Abstract: A spandex comprising a polyurethane or polyurethaneurea reaction product of at least one diisocyanate compound and a poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycol comprising constituent units derived by copolymerizing tetrahydrofuran and ethylene oxide wherein the percentage of ethylene ether moieties is from about 16 to about 70 mole percent with at least one chain extender selected from the group consisting of diamines and diols and at least one chain terminator wherein the spandex is spun at a speed in excess of about 750 meters per minute.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyurethane, which comprises using a polyester polyol (a-1), a polyether polyol (b), an isocyanate compound (c) and a chain extender (d) as a raw material to produce a polyurethane, wherein the polyester polyol (a-1) is a polyester polyol (a-1) obtained by forming an ester bond between either a carboxyl group of a polycarboxylic acid (i-1) having a polysiloxane framework and a plurality of carboxyl groups or an ester group of a polycarboxylic acid ester (i-2) having a polysiloxane framework and a plurality of ester groups, and a hydroxyl group of a polyether polyol (ii).

Abstract: A polyurethaneurea composition comprises a reaction product of at least one diisocyanate compound, a polymeric glycol, a poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycol comprising constituent units derived by copolymerizing tetrahydrofuran and ethylene oxide (EO) wherein the portion of the constituent units derived from ethylene oxide is present in the poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycol from greater than about 37 to about 70 mole percent, at least one diamine chain extender, and at least one chain terminator. The invention further relates to the use of blends of polymeric glycols and poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycols as the soft segment base in spandex compositions. The invention also relates to new polyurethane compositions comprising polymeric glycols and poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycols, and their use in spandex.

Abstract: Polyurethane prepolymers are described which are prepared from 2,4?-diiso-cyanate diphenylmethane (2,4?-MDI), a polyol component and an aliphatic diisocyanate. These prepolymers can be cured with aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic amines to form a cured urethane elastomer. In comparison to cured urethane elastomers based on monomeric 2,4?-MDI, these prepolymers provide elastomers with extended pour life, i.e. they exhibit a slower rate of viscosity buildup after curative and prepolymer are mixed which results in a reduced propensity to crack during the curing process and gives the opportunity to cast larger parts. In comparison to polyurea/urethanes prepared from cured TDI-prepolymers and which optionally include H12-MDI, the prepolymers of the invention have better health and safety aspects.

Abstract: Commercial spandex can be prepared with greater efficiency, improved consistency and at lower costs from a high-solids content polyurethaneurea polymer solution. The polyurethaneurea is prepared using a combination of 4,4?-MDI and 2,4?-MDI, and an amount of chain extenders and chain terminators such that the polymer solution, prior to spinning, is highly soluble and has an appropriate pre-spun IV and primary amine content. Such spandex fibers, and the fabrics and garments comprising them, have good dyeability and colorfastness, as well as other desirable characteristics.

Abstract: A phosphorus-containing urethane (meth)acrylate compound obtained by reacting (A) a polyol compound comprising (A1) a phosphorus-containing polyol having a phosphorus atom, with (B) a bifunctional or greater polyisocyanate and (C) a hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylate.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyether polyurethane having high moisture vapor transmission, high melting point and static dissipative properties is disclosed. The thermoplastic polyether polyurethane is prepared by reacting a hydroxyl terminated polyether intermediate, an aromatic chain extender glycol, and a polyisocyanate. The polymers formed are useful for melt-spun fibers, fabric coatings for breathable garments, house wrap, roofing membranes, and other applications requiring high vapor transmission and high melting points.

Abstract: Melt spun thermoplastic polyurethane polymers useful as textile fibers and having good tenacity and recovery and substantially no gelation are disclosed. The polymers are prepared by a three-step polymerization process including: preparation of “hard” segment oligomer, preparation of “soft” segment oligomer and final reaction of “hard” segment with “soft” segment in a twin-screw reaction extruder to obtain a final polyurethane product having relatively uniform distances between the “hard” segments. The “soft” segment oligomer comprises blocks of polymeric glycol (poly) urethanes end capped with isocyanate groups. The “hard” segment oligomer comprises blocks of low molecular weight C2–C6 glycol (poly) urethanes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a water-soluble fiber and a method of manufacturing the fiber. The water-soluble fiber of the invention is composed of a high molecular compound with a weight average molecular weight of not less than 10,000, which high molecular compound is obtainable by reacting a polyalkylene oxide compound, which is obtainable by addition polymerization of an ethylene oxide-containing alkylene oxide and an organic compound containing two active hydrogen atoms, with a polycarboxylic acid, an anhydride thereof, a lower alkyl ester thereof, or a diisocyanate and is manufactured by spinning the same high molecular compound. The water-soluble fiber of the invention is not only high in elongation and tensile strength but is readily soluble in water.

Abstract: The invention provides spandex having improved hysteresis and a method for making such spandex. The spandex of the invention comprises the polyurethaneurea reaction product of: (a) poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (b) 1-isocyanato-4-[(4-isocyanatophenyl)methyl]benzene wherein the mole ratio of diisocyanate to glycol is from about 1.52 to about 2.04; and (c) a mixture of chain extenders comprising: from about 35 to about 55 mole percent ethylene diamine; and from about 45 to about 65 mole percent 1,2-propanediamine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molded polyurethane/urea elastomers, and specifically to improved polyurethane/urea elastomers having high temperature stability to about 140–150° C. and low temperature flexibility at about ?35–(?40)° C., for use in dynamic applications. These elastomers are particularly useful for application in belts, specifically in automotive timing or synchronous belts, V-belts, multi V-ribbed or micro-ribbed belts, flat belting and the like. The polyurethane/urea elastomers of the present invention are prepared by reacting polyisocyanate prepolymers with symmetric primary diamine chain extenders, mixtures of symmetric primary diamine chain extenders and secondary diamine chain extenders, or mixtures of symmetric primary diamine chain extenders and non-oxidative polyols, which are all chosen to eliminate the need for catalysts via standard molding processes, and to improve phase separation.

Abstract: There is a provided a polyurethane composition, which exhibits an excellent property of preventing discoloring or coloring not only by oxidized nitrogen gases but also by heat, characterized in that (A) a hindered phenol antioxidant, and (B) an amide represented by the following general formula (I): R1—CONH2??(I) wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having 12 to 21 carbon atoms is compounded in the polyurethane.

Abstract: Commercially acceptable spandex can be prepared with greater efficiency, improved consistency and at lower costs from a high-solids content polyurethaneurea polymer solution. The polyurethaneurea is prepared using a combination of 4,4?-MDI and 2,4?-MDI, and an amount of chain extenders and chain terminators such that the polymer solution, prior to spinning, is highly soluble and has an appropriate pre-spun IV and primary amine content.

Abstract: Segmented polyurethane/ureas useful for the production of spandex, particularly spandex fibers, are made from isocyanate-terminated prepolymers formed by reacting excess isocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component satisfying specified compositional requirements in the presence of a catalyst which promotes linear polymerization but does not cause degradation of the polymer. Suitable catalysts include metal salts of organic fatty acids and/or of naphthenic acid. The isocyanate-reactive component includes at least 10 equivalent percent of a polyoxypropylene diol having a number average molecular weight of at least about 1500 Da and an average unsaturation level less than or equal to 0.03 meq/g and up to 90 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of at least 200 Da.

Abstract: Segmented polyurethane/ureas useful in the production of spandex are produced by chain extending an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer in the presence of a solvent. The isocyanate-terminated prepolymer is formed by reacting a stoichiometric excess of an isocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component that includes more than 50 equivalent percent of a high molecular weight polyoxyalkylene diol having an unsaturation level no greater than about 0.015 meq/g and up to about 50 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene ether glycol.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved spandex that is prepared from a polyurethane that is the reaction product of organic diisocyanates, polymeric glycols, and polyols that have an aromatic functionality, such as alkoxylated phenols. The spandex has improved resistance to high temperature dyeing with minimal loss of physical properties, such as elastic recovery.

Abstract: Segmented polyurethane/ureas useful in the production of spandex are produced by chain extending an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer with a diamine chain extender that includes: (1) from about 7 to 25 equivalent percent of an asymmetric aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diamine and (2) a linear diamine such as ethylene diamine in the presence of a solvent. The isocyanate-terminated prepolymer is produced by reacting a stoichiometric excess of an isocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component that includes: (1) from about 10 to about 70 equivalent percent of a polyoxypropylene diol having a molecular weight in excess of 1500 Da and an average unsaturation level no greater than about 0.03 meq/g and (2) from about 30 to about 90 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene ether glycol having a molecular weight of at least 600 Da.

Abstract: Spandex having good whiteness retention, high heat-set efficiency, and percent set is made from comprises amide soluble polyurethaneurea polymers prepared by reacting polyether which comprises the reaction product of a polymeric glycols with ortho-substituted diisocyanates and bulky diamine chain extenders.

Abstract: The invention provides spandex having improved hysteresis and a method for making such spandex.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a lactone polyester diol at least containing &egr;-caprolactone and a dibasic acid as constructing component units, and a polyurethane obtained using the diol and an organic diisocyanate can provide a spandex filament which is more excellent in a recovering ability of elasticity, strength, hydrolysis resistance, and heat resistance.

Abstract: A low set (at low temperatures) spandex, based on copoly(alkylene ethers), which are copolymers containing tetramethylene ether and either ethylene ether or 1,2-propylene ether moieties, is provided.

Abstract: Segmented polyurethane/ureas useful for the production of spandex are produced by chain extending, in the presence of a solvent, an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer prepared by reacting a stoichiometric excess of an isocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component which includes: (1) from about 5 to about 30 equivalent percent of a polyoxy-propylene diol having a molecular weight of at least 1500 Da and an unsaturation level less than or equal to 0.03 meq/g; (2) from about 20 to about 60 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene ether glycol having a molecular weight less than 1000 Da; and (3) from about 25 to about 65 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene ether glycol having a molecular weight greater than or equal to 1000 Da.

Abstract: The invention provides a highly uniform spandex fiber and a method for making it. The polyurethaneurea component of the spandex has both alkylurethane and monoalkylurea ends, with a ratio of monoalkylurea ends to alkylurethane ends of from 0.5:1 to 10:1.

Abstract: The invention provides polyester dials suitable for preparation of polyurethanes, and provides polyurethanes derived therefrom. The invention also provides spandex filaments prepared from these polyurethanes, which exhibit improved elasticity, tensile strength, and resistance to hydrolysis. The present invention also provides dialkyl amino group-containing polyol additives having a high solubility in dimethylacetamide solvent, which when incorporated into a polyurethane protect the polyurethane and derived spandex filaments from deterioration or discoloration, and confer an improved modulus of elasticity. The polyurethanes and spandex filaments of the invention provide fabrics having a soft feeling, excellent hydrolysis resistance, wrinkle resistance, and adhesive properties, and which are particularly suitable for preparation of an artificial leather.

Abstract: Polyurethane elastomer fibers with superior mechanical and heat distortion properties are obtained by a method in which (a) a segmented polyurethane polymer is produced on the basis of a macro-diol, an aliphatic diisocyanate, and a chain extender with at least two hydroxy and/or amino groups, where the polymer has a molar excess of isocyanate groups over the hydroxy and/or amino groups from the macro-diol and chain extender; (b) the polyurethane polymer is melt-extruded to form a fiber; and (c) The extruded fiber is subjected to a post-treatment. Steps (a) and (b) are carried out under temperature conditions and within a time interval where essentially no allophanate will be formed, while step (c) is performed under temperature conditions and within a time interval in which the polyurethane polymer is cross-linked through the formation of allophanate.

Abstract: Melt spun thermoplastic polyurethane polymers useful as textile fibers and having good tenacity and recovery and substantially no gelation are disclosed. The polymers are prepared by a three-step polymerization process including: preparation of “hard” segment oligomer, preparation of “soft” segment oligomer and final reaction of “hard” segment with “soft” segment in a twin-screw reaction extruder to obtain a final polyurethane product having relatively uniform distances between the “hard” segments. The “soft” segment oligomer comprises blocks of polymeric glycol (poly) urethanes end capped with isocyanate groups. The “hard” segment oligomer comprises blocks of low molecular weight C2-C6 glycol (poly) urethanes.

Abstract: A high heat-set efficiency, high unload power spandex, based on a polyurethaneurea prepared from a polyether glycol, mixtures of 2,4′-MDI and 4,4′-MDI, and chain extenders, is provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polyurethane elastomer containing structural units of type (a), in which: the group —O—R1—O—is a macrodiol group with a molecular weight of approximately 500 to 10000, R2 is a bivalent aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and/or aliphatic-cycloaliphatic group; and X is a short-chain olefinically unsaturated group, Y is NH or O, n is an integer from 1 to 10 and m is an integer of at least 4. The invention also concerns a method of preparing this polyurethane elastomer which can be melt-spun to form fibres or melt-extruded to form foils. The fibres or foils can be exposed to energy-rich radiation such that crosslinking of the polyurethane occurs. Fibres according to the invention display superior properties in terms of textile-mechanical properties, in particular good tensile strength, elongation at tear, residual elongation and heat distortion temperature.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of thermoplastically processable polyurethane elastomer is disclosed. The process comprise adding acid H compounds in an amount calculated to control and render constant the melt viscosity of the product. The inventive elastomer has constant melt flow behavior and high thermal stability.

Abstract: A high heat-set efficiency, high unload power spandex, based on a polyurethaneurea prepared from a polyether glycol, mixtures of 2,4′-MDI and 4,4′-MDI, and chain extenders, is provided.

Abstract: Novel melt-spun elastomeric fibers and methods for their preparation. Embodiments are provided in which fibers are melt-spun from a melt-spinnable elastomeric polymer comprising a diisocyanate-capped polyol prepolymer which is chain-extended with an aromatic dihydroxy compound. Also provided are melt-spinnable elastomeric polymers and prepolymers therefor. The fibers may be knit or woven into textile articles including, inter alia, hosiery and pantyhose.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyurethane elastic material or polyurethane elastic yarn from a first polymer diol having a molecular weight of 600 or more, a second polymer diol having a molecular weight of 600 or more, a first low molecular weight diol having a molecular weight of 500 or less, a second low molecular weight diol, a first diisocyanate and a second diisocyanate as main starting materials, the total amount of the first diisocyanate and the second diisocyanate in the starting materials being 0.95 to 1.

Abstract: A viscosity-stable solution of a polyurethaneurea, in the substantial absence of viscosity stabilizers, and spandex dry-spun therefrom, prepared from certain polyether glycols and aliphatic diisocyanates and ethylene diamine, are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyurethanes obtainable by reacting a polyol composition (A) which consists essentially of a polyester-polyol (A-1) having a crystallization enthalpy of at most 70 J/g and a number-average molecular weight of from 1000 to 5000 and a polyether-polyol (A-2) having a number-average molecular weight of from 500 to 2500, and in which the average number, f, of the functional hydroxyl groups existing therein falls between 2.006 and 2.100, an organic diisocyanate (B), and a chain extender (C), at a ratio that satisfies the following formula: 1.00≦b/(a+c)≦1.10 wherein a indicates the number of moles of all polyols constituting the polyol composition (A), b indicates the number of moles of the organic diisocyanate (B), and c indicates the number of moles of the chain extender (C); to elastic fibers comprising them; and to a method for producing polyurethane elastic fibers by melt-spinning the thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: A process for melt spinning spandex, utilizing a polyurethaneurea polymer prepared from a purified capped glycol, linear aliphatic diamines and a monoamine chain terminator, is provided.

Abstract: A polyurethane elastic fiber is prepared from a polyurethane prepolymer by reaction extruding the polyurethane prepolymer and a chain extender, preferably with twin-screw extruder, and melt spinning the resulting polyurethane elastomer from the extrusion. The polyurethane prepolymer is obtained by carrying out a pre-polymerization reaction of a polyester diol and a diisocyanate, wherein the polyester diol comprises two different types of polyol, the first type being poly(tetramethylene adipate) glycol or poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) glycol and the second type being a reaction product of a diol and dicarboxylic acid having 36 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a water-soluble fiber and a method of manufacturing the fiber. The water-soluble fiber of the invention is composed of a high molecular compound with a weight average molecular weight of not less than 10,000, which high molecular compound is obtainable by reacting a polyalkylene oxide compound, which is obtainable by addition polymerization of an ethylene oxide-containing alkylene oxide and an organic compound containing two active hydrogen atoms, with a polycarboxylic acid, an anhydride thereof, a lower alkyl ester thereof, or a diisocyanate and is manufactured by spinning the same high molecular compound. The water-soluble fiber of the invention is not only high in elongation and tensile strength but is readily soluble in water.

Abstract: Polurethaneaureas prepared with 2,2-bis(4-isocyanatophenyl)propane or 1,4-bis(4-isocyanato-alpha,alpha-dimethylbenzyl)benzene, and spandex spun from such polyurethaneureas, are provided.

Abstract: A polyurethaneurea polymer and spandex spun therefrom, based on polymeric ester or ether glycols and MDI at certain capping ratios, and 1,3-diaminopentane chain extender, are provided.

Abstract: A process for making clear elastomers is disclosed. First, a polyol having a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn<1.5) reacts an aromatic diisocyanate at an NCO/OH ratio from about 1.3 to about 3.0 to give a non-viscous isocyanate-terminated prepolymer. A mixture that contains this prepolymer and an aliphatic diisocyanate is then reacted with an aromatic diamine to give a clear elastomer. The elastomers have excellent overall physical and mechanical properties, including resilience greater than 55%. The elastomers are valuable for in-line skates and other applications for which clarity is important.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyether polyurethane having good rebound resilience and low hysteresis properties is prepared by the reaction of a diisocyanate with a hydroxyl terminated polyether having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1,400 and a glycol chain extender. The polyether contains alkylene oxide repeat units having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and the chain extender glycol has from 2 to 16 carbon atoms. The amount of the chain extender glycol is from about 0.25 to about 2 moles per mole of the polyether.

Abstract: New polyurethaneurea polymers and spandex made therefrom, based on certain glycols, MDI and a diamine chain extender mixture containing high proportions of 2-methyl-1,5-pentanediamine and prepared at selected capping ratios, are provided.

Abstract: A process for making polyurethaneureas using cryogenic mixing is provided. Such polyurethaneureas are useful for making spandex and, ultimately, various types of clothing. The process involves cooling an isocyanate prepolymer or the like to a temperature of less than about -100.degree. C., forming a powder from the isocyanate prepolymer, adding at least one chain extender and/or chain terminator, and warming the powder to at least about room temperature to produce a polyurethaneurea. Such polyurethaneureas are useful for making spandex and, ultimately, various types of clothing.

Abstract: Spandex-type segmented polyurethane/urea elastomers having exceptional elongation, hysteresis, recovery, and other physical properties are prepared by the amine chain extension of an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer prepared by the reaction of a stoichiometric excess of isocyanate with a polyol blend comprising a low molecular weight diol having a molecular weight below 750 Da with a high molecular weight glycol which may be a 1500 Da to 20,000 Da molecular weight, ultra-low unsaturation polyoxypropylene glycol with an unsaturation of less than about 0.010 meq/g.

Abstract: Spandex-type polyurethane/urea segmented elastomers with exceptional physical properties may be prepared by the aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diamine chain extension of a solution of isocyanate-terminated polyoxypropylene diol-derived prepolymer wherein the diol component comprises in major part an ultra-low unsaturation polyoxypropylene diol having an unsaturation of less than about 0.010 meq/g and a number average molecular weight greater than 2000 Da. The spandex polymers have commercially desirable percent set and are capable of exceeding the properties of the industry standard PTMEG elastomers in many respects, particularly in elongation and hysteresis.

Abstract: Spandex-type segmented polyurethane/urea elastomers having exceptional elongation, hysteresis, recovery, and other physical properties are prepared by the amine chain extension of an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer prepared by the reaction of a stoichiometric excess of isocyanate with a polyol blend comprising a low molecular weight diol having a molecular weight below 750 Da with a high molecular weight glycol which may be a 1500 Da to 20,000 Da molecular weight, ultra-low unsaturation polyoxypropylene glycol with an unsaturation of less than about 0.010 meq/g.

Abstract: Sulfonated polyester polyols and mixtures of sulfonated polyester polyols and hydroxy carboxylic acids are used to prepare improved aqueous anionic poly(urethane/urea) dispersions with a high crystallization rate, low heat activation temperature, high green strength, stability at low pH, which show good compatibility with other water based polymers and with crosslinkers. The aqueous anionic poly(urethane/urea) dispersions have high heat resistance after curing or blending with a crosslinker.

Abstract: Substitution of from 5 to 50 equivalent percent of an ultra-low unsaturation polyoxypropylene diol for PTMEG in isocyanate-terminated prepolymers used in spandex production is found to lower considerably both prepolymer viscosity and hysteresis while substantially retaining other desirable physical properties. Such products may offer higher fiber production rates than are possible while employing an all PTMEG-derived polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of producing a polymer suitable for manufacturing spandex filament having remarkable elastic recovery rate and heat-setting efficiency wherein the process comprises: stirring a mixture of a glycol and a diisocyante, where the molar ratio of diisocyanate to glycol is 1.5 to 1.64, in a homogenizer at about 40.degree. to about 50.degree. C. and reacting said mixture to give a first polymer containing less than 4 mole % of unreacted diisocyanate; then, reacting said polymer with a chain-extender mixture containing ethylenediamine, 1,2-diaminopropane, and diethylenetriamine, preferably, about 74 to about 80 mole % of ethylenediamine, about 19 to about 25 mole % of 1,2-diaminopropane and about 0.2 to about 0.8 mole % of diethylenetriamine. Elastic polyurethaneurea-based spandex filament is produced by dry-spinning the polymer.

Abstract: A thermosetting polyurethane-urea elastic yarn having a thermosetting ratio of 45-65%, which is obtained by reacting a polyglycol which has a number average molecular weight of 600-6,000 and which has hydroxy at both terminals, with a molar excess of a diisocyanate compound to give an isocyanate-terminated polymeric intermediate, reacting the isocyanate-terminated polymeric intermediate with a diamine compound to give a segmented polyurethane-urea elastomer, and subjecting the obtained elastomer to a spinning step. The thermosetting polyurethane-urea elastic yarn of the present invention has superior mechanical properties and high thermosetting ratios. When applied to knit fabric, particularly to thin knit fabric for panty hose, superior appearance of the knit fabric can be achieved.