery force that are especially useful for implanting in the human body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binder system which contains an isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymer as the resin component and a polyol mixture as the curing agent, said polyol mixture containing at least one alkoxylated diamine. The invention also relates to the use of the binder system as an adhesive/sealing material, in particular as a laminating adhesive for food packaging.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a polymeric polyol composition useful for making polyurethane polymers, especially polyurethane foams. Said polyurethane polymer foams demonstrate a good balance of mechanical properties, physical properties, and low emissions. The polymeric polyol composition is the reaction product(s) of (i) a polyamine initiator composition comprising the polymerization product(s) of aminoethylpiperazine with (ii) at least one epoxide compound, at least one glycidyl ether compound, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Polyurethane foam compositions and processes to make flexible polyurethane foams are disclosed. Polyurethane foam is produced in the presence of additives comprising guanidine derivatives. Improvements in physical properties such as air flow, dimensional stability, tensile, tear, elongation and foam hardness is observed when these additives are present in polyurethane formulations. In addition, these additives can minimize polymer degradation under humid ageing conditions resulting in foam products with better mechanical properties.

Abstract: Polyurethane foam compositions and processes to make flexible polyurethane foams are disclosed. Polyurethane foam is produced in the presence of additives comprising guanidine derivatives. Improvements in physical properties such as air flow, dimensional stability, tensile, tear, elongation and foam hardness is observed when these additives are present in polyurethane formulations. In addition, these additives can minimize polymer degradation under humid ageing conditions resulting in foam products with better mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention describes cyclic amine compounds useful for catalysts forpolyurethane form-forming compositions, as well as amine alkoxylates and amine polyether polyols formed form the cyclic amines. The cyclic amine compounds of the invention provide distinct benefits for reaction compositions, methods, and polyurethane foams based on their desirable physical and catalytic properties.

Abstract: New shape memory polymer compositions, methods for synthesizing new shape memory polymers, and apparatus comprising an actuator and a shape memory polymer wherein the shape memory polymer comprises at least a portion of the actuator. A shape memory polymer comprising a polymer composition which physically forms a network structure wherein the polymer composition has shape-memory behavior and can be formed into a permanent primary shape, re-formed into a stable secondary shape, and controllably actuated to recover the permanent primary shape. Polymers have optimal aliphatic network structures due to minimization of dangling chains by using monomers that are symmetrical and that have matching amine and hydroxl groups providing polymers and polymer foams with clarity, tight (narrow temperature range) single transitions, and high shape recovery and recovery force that are especially useful for implanting in the human body.

Abstract: Cardanol derivative comprising one or more units of the formula and a method for obtaining such cardanol derivative.

Abstract: The selection of additives to improve the solubility of blowing agents may be facilitated by using a method that involves determining and comparing the activity coefficients of prospective additives to the activity coefficients of candidate blowing agents in a given base polymer for producing a polymeric foam article. The method for the selection of an additive may comprise selecting a representative compound for the base polymer and determining a first activity coefficient for a blowing agent in the representative compound. Also selected are several candidate additives, each having a different functional group, and determining a second activity coefficient for the blowing agent in each of the candidate additives. Among the candidate additives is selected the additive, wherein the second activity coefficient is lower than the first activity coefficient. The method may be incorporated into a process for forming polymeric foams and the manufacture of a polymeric foam.

Abstract: A process for producing a urethane-modified polyisocyanurate foam having excellent characteristics such as flame retardancy, heat resistance and low smoking property, and further having improved initial adhesion, particularly adhesion after a relatively long period of time, to a facing material particularly a flexible facing material, by using water as a blowing agent, is provided. A polyisocyanate compound component, a polyol component, water and a morpholine compound are reacted in the presence of a trimerization catalyst for isocyanates.

Abstract: Polyurethane resins are produced by reacting a polyol with a polyisocyanate in the presence of an amine catalyst of one of the formulae:

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation an epoxide-reactive compound having a functionality of at least 3, a molecular weight of from about 250 to about 1,900, and an OH number of from about 85 to about 1,400. This process comprises reacting (a) an organic compound which is free of ether groups, having a molecular weight of from about 60 to about 600, and containing from about 2 to about 8 reactive sites; with (b) cyanuric chloride; optionally, in the presence of (c) one or more catalysts; wherein the functionality of the resultant epoxide-reactive compound equals three times the functionality of (a) said organic compound minus three. This invention also relates to further reacting the epoxide-reactive compound produced by the above process with an alkylene oxide, optionally in the presence of a catalyst to form a polyether polyol having a functionality of at least about 3, a molecular weight of from about 300 to about 18,000, and an OH number of from about 10 to about 565.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a polyether polyol having a functionality of at least about 3, a molecular weight of from about 560 to about 35,000 and an OH number of from about 10 to about 1,100. This process comprises reacting (a) a polyether polyol containing one or more ether groups, having a functionality of about 2 to about 8, a molecular weight of about 106 to about 12,000, and an OH number of about 28 to about 1,400, with (b) cyanuric chloride, optionally, in the presence of (c) one or more catalysts; wherein the functionality of the resultant polyether polyols equals three times the functionality of (a) said polyether polyol, minus three.

