Abstract: A method for the preparation of a flexible foam, an integral skin foam or a microcellular elastomer by reacting an organic polyisocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive composition comprising at least one isocyanate-reactive compound of molecular weight of 1000 to 10000 and a functionality of 2 to 4 in the presence of a blowing agent, characterized in that the reaction is conducted in the presence of an inert, insoluble, organic liquid which has a boiling point of at least 60.degree. C. at 1 bar. CFC-free foams and elastomers of good quality are obtainable.

Abstract: A foamable composition useful for rotational molding, is provided. The composition advantageously includes an ethylene vinyl ester copolymer as an additive. The additive beneficially has a higher melt index than the base resin of the composition.

Abstract: Compact or cellular elastomers containing urethane and urea groups are prepared by reactinga) at least one organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanateb) at least one N-propoxylated polyoxyalkylene-polyamine containing at least 50% of secondary amino groups or a mixture of said N-propoxylated polyoxyalkylene-polyamines and polyoxyalkylene-polyamines containing 2 to 4 primary amino groups and having a molecular weight of from 1000 to 8000,c) at least one alkyl-substituted aromatic polyamine having a molecular weight up to 500, in the presence or absence ofd) catalysts and, if desired,e) blowing agents,f) auxiliaries and/org) additives.

Abstract: Hydrophilicity of hydrophilic polymers, in the form of heat-crosslinked cings on porous membranes, is increased by exposure to an oxygen plasma, preferably for about 60 seconds. The plasma is generated at an oxygen gas pressure of about 1.5 Torrs in a chamber subjected to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation with a power of 25-100 watts. Such highly hydrophilic membranes have increased efficiency and durability when used as ultrafiltration membranes for separating hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials, such as smoke-air and oil-water mixtures.

Abstract: The use of solutions of zinc carboxylates having 8 to 24 carbon atoms in aliphatic polyamines having molecular weights of from 131 to 500 having a total of 2 or 3 primary, secondary and/or tertiary amine nitrogen atoms as additives for the formation of a compact surface in the production of molded foams having a maximum gross density of 500 kg/m.sup.3 from organic polyisocyanates, polyether polyols, chain lengthening agents, water and optionally other auxiliary agents and additives.

Abstract: The invention relates to water blown integral skin polyurethane foams made with a particular isocyanate quasi-prepolymer and resin side ingredients to yield a foam having good overall mechanical roperties. The isocyanate quasi-prepolymer component of the present invention comprises from 0.5 weight percent to 30.0 weight percent or less uretonimine-carbodiimide-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate, from 50 weight percent to 80 weight percent 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and reacted with from 15 weight percent to 40 weight percent of a polyether polyol containing predominately secondary hydroxy groups and having an average molecular weight from about 2,000 to 10,000, an average functionality from 1.5 to about 3.2, and a hydroxyl number from about 20 to 60. The resin side component comprises a high molecular weight polyether polyol with an average functionality from 1.5 to about 3.2, water as a blow agent, and optionally an mono- or di-functional alcohol composition having from 8 to about 30 carbon atoms.

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

Abstract: Products made using the RIM process where the reaction mixture contains an acidic release agent have improved green strength when the reaction mixture also contains a peralkylated polyalkylene polyamine.

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

Abstract: A novel, particularly flexible, improved process for molding microcellular elastomer polyurethane articles comprises reacting a first type quasi-polyurethane, having a molecular weight of from 600 to 2200 and a free isocyanate group percent content of from 14 to 3.8, with at least one of a second type of quasi-polyurethane, having a molecular weight of from 3000 to 8000 and a free hydroxyl group percent content of from 1.13 to 0.48, and a glycol and optionally in the presence of water. The process according to the invention is particularly well-suited for automation by means of a processor. Also, the preparation of certain microcellular elastomer polyurethanes that are useful in the improved molding process is described.

Abstract: A method for molding a foamed particle of a polypropylene resin. The polypropylene resin includes a homopolymer and copolymer of polypropylene resin, as well as a mixture of a polypropylene resin and another resin.

