CA2243006A1 - Low density, low water, all mdi flexible foams - Google Patents

Low density, low water, all mdi flexible foams Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2243006A1
CA2243006A1 CA002243006A CA2243006A CA2243006A1 CA 2243006 A1 CA2243006 A1 CA 2243006A1 CA 002243006 A CA002243006 A CA 002243006A CA 2243006 A CA2243006 A CA 2243006A CA 2243006 A1 CA2243006 A1 CA 2243006A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
polyol
polyurethane foam
ethylene oxide
polyol blend
blend
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002243006A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Egils Grinbergs
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BASF Corp
Original Assignee
BASF Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BASF Corp filed Critical BASF Corp
Publication of CA2243006A1 publication Critical patent/CA2243006A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08GMACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
    • C08G18/00Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates
    • C08G18/06Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen
    • C08G18/70Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen characterised by the isocyanates or isothiocyanates used
    • C08G18/72Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates
    • C08G18/74Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates cyclic
    • C08G18/76Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates cyclic aromatic
    • C08G18/7657Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates cyclic aromatic containing two or more aromatic rings
    • C08G18/7664Polyisocyanates or polyisothiocyanates cyclic aromatic containing two or more aromatic rings containing alkylene polyphenyl groups
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08GMACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
    • C08G18/00Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates
    • C08G18/06Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen
    • C08G18/28Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen characterised by the compounds used containing active hydrogen
    • C08G18/40High-molecular-weight compounds
    • C08G18/48Polyethers
    • C08G18/4804Two or more polyethers of different physical or chemical nature
    • C08G18/4816Two or more polyethers of different physical or chemical nature mixtures of two or more polyetherpolyols having at least three hydroxy groups
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08GMACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
    • C08G18/00Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates
    • C08G18/06Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen
    • C08G18/28Polymeric products of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen characterised by the compounds used containing active hydrogen
    • C08G18/40High-molecular-weight compounds
    • C08G18/48Polyethers
    • C08G18/4833Polyethers containing oxyethylene units
    • C08G18/4837Polyethers containing oxyethylene units and other oxyalkylene units
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08GMACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
    • C08G2110/00Foam properties
    • C08G2110/0008Foam properties flexible
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08GMACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
    • C08G2110/00Foam properties
    • C08G2110/0083Foam properties prepared using water as the sole blowing agent

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Polyurethanes Or Polyureas (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to polyurethane compositions useful for the production of low density foams. More particularly, the invention relates to the resins and polyurethane compositions employing a polyol component having relatively high ethylene oxide content and methods of producing the same.

Description

TITLE
LOW DENSITY, LOW WATER ALL MDI FLEXIBLE FOAMS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to polyurethane compositions and more particularly to polyurethane compositions employing diphenylmethane diisocyanates and polyols including a relatively high ethylene oxide content to form relatively soft diphenyl"~elhane isocyanate foams.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Compositions employing a reaction mixture of polyisocyanates with polyols in thepresence of catalysts and blowing agents to manufacture polyurethane foams have been known for years. The polyisocyanates most commonly employed are generally either toluene diisocyanates (TDl's), diphenylmethane diisocyanates (MDl's), or polymethylene polyphenylene polyisocyanates (polymeric MDl's) depending largely upon the desired end product properties for the resulting forms. For example, at a given water level, TDI formulations tend to result in lower density foams than MDI fol " ,~ions. However, TDI is generally more expensive than MDI which is reflected in the cost of the end products. Further, MDI or polymeric MDI based foams are often preferable in terms of ease of manufacture, magnitude of load bearing latitude, and diversity of product grade, among others.

