Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing mixtures of low molecular weight polyhydroxyl compounds and hydroxyaldehydes and hydroxyketones by condensing formaldehyde hydrate with itself in the presence of (I) as catalyst a soluble or insoluble compound of a metal of the first to eighth sub-group or second to fourth main group of the Periodic System of Elements, optionally bound to a high molecular weight carrier, and (II) more than 10% by weight, based on formaldehyde, of one or more dihydric or higher hydric low molecular weight alcohols and/or higher molecular weight polyhydroxyl compounds. The pH of the reaction mixture is held at 5.5 to 9.0 until 5-40% conversion has occurred and is then lowered to between 4.5 and 8.0 (0.5-2.0 pH units lower). The reaction is then stopped by inactivating the catalyst.

Abstract: Polyisocyanurate foams are disclosed which are characterized by a combination of a high degree of fire resistance with low smoke evolution, low foam friability yet high compressive strength, and, most unexpectedly, the formation of a protective intumescent char over unburnt foam when the foam is subjected to combustion.This combination of advantageous features is achieved by employing in the foam forming reaction a minor amount of a polyol mixture prepared by the transesterification, with a glycol of molecular weight from about 60 to about 400, of a residue obtained from the manufacture of dimethyl terephthalate.

Abstract: Furan-modified rigid isocyanurate foams are taught herein. The foams herein are prepared by either (1) the in situ polymerization of furfuryl alcohol and/or furfural during the foam formation reaction, or (2) the catalytic condensation of a furfuryl alcohol-blocked organic polyisocyanate.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a foamed polymeric material from starting materials which include a bitumen and a hydroxy fatty oil is disclosed. In addition to the process itself, certain final products of the process are claimed.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane foam is produced from polyisocyanate and polyol wherein 5-30% by weight of the polyol ingredient is a digestion product of polyalkylene terephthalate residues or scraps digested with organic polyols. The resulting rigid polyurethane foam exhibits uniform density and, when compared with a corresponding polyurethane foam which does not include the said digestion products, exhibits equivalent or superior physical strength properties. With fire retardant rigid polyurethane foams wherein the organic polyol ingredient includes halogenated organic polyols, use of 5-30% by weight of the said digestion product in the organic polyol ingredient, achieves a rigid fire retardant polyurethane foam having a lower flame spread and a lower smoke generation than a corresponding polyurethane foam which does not include the said digestion product. When fabricated in a closed mold, the present rigid polyurethane foam has a more uniform density, i.e.

Abstract: A process for producing a rigid polyurethane foam having excellent flame retardance and low-smoke development is disclosed. When the rigid polyurethane foam is produced by reacting a polyhydroxyl compound with an organic polyisocyanate in the presence of a blowing agent, a surfactant, a catalyst and other additives, 3-methylpentane-1,3,5-triol is used as a part of the polyhydroxyl compound.

Abstract: Rigid cellular urethane-modified polyisocyanurate foam products, a cocatalyst system and manufacturing methods are disclosed. The foams are the reaction product of polynuclear aromatic polyisocyanate material and polyol material with the polyisocyanate material being present in sufficient amount to provide isocyanurate groups as the major recurring polymer unit. The polyol comprises a mixture of diethylene glycol esters of biphenyl di and tri carboxylic acids and a resole-type polyether polyol. A catalytic amount of a binary catalyst comprising dimethyl ethanolamine and commercially available E9403 is incorporated in the reaction mixture along with a halocarbon blowing agent; a cell modifier; and a flame retardant material; to produce a cured foam having low flame spread rate and low smoke evolution.

Abstract: Polyisocyanates are reacted chemically with an oxidated silicon compound to produce a polyisocyanate silicate prepolymer. The polyisocyanate silicate prepolymer will react with organic compounds to produce a polyisocyanate organic silicate solid/cellular solid product.

Abstract: Improved diecuttable polyester urethane foams are provided by the inclusion in the foam formulation of specified minor amounts of certain low molecular weight polyols, typically having hydroxyl numbers of 100 or greater. Representative useful species of such polyols include aliphatic alcohols, such as glycerol and erythritol, polymethylols such as trimethylolpropane, alkanolamines such as triethanolamine and relatively low molecular weight alkylene oxide adducts such as propylene-glycerol adducts and the like. Especially effective diecuttable foam formulations are provided by further employing, as co-additives, certain alkylene oxide adducts of linear alcohols or phenols, sulfonated petroleum oils, ammonium salts and silicone-containing copolymers. If desired, the viscosity and compatibility characteristics of the additive and/or additive and co-additive mixture may be modified by the incorporation of a diluent.

Abstract: A zero pressure device is composed of either a microcellular or homogeneous polyurethane made by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with at least three polyols, a monomeric polyol of 2 to 3 hydroxyls having a molecular weight of less than 250, a polyester polyol of 2 to 3 hydroxyls having a molecular weight of 800 to 3000 and a polyether polyol of 2 to 3 hydroxyls having a molecular weight of 4 to 7000. When the zero pressured device is a run-flat ring for a tire-wheel assembly, it has an average density of 60 to 65 pounds per cubic foot and 30 to 42 pounds per cubic foot when it is a tire.