Abstract: Certain fatty acid amides can be included in plastic skin clad polyurethane formulations to increase adhesion between the plastic skin and the polyurethane. These adhesion improvers can decrease or prevent blister formation in plastic skin clad polyurethanes. Additionally, the adhesion improvers can compatibilize certain extenders with base polyols and improve mold release properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the discovery that certain additives of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,726,952 effectively slow down the reaction rate of certain RIM systems based upon aliphatic amine terminated polyethers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integral skin-foam molded articles obtained by reaction-injection molding a polyurethane foam material comprising a polyol component, an isocyanate component, a catalyst, and a blowing agent. Catalysts may be selected from tin and amine compounds. Water has been successfully used as a blowing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to water blown integral skin polyurethane foams made with a particular isocyanate quasi-prepolymer and resin side ingredients to yield a foam having good overall mechanical properties. The isocyanate quasi-prepolymer component of the present invention comprises from 0.5 weight percent to 30.0 weight percent or less uretonimine-carbodiimide-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate, from 50 weight percent to 80 weight percent 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and reacted with from 15 weight percent to 40 weight percent of a polyether polyol containing predominately secondary hydroxyl groups and having an average molecular weight from about 2,000 to 10,000, an average functionality from 1.5 to about 3.2, and a hydroxyl number from about 20 to 60, and optionally with a low molecular weight diol in an amount of from 1.0 weight percent to 10 weight percent, the weight percentages based on the weight of the quasi-prepolymer reactants.

Abstract: A concrete fluid structure deteriorated to the condition of removal of substance of the concrete by sulfuric acids and like corrosive material in contact therewith is restored by a substratum of epoxy foam, polyurethane foam, or a combination thereof having a relatively thin layer of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene bonded to the outward facing surface of the foam and bonding the layer to the structure. A method for forming the substratum in the location of the deteriorated structure is described.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a water blown integral skin polyurethane foam having a skin with good abrasion resistance. The foam is manufactured by employing as a polyol composition a polyol having a functionality of from 1.75 to 2.65 and a molecular weight of from 1500 to 5000 along with a surfactant and water as a blowing agent. The particular surfactant is a particular siloxane or an ethylene oxide adduct of octylphenol.

Abstract: The invention relates to rigid integral skin polyurethane structural foam having high impact strength, high heat distortion, and flame retardant properties. The foam is prepared from triisopropanolamine-initiated polyoxyalkylene (TIPA) polyether polyols oxyalkylated with a compound producing primary hydroxyl functional termination. The polyether polyol is advantageously of a molecular weight sufficient to enable TIPA to flow well while retaining its flame retardant characteristics in the foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of an optionally cellular elastomeric molded article having a compact surface and based on a polyurea elastomer containing urethane groups which is the reaction product ofa) a polyisocyanate component based on a polyisocyanate of the diphenylmethane series,b) a polyol component based on a polyether polyol, a polyester polyol or mixtures thereof andc) a polyamine component containing1) 50 to 95% by weight, based on the weight of component c), of at least one sterically hindered aromatic diamine and2) 5 to 50% by weight, based on the weight of component c), of at least one compound which has a molecular weight of about 1,000 to 12,000,by reacting component a) with at least 90% by weight of component b) at an NCO/OH equivalent ratio of at least 4:1 to form an NCO semi-prepolymer and subsequently reacting the NCO semi-prepolymer with component c) and the remainder of component b) by the reaction injection molding process to form the polyurea elastomer

Abstract: It was found that a combination of thermoplastic microspheres containing a volatile hydrocarbon and water could be used as effective co-blowing/density reducing agents in low density, integral skin polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A process for the production of chlorofluorocarbon-free, urethane- or urethane- and urea-containing, soft-elastic, semirigid or rigid moldings having a cellular core and a compacted peripheral zone and an essentially pore-free, smooth surface involves reactinga) an organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanate withb) at least one relatively high-molecular-weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms, and, if desired,c) a low-molecular-weight chain extender and/or cross-linking agent,in the presence ofd) a blowing agent,e) a catalyst,f) at least one microporous activated charcoal and/or microporous carbon molecular sieve which preferably has a mean pore diameter with a frequency of occurrence of more than 40% in the range from 0.3 to 3 nm, a pore volume of from 0.20 to 1.4 ml/g and a BET surface area of from 500 to 2500 m.sup.2 /g, and, if desired, further additives andg) assistants,in a closed mold with compaction.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a flexible foam, an integral skin foam or a microcellular elastomer by reacting an organic polyisocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive composition comprising at least one isocyanate-reactive compound of molecular weight of 1000 to 10000 and a functionality of 2 to 4 in the presence of a blowing agent, characterised in that the reaction is conducted in the presence of an inert, insoluble, organic liquid which has a boiling point of at least 60.degree. C. at 1 bar. CFC-free foams and elastomers of good quality are obtainable.

Abstract: A process for producing a urethane foam having a high density outer surface layer, of the type wherein a plastic liquid containing aromatic isocyanates, polyols, a catalyst, low-molecular polyols used as a crosslinker or a chain extender, a blowing agent consisting of water, and an assistant is poured into a closed mold through a one-shot molding process, a certain type of catalyst is added to create a difference in gas evolving reaction between an inner part and an outer part of the plastic liquid within the mold so as to form a high density layer on the outer surface of a urethane form. The catalyst includes a piperazine compound, a morpholine compound, or a mixture thereof. An imidazole compound, a triazine compound, an amidine compound or an organic acid salt of the amidine compound, or a mixture resulting from any combination thereof may be used in combination with the piperazine compound or a morpholine compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polyisocyanate prepolymer prepared by reacting an isocyanate based on 4,4-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) and a polyester polyol by reacting 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and adipic acid. The invention is also directed to a RIM process using such prepolymers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a water blown integral skin polyurethane foam having a skin with good abrasion resistance. The foam is manufactured by employing as a polyol composition a polyol having a functionality of from 1.75 to 2.65 and a molecular weight of from 1500 to 5000 along with a surfactant and water as a blowing agent. The particular surfactant is a particular siloxane or an ethylene oxide adduct of octylphenol.

Abstract: The invention relates to water blown integral skin polyurethane foams made with a particular isocyanate quasi-prepolymer and resin side ingredients to yield a foam having good overall mechanical properties. The isocyanate quasi-prepolymer component of the present invention comprises from 0.5 weight percent to 30.0 weight percent or less uretonimine-carbodiimide-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate, from 50 weight percent to 80 weight percent 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and reacted with from 15 weight percent to 40 weight percent of a polyether polyol containing predominately secondary hydroxyl groups and having an average molecular weight from about 2,000 to 10,000, an average functionality from 1.5 to about 3.2, and a hydroxyl number from about 20 to 60, and optionally with a low molecular weight diol in an amount of from 1.0 weight percent to 10 weight percent, the weight percentages based on the weight of the quasi-prepolymer reactants.

Abstract: A process for preparing polymeric foams which comprises reacting:a) an organic polyisocyanateb) an isocyanate-reactive composition comprising:i) an organic polyfunctional isocyanate reactive composition comprising at least 50% w of polyfunctional isocyanate reactive compounds having a molecular weight of above 1500 wherein at least 25% of the isocyanate reactive groups are imino or enamino groups, and at most 50% by weight of polyfunctional isocyanate reactive compounds having a molecular weight of 60-1500, andii) a catalytically effective amount of a carbodiimide promoting catalyst, andiii) optionally other catalysts and/or further conventional additives, in the substantial absence of water and chlorofluorocarbon blowing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water blown integral skin polyurethane foams. These foams are prepared using a diphenylmethane diisocyanate:polytetrahydrofuran prepolymer. The polyurethane foams prepared with this prepolymer exhibit improved abrasion resistance and cold flex characteristics when compared to water blown integral skin foams prepared without the prepolymer. These foams are suitable for use in shoe sole applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to poly(ethylene terephthalate)("PET") polymer resins having high melt strength and advantageous non-Newtonian behavior; the resins can be foamed to produce closed cell structures with advantageous densities, cell sizes, cell size distributions, mechanical properties and thermal properties. More specifically, the PET resins of the present invention are highly branched due to the inclusion of one or more branching agents, and these resins can be advantageously used with environmentally friendly blowing agents.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate composite structures having integral crystalline skins on a foam of polyethylene terephthalate are described. The structures exhibit enhanced physical properties compared to polyethylene terephthalate foams. The structures are produced by a method that crystallizes a portion of the polyethylene terephthalate before foaming the uncrystallized portions of the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to energy absorbing, water blown, rigid polyurethane foams. The foams of the present invention are low density, predominantly open-celled foams which exhibit a relatively constant consistency of compressive strength over deflection. Such foams are suitable as light weight alternatives in traditional energy absorbing applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to water blown integral skin polyurethane foams made with a particular isocyanate quasi-prepolymer and resin side ingredients to yield a foam having good overall mechanical properties. The isocyanate quasi-prepolymer component of the present invention comprises from 0.5 weight percent to 30.0 weight percent or less uretonimine-carbodiimide-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate, from 50 weight percent to 80 weight percent 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and reacted with from 15 weight percent to 40 weight percent of a polyether polyol containing predominately secondary hydroxyl groups and having an average molecular weight from about 2,000 to 10,000, an average functionality from 1.5 to about 3.2, and a hydroxyl number from about 20 to 60, and optionally with a low molecular weight diol in an amount of from 1.0 weight percent to 10 weight percent, the weight percentages based on the weight of the quasi-prepolymer reactants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integral skin foams prepared without using halogenated hydrocarbons as blowing agents. The foams of the present invention are prepared using water and volatile silicone fluids as co-blowing agents. Useful silicone agents have boiling points at on below 100.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel internal release agent, a mixture of isocyanate reactive materials containing the release agent and a RIM process using the release agent. The novel release agent is the reaction product of i) an ester prepared by reacting a specific tetrol with a mixture of saturated and unsaturated acids, and ii) a neutralizing agent.

Abstract: A composite material having a substrate and an expanded, cured layer of an epoxy resin composition which is provided over a surface of the substrate and in which a major portion of the cells are present in a location adjacent to the interface between the substrate and the expanded layer and substantially no cells are present on the top surface portion of the expanded layer. The epoxy resin composition includes an acid anhydride curing agent and an alkali metal carbonate blowing agent. The composition is coated over the substrate and the coating is heated to sure and expand the composition while maintaining the top surface of the coating below the expansion temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-part, self-leveling urethane sealant composition for substantially horizontal surfaces, wherein the sealant will flow within a crack, joint or the like and quickly cure to provide an elastomeric seal having a smooth, substantially horizontal surface. The cured sealant provides a surface and volume cure time superior to many known systems, and once cured, provides an elastomeric seal having a superior void volume and void distribution than many known self-leveling sealant systems.

Abstract: A molded polyurethane foam system utilizing hydrofluorocarbons and alkane hydrocarbons as the blowing agent. The molded polyurethane foam products of the invention have a high-density integral skin and a low-density core. The blowing agent can be the HFC, tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) chemical alone or a mixture of tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) with one or more of the following: alkanes (such as 2-methylbutane, pentane and heptane) and other inert volatile organic compounds with boiling points in the 15.degree.-100.degree. C. range (such as pentene and acetone).

Abstract: A polyurea resin molding composition for reaction injection molding use which comprises (a) a polyoxyalkylenepolyamine, (b) an aromatic polyamine and/or a xylylenediamine and (c) a polyisocyanate, wherein either one or both of components (a) and (b) have been modified by a Michael reaction with an unsaturated compound of the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(R)--Y wherein R is H or CH.sub.3 and Y is an electron attracting group. The use of such modified polyamine(s) improves in-mold flow and green strength characteristics.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of cellular plastics, preferably hard structural polyurethane foams, by the polyisocyanate polyaddition process involves reactinga) an organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanate withb) at least one high-molecular-weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms and, if desired,c) a low-molecular-weight chain extender and/or cross-linking agent,in the presence ofd) a blowing agent from the group comprising tertiary alcohols (di), preferably tertiary butanol, or a mixture of at least one tertiary alcohol (di) and water (dii),e) a catalyst and, if desired,f) assistants and/or additives.