The polyol con,position employed in association with a given isocyanate also contributes greatly to the properties of the foamed end product. For e,~dr",u e certain polyols such as those containing high ethylene oxide/propylene oxide ratio heterics are known to cause cell opening which is often desirable. However such polyols lead to higher density foams which is often undesirable.
Thus there is a need in the art for polyurethane foam col"posilions which employ MDI
and/or poloymeric MDI but give rise to foams having relatively low densities as are achieved utilizing TDI.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the apparent need in the art for low density foams producible using relatively low water levels and MDI or polymeric MDI co",positions according to one aspect the present invention relates to a polyurethane foam col"~risi"g the reaction mixture of:
a) an isocyanate reactive cor"ponent including a polyol blend col"prisil~g at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol and at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol 2 0 wherein the polyol blend has an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of at least about 1500;
b) a catalyst;
c) a blowing agent consi~ling of water;
d) a crosslinker;
e) optionally a surface active agent; and f) an isocyanate composition wherein the resulting foam has an average density of less than about 3.5 pcf.
According to a second aspect the present invention relates to a resin useful for the production of polyurethane foams co" ,prisi"y.
a) an isocyanate reactive component including a polyol blend cor"~ i"g at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol and at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol wherein the polyol blend has an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of at least about 1500;
b) a catalyst;
c) a blowing agent consisting essentially of water;
d) a crosslinker; and e) optionally a surface active agent.
Surprisingly it was discovered that polyurethane foams produced by reacting an MDI
composition with a blended polyol including both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide heterics and at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol gave rise to foams having a relatively low density i.e.
below about 2.8 pcf. Generally an ethylene oxide heteric polyol added to a resin co",posilion will result in poly~"~ll,ane foams having a higher density than those foams which employ polyols having little or no ethylene oxide heteric polyol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foams provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are low density, low water, MDI flexible urethane foams. The foams are polyisocyanate based meaning that they are made by reacting the reactive ingredients in a polyol composition with an organic isocyanate.
The polyol composition co",pri~es a blended polyol including at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol and at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol, water as a blowing agent, a polyurethane linkage plO~ lil ,9 catalyst, a surfactant, and optionally fillers, flame rela,darll~, stabilizers, fungicides, and bacteriostats.
Turning to the ingredients of the polyol composition, there is provided a polyol blend including at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol and at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol wherein the polyol blend has a weight average molecular weight of greater than 4200 and, more pref~r~bly, between about 4700 to about 6800. The polyol blend has an average hydroxyl number ranging from 20 to 60 mgKOH/g and an average functionality of at least 2Ø In a preferred embodiment, the polyol blend will have an average hydroxyl number ranging from about 25 to about 45 mgKOH/g and an average functionality of at least 3Ø
Preferably, the amount of ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol employed in the blend will be between about 8.0 wt. % to about 30.0 wt. %, more pr~fel~bly 10.0 wt. % to about 20.0 % and still more pr~rer~bly, between about 12.0 wt. % to about 16.0 wt. %. The amount of ethylene oxide capped polyol employed in the polyol blend will preferably be between about 18.0 wt. % to about 24.0 wt. % and still more pr~:r~rably, between about 20.0 wt. % to about 22..0 wt.

5 %. Thus, the total amount of the ethylene oxlde/propylene oxide heteric polyol and the ethylene oxide capped polyol will be at least 26.0 wt. % based on the total amount of the poiyol blend.
Exdl",-'es of useful polyols which may be employed in addition to the above described polyols include polythioether polyols, polyester amides and polyacetals containing hydroxyl groups, aliphatic polyca,L,onaL~s containing hydroxyl groups, amine temminated polyoxyalkylene 10 polyethers, and preferably, polyester polyols, polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols, and graft dispersion polyols.
The term "polyester polyol" as used in this specification and claims includes any minor amounts of unreacted polyol remaining after the pr~pa,~Lion of the polyester polyol and/or unesterified polyol (e.g., glycol) added after the preparation of the polyester polyol. The polyester 15 polyol can include up to about 40 weight percent free glycol.
Suitable polyester polyols can be produced, for example, from organic dicarboxylic acids with 2 to 12 carbons, prefel~bly aliphatic dicarboxylic acids with 4 to 6 carbons, and multivalent alcohols, preferably diols, with 2 to 12 carbons, p,~fer~bly 2 to 6 carbons. Exd",r'es of dicarboxylic acids include suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, decanedicarboxylic acid, maleic 2 0 acid, fumaric acid phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and terephLI ,alic acid. The dicarboxylic acids can be used individually or in mixtures, Instead of the free dicarboxylic acids, the co"esponding dicarboxylic acid derivatives may also be used such as dicarboxylic acid mono- or di- esters of alcohols with 1 to 4 carbons, or dicarboxylic acid anhydrides. Dicarboxylic acid mixtures of succinic acid, glutaric acid and adipic acid in quantity ratios of 20 - 35: - 35 - 50:20 - 32 parts by weight are prel~r,~d, especially adipic acid. Examples of divalent and multivalent alcohols, especially diols, include ethanediol, diethylene glycol, 1,2- and 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,10-decanediol, glycerine and trimethylolpropanes, tripropylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, tetrapropylene glycol, tel,d,~,~ll,ylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexane-dil"ell,anol, ethanediol, diethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, or mixtures of at least two of these diols are preferred, especially mixtures of 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol. Furthermore, polyester polyols of lactones, e.g., ecaprolactone or hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g., aromatic or prer~,ably aliphatic polycdrL,onxylic acids and/or derivatives thereof and multivalent alcohols in the absence of catalysts or prererdbly in the presence of esterification catalysts, preferably in an atmosphere of inert gases, e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, argon, etc., in the melt at temperatures of 150~ to 250~ C, pr~f~ldbly 180~ - 220~ C, optionally under reduced pressure, up to the desired acid value which is preferably less than 10, especially less than 2. In a preferred embodi",e"t, the esterification mixture is subjected to polycondensation at the temperatures mentioned above up to an acid value of 80 to 30, preferably 40 to 30, under normal pressure, and then under a pressure of less 2 0 than 500 mbar, prt:rer~bly 50 to 150 mbar. The reaction can be carried out as a batch process or continuously. When present, excess glycol can be distilled from the reaction mixture during and/or after the reaction, such as in the preparation of low free glycol-containing polyester polyols usable in the present invention. Exdr"ples of suitable esterification catalysts include iron, cadmium, cobalt, lead, zinc, anli"~ony, magnesium, titanium and tin catalysts in the form of -5 metals, metal oxides or metal salts. However, the polycondensation may also be perfommed in liquid phase in he presence of diluents and/or chlorobenzene for a,iol,u,..c distillation of the water of condensation.
To produce the polyester polyols, the organic polycarboxylic acids and/or derivatives thereof and multivalent alcohols are preferably polycondensed in a mole ratio of 1:1 - 1:8, more 1 0 preferably 1 :1 .05 -1 .2.
After transesterification or esterification, the reaction product can be reacted with an alkylene oxide to form a polyester polyol mixture. This reaction desirably is catalyzed. The temperal.lre of this process should be from about 80~ C to about 170~ C, and the pressure should generally range from about 1 to 40 atmospheres.
While the aromatic polyester polyols can be prepared from sub~la,ltially pure reactant materials, more complex ingredients can be used, such as the side stream, waste or scrap residues from the manufacture of phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like. Compositions containing phthalic acid residues for use in the invention are (a) ester-containing byproducts from the manufacture of dimethyl ter~phll,alale, 2 0 (b) scrap polyalkylene terephthalates, (c) phthalic anhydride, (d) residues from the manufacture of phthalic acid or phthalic anhydride, (e) therephthalic acid, (fl residues from the manufacture of terephthalic acid, (g) isophthalic acid, (h) trimellitic anhydride, and (i) comb.. ,~lions thereof. These compositions may be converted by reaction with the polyols of the invention to polyester polyols through conventional transesterification or e~ ri~icalion procedures.