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: Polyurethanes synthesized from sorbitol-branched polyester made by esterification of a diacid (or anhydride thereof diol, and sorbitol (or mixtures of same with other polyols).

Abstract: Phenolic amides, useful as stabilizers for organic materials such as polyols and polyurethanes, possess the general formula ##STR1## wherein n is 0 to 3, R.sub.1 is alkyl of from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or alkyl of from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is hydrogen or hydrocarbyl of up to about 20 carbon atoms, optionally containing one or more heterocyclic groups, R.sub.4 is hydrocarbyl of up to about 20 carbon atoms, optionally containing one or more heterocyclic groups, or R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded are joined together to form a heterocyclic group, optionally containing one or more additional heterocyclic atoms.

Abstract: Process for making open celled (semi-) rigid polyurethane foams using as cell opening agent a fatty acid or a fatty acid amine or a fatty acid amide or a fatty acid ester.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of rigid open celled polyurethane foams comprising the step of reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing promotor which is an isocyanate-reactive cyclic carbonate or cyclic urea, and in the presence of an aminoalcohol catalyst.

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: 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: Tertiary amines having carbonate and urethane groups and optionally hydroxyl groups are produced by reacting a) a polyhydric alcohol and b) a primary-tertiary diamine with c) a carbonic acid derivative selected from the group consisting of optionally cyclic carbonates, urea, phosgene and bis-chlorocarbonates of alcohols of the same type as those used as component a). This reaction may be carried out in one or two steps. The tertiary amines produced by this process are useful as catalysts, which may optionally be incorporated into an isocyanate-reactive material, in the isocyanate addition reaction for the production of polyurethane plastics. These tertiary amines are particularly useful for the production of foam backed plastic films.

Abstract: A black colorant composition useful for coloring polyurethanes is provided having a red benzothiazole azo colorant which, when combined with a complementary blue and yellow colorant, exhibits low flairing.

Abstract: A method the preparation of rigid foams by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing promoter characterised in that the isocyanate-reactive material comprises at least one isocyanate-reactive cyclic carbonate or isocyanate-reactive cyclic urea, the reaction being performed in the presence of an inert insoluble organic liquid which is present as the dispersed phase of an emulsion or a microemulsion, and in the presence of a metal salt catalyst.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyurethane foam which comprises reacting an organic polyisocyanate and a polyol in the presence of a blowing agent, a cell stabilizer and a catalyst composition comprising at least one compound of either of the following formulas IA and IB: ##STR1## where R is hydrogen, methyl or hydroxymethyl. The preferred catalysts comprise 3-hydroxymethyl quinuclidine, 3-methyl-3-hydroxymethyl quinuclidine and 4-hydroxymethyl quinuclidine.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of rigid foams by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing promoter characterized in that the isocyanate-reactive material comprises at least one isocyanate-reactive cyclic carbonate or isocyanate-reactive cyclic urea, the reaction being performed in the presence of an inert insoluble organic liquid which is present as the disperse phase of an emulsion or a microemulsion, and in the presence of a metal salt catalyst.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam essentially free of organic carbon-based blowing agent, the polyurethane foam comprising a foam core having a density of from about 5 to about 45 pounds per cubic foot and an integral skin consisting of substantially non-cellular, non-porous polyurethane. The presence of the integral skin is characterized by a compression force deflection index of at least about 1.20, the compression force deflection index being defined as the ratio of (i) the compression force deflection orthogonal to a cross-section of the foam to (ii) the compression force deflection of the foam core, the compression force deflection measured according to ASTM 3574C. In a preferred embodiment, the present polyurethane foam is further characterized by a flexural modulus index of at about 1.60. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is characterized by a density index of at least about 1.60.

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: 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: A method for the preparation of cellular polymeric products which comprises reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive composition, characterised in that the isocyanate-reactive composition comprises a blowing promoter which is a cyclic urea compound having at least one isocyanate-reactive substituent.

Abstract: A method for catalyzing the blowing reaction and making polyurethane foams employing a catalyst composition consisting essentially of a hydroxy-functional imidazole of the following formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl; R.sup.2 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl and R.sup.3 is hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 organic group optionally having an ether functionality, provided that when R.sup.1 is methyl, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are not both hydrogen or a hydrogen and a methyl, in combination with a boron compound of the formulaR.sub.n B(OH).sub.3-nwhere n=0 or 1, and R=C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, or C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel bis-iminoazacyclo pentane polyols according to the formula given below, whereinR.sup.1 =H, alkyl or R.sup.4, whereby R.sup.4 is OH, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyaryl or hydroxyaralkyl andR.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently of one another, OH, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyaryl or hydroxyaralkyl which are obtainable by reaction of succinonitrile with a hydroxyalkylamine, to polyols obtained on the basis of such compounds, in which a polyether, a polyester or a vinylpolymer or combinations thereof are also incorporated, and to polymers in which said polyols are incorporated. Polyurethane foam in which 1-(hydroxyethyl)-2,5-bis-(2-hydroxyethylimino)-azacyclopentane is incorporated shows a higher mechanical strength and reduced inflammability, whilst the formulation has an increased reactivity.

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 consisting essentially of a pyrrolizidine of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently are --H, --OH, ##STR2## or --NR.sub.4 R.sub.5, R.sub.3 is hydrogen, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl, or C.sub.7 -C.sub.11 arylalkyl group, andR.sub.4 and R.sub.5 independently represent H, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl group, C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl, or C.sub.7 -C.sub.11 arylalkyl group, provided that at least R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 is not hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to an azomethine of the following composition: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is H or a branched or unbranched C.sub.1-14 -alkyl radical, andR.sup.2 is a branched or unbranched C.sub.1-14 -alkyl radical, an C.sub.1-14 alkyl-substituted phenyl radical or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -(cyclo)-alkyl radical.It further relates to a process for preparing an azomethine, in which ##STR2## is reacted with the corresponding carbonyl compounds ##STR3## The invention also relates to the use of the azomethines for the preparation of certain polyazomethines (poly-Schiff bases), where the azomethines are reacted with diisocyanates or their adducts with polyols or their trimers, and to polyazomethine compounds.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of rigid forms which comprises the step of reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing promotor being an isocyanate-reactive cyclic compound of formula: ##STR1## wherein Y is O or NR.sup.1 wherein each R.sup.1 independently is a lower alkyl radical of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 or a lower alkyl radical substituted with an isocyanate-reactive group;each R independently is hydrogen, a lower alkyl radical of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 or (CH.sub.2).sub.m --X wherein X is an isocyanate-reactive group which is OH or NH.sub.2 and m is 0, 1 or 2; andn is 1 or 2;with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.

Abstract: Thixotropic polyurethane systems based on a polyol component and an isocyanate component, the polyol component containing a mixture of polyamidoamine and low molecular weight, polyfunctional amines, more particularly aromatic amines, which are suitable in particular as adhesive systems for special applications.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyurethane/polyurea flexible foam which comprises reacting:A. an organic prepolymer-containing polyisocyanate composition of NCO content of from 2 to 15% by weight;B. an isocyanate reactive component in which the isocyanate-reactive species comprises at least 40% by weight of water and at least one chain extender of molecular weight below 1000 which is selected from those having at least two amine groups of which at least one is directly attached to a cyclic hydrocarbon residue and from diamino polyols.

Abstract: Polyoxyalkylene polyols initiated with melamine and coinitiated with toluene diamine and oxyalkylated with one or more alkylene oxides have relatively low viscosity and are suitable for preparing polyurethane foams.

Abstract: The present invention refers to isocyanate-reactive compositions containing hindered phenolic antioxidants having a molecular weight of at least 700. These compositions, when used to prepare flexible polyurethane foams, especially slabstock foam, provide foams which exhibit a significant reduction of scorch.

Abstract: A rigid polyurethane foam obtained by foaming a special polyol component and an isocyanate component using only water as a blowing agent has balanced excellent properties including a remarkably low density and a low thermal conductivity and is suitable for use as a heat insulator, particularly in a refrigerator.

Abstract: A high water, high resiliency polyurethane foam composition comprising polyisocyanate, conventional polyol, polymer polyol, diethanolamine, silicone surfactant, water and catalyst, the improvement which comprises a cycloaliphatic diamine of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are independently hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, and a catalyst composition consisting essentially of 0.05 to 0.3 parts gel catalyst and 0.075 to 0.5 parts acid-blocked blowing catalyst, per 100 parts polyol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a flame retardant polyurethane foam which comprises reacting a reaction mixture consisting essentially of a propylene oxide-based polyol that is essentially free of ethylene oxide moieties, a polyisocyanate, melamine in an amount of between about 5 and about 55 parts by weight per hundred parts of the polyol, a halogenated phosphate supplemental flame retardant in an amount of between 8 and about 50 parts by weight per hundred parts of the polyol, and water in an amount of between about 3 and about 6 parts by weight per hundred parts of the polyol, said polyol being further characterized by a molecular weight of between about 2,500 and about 6,000, to provide a polyurethane foam characterized by enhanced flame retardancy.

Abstract: Stabilized polyurethanes, polyureas and polyurethane-polyurea polymers having hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) bonded thereto by means of a hydrazide functionality attached to the HALS are provided. The synergistic effect of a second amide functional group in the HALS-hydrazide provides improved photostabilization efficiency as compared to HALS-hydrazides of the prior art.

Abstract: Novel rigid polyurethane and/or polyisocyanurate foams are disclosed which have fine cell structure, low K-factor, and flame retardance. These foams are prepared by the reaction of a polyisocyanate with heterocyclic nitrogen containing polybeta-hydroxy urethane functional polyols which act as chemically bound flame retardants. Also disclosed are novel modified poly-beta-hydroxyalkyl carbamylalkylated heterocyclic nitrogen containing polyols useful for the formation of rigid foams.

Abstract: The invention pertains to tertiary amines used as catalysts for the preparation of polyurethane foams prepared via the catalytic reaction of a polyisocyanate with a polyol in the presence of blowing agents, etc. The tertiary amine catalysts are prepared by reacting an olefinic nitrile with aliphatic polyol having at least secondary hydroxyl functionality in a ratio less than stoichiometric for providing cyanoalkylated polyol having residual hydroxyl functionality. The resulting cyanoalkylated polyol then is reacted with a secondary amine under conditions for effective reductive alkylation.The tertiary amine catalysts, because of residual secondary hydroxyl functionality, provide for uniform dispersion within a polyurethane, formulation; they provude for additional or extended pot life in polyurethane formulations at temperature below reaction condition, and they are bound by reaction on cure.

Abstract: Improved ignition resistant, flexible, open-celled polyurethane foams are described. The foams are formed in situ from the reaction, in the presence of a catalyst, of an isocyanate, one or more blowing agents including water, a foam stabilizer, a polyether polyol, melamine, and a standard flame retardant additive. Preferred standard flame retardants are halogenated phosphorus esters and a blend of about 80 to 85% pentabromodiphenyl oxide in an aromatic phosphate plasticizer. The melamine is present in the foam formulations in an amount of from 30 to 40 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polyol. The standard flame retardant is present in an amount of from 15 to 25 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polyol. The compositions of the invention are particularly suitable for use in furniture, bedding, and carpet padding.

Abstract: The invention pertains to tertiary amines used as catalysts for the preparation of polyurethane foams prepared via the catalytic reaction of a polyisocyanate with a polyol in the presence of blowing agents, etc. The tertiary amine catalysts are prepared by reacting an olefinic nitrile with aliphatic polyol having at least secondary hydroxyl functionality in a ratio less than stoichiometric for providing cyanoalkylated polyol having residual hydroxyl functionality. The resulting cyanoalkylated polyol then is reacted with a secondary amine under conditions for effective reductive alkylation.The tertiary amine catalysts, because of residual secondary hydroxyl functionality, provide for uniform dispersion within a polyurethane formulation; they provide for additional or extended pot life in polyurethane formulations at temperatures below reaction condition, and they are bound by reaction on cure.

Abstract: A fire retardant flexible polyurethane foam and method for its production are provided. The foam is prepared by reacting in the presence of a metallic catalyst and a non-metallic catalyst (a) a polyol having a molecular weight between about 1000 and about 9000; (b) a polyisocyanate; (c) a cross-linking agent; (d) a foaming agent; (e) a surfactant; (f) a halogenated hydrocarbon; (g) melamine powder; (h) antimony oxide; and (i) sodium borate.

Abstract: Air is mechanically entrained in a dyed or colored, aqueous solution comprising surfactant, poly(oxyalkylene) polyisocyanate prepolymer and the reaction product of said prepolymer and one or more isocyanate-reactive dyes, the poly(oxyalkylene) portion of said prepolymer containing sufficient oxyethylene units to render the prepolymer and the reaction product water-soluble and hydrophilic, to form a dyed or colored, fluid, aqueous air foam which is sprayed or otherwise applied to exposed surface of a substrate, e.g. a sanitary landfill, the applied foam gelling or increasing in viscosity, due to the polymerization, e.g.

Abstract: The invention pertains to flame retardant flexible polyurethane foams resistant to cigarette smoldering after being subjected to flex fatigue, prepared by reacting a conventional polyether polyol, toluene diisocyanate, and a blowing agent, and incorporating substantially uncrushed melamine in an amount ranging from about 5 weight percent to about 25 weight percent.

Abstract: The invention pertains to flame retardant polyurethane foams prepared by the reaction of a polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol with an organic polyisocyanate and a blowing agent wherein melamine is incorporated as the sole flame retardant compound. The amount of melamine may range from about 10 weight percent to about 55 weight percent of the total composition.