Abstract: There are disclosed opaque, biaxially oriented polymeric film structures each comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material, e.g., polypropylene, within which is located a stratum of voids, and positioned within each of at least a substantial number of the voids is at least one spherical void-initiating solid particle (i.e., a cavitating agent) of cross-linked polystyrene (CLPS) which is phase-distinct and incompatable with the matrix material, the volume of the particle being substantially less than the volume of the void, with one generally cross-sectional dimension of the particle at least approximating a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the void.Also disclosed is a method of preparing the foregoing film structure by extruding into a film a combination of the matrix material and CLPS particles dispersed therein, and biaxially orienting the film either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: Internal mold release compositions for use in preparing molded polymeric products are disclosed which contain (a) a primary or secondary amine, (b) a carboxylic acid or amido carboxylic acid salt of a group II metal or of aluminum, lithium, copper, iron, cobalt or nickel, and optionally (c) a carboxylic acid or amido carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate composite structures having integral crystalline skins on a foam of polyethylene terephthalate are described. The structures exhibit enhanced physical properties compared to polyethylene terephthalate foams. The structures are produced by a method that crystallizes a portion of the polyethylene terephthalate before foaming the uncrystallized portions of the structure.

Abstract: A thermoformable, rigid or semi-rigid polypropylene foam sheet having a smooth surface and a uniform cell structure and a density of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3 is prepared by extruding a mixture of a nucleating agent, a physical blowing agent and a polypropylene resin having a high melt strength and high melt elasticity.

Abstract: A hollow fiber of amorphous, hydroxy-ethylated poly-(2,6-dimethyl-p-oxyphenylene) (PPO-OH) with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from 180.degree. to 200.degree. C. is disclosed, which is formed by a high-density, microporous layer on a macroporous backing, and having an outer diameter comprised within the range of from 450 to 550 .mu.m and an inner diameter comprised within the range of from 250 to 400 .mu.m.The process for preparing the hollow fibre and the use of said fibre in the processes of separation of gas mixtures are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A stain resistant polyvinyl chloride covered polyurethane foam article in which the polyurethane foam is made using a tertiary amine catalyst composition in which the amine functionality is 10-40 mole % neutralized with an acid composition consisting essentially of 10-100 mole % strong acid and 0-90 mole % weak acid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integral skin foam prepared by reacting a specific isocyanate, a specific isocyanate reactive component and water as the only blowing agent.

Abstract: A flexible or semi-flexible polyurethane foam composition prepared from a formulation comprising a catalytic amount of an additive containing (1) a urea compound, and (2) a transition metal salt of a carboxylic acid wherein the metal is selected from Groups I-B, II-B, V-A, IV-B, V-B, VI-B, VII-B or VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements; the additive containing a sufficient quantity of at least one amine group-containing material such that the transition metal salt is soluble in the additive; and water as a blowing agent. In preferred embodiments water is the sole blowing agent. The polyurethanes exhibit relatively short demolding times and improved mold release properties. They also show a reduced tendency to cause discoloration or staining of vinyl-based polymeric calddings such as polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: The invention relates to energy absorbing, water blown, rigid polyurethane foams. The foams of the present invention are low density, predominantly open celled foams which exhibit a relatively constant consistency of compressive strength over deflection. Such foams are suitable as light weight alternatives in traditional energy absorbing applications.

Abstract: A composite foam of low thermal conductivity comprisesa) 20-80% by volume of silica aerogel particles having a mean diameter of from 0.1 to 20 mm and a density of from 0.08 to 0.40 g/cm.sup.3,b) 20-80% by volume of a styrene polymer foam which surrounds the particles of component a) and binds them to one another and has a density of from 0.01 to 0.15 g/cm.sup.3, and, if desired,c) conventional additives in effective amounts.

Abstract: There are disclosed opaque, biaxially oriented polymeric film structures each comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material, e.g., polypropylene, within which is located a stratum of voids, and positioned within each of at least a substantial number of the voids is at least one spherical void-initiating solid particle (i.e., a cavitating agent) of cross-linked polystyrene (CLPS) which is phase-distinct and incompatible with the matrix material, the volume of the particle being substantially less than the volume of the void, with one generally cross-sectional dimension of the particle at least approximating a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the void.Also disclosed is a method of preparing the foregoing film structure by extruding into a film a combination of the matrix material and CLPS particles dispersed therein, and biaxially orienting the film either simultaneously or sequentially.