Other materials containing phthalic acid residues are polyalkylene terephll ,alates, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET), residues or scraps. Still other residues are DMT
process residues, which are waste or scrap residues from the manufacture of dimethyl te,~pl,ll,alate (DMT).
Polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols, which can be obtained by known methods, are preferred for use as the polyhydroxyl compounds. For example, polyether polyols can be produced by anionic polymerization with alkali hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide or alkali alcoholates, such as sodium methylate, sodium ethylate, or potassium ethylate or potassium isopropylate as catalysts and with the addition of at least one initiator molecule containing 2 to 8, preferably 3 to 8, reactive hydrogens or by cationic polymeri,alion with Lewis acids such as anli",ony pentachloride, boron trifluoride etherate, etc., or bleaching earth as catalysts from one or more alkylene oxides with 2 to 4 carbons in the alkylene radical. Any suitable alkylene oxide may be used such as 1,3-propylene oxide, 1,2- and 2,3-butylene oxide, amylene oxides, styrene oxide, and preferably ethylene oxide and 1,2-propylene oxide and mixtures of these oxides. The polyalkylene polyether polyols may be prepared from other starting ",~lerials such as tetrahydrofuran and alkylene oxide-tetrahydrofuran mixtures; ,ep'.',-'chydrins such as epicl,'cruhydrin; as well as aralkylene oxides such as styrene oxide. The polyalkylene polyether polyols may have either primary or secondary hydroxyl groups.
Included among the polyether polyols are polyoxyethylene glycol, polyoxypropylene glycol, polyoxybutylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol, block copolymers, for example, combinations 5 of polyoxypropylene and polyoxyethylene glycols, poly-1,2-oxybutylene and polyoxyethylene glycols, poly-1,4-tetramethylene and polyoxyethylene glycols, and copolymer glycols prepared from blends or sequential addition of two or more alkylene oxides. The polyalkylene polyether polyols may be prepared by any known process such as, for example, the process disclosed by Wurtz in 1859 and Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Vol. 7, pp. 257 - 262, published by Interscience Publishers, Inc. (1951) or in U.S. Pat. No. 1,922,459.
Polyethers which are preferred include the alkylene oxide addition products of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, hydroquinone, resorcinol glycerol, glycerine, 1,1,1- trimethylol-prupane, 1,1,1-trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, a-15 methyl glucoside, sucrose, and sorbitol. Also included within the term "polyhydric alcohol" arecompounds derived from phenol such as 2,2-bis(4 hydroxyphenyl)-propane, co"""only known as Bisphenol A.
Suitable ûrganic amine initiators which may be condensed with alkylene oxides include aromatic amines such as aniline, N-alkylphenylene-diamines, 2,4'-, 2,2'-, and 4,4'-2 0 methylenedianiline, 2,6- or 2,4-toluenediamine, vicinal toluenediamines, o-chloro-aniline, paminoaniline, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, methylene dianiline, the various condensation products of aniline and formaldehyde, and the isomeric diami"ot~'uenes; and aliphatic amines such as mono, di-, and trialkanolamines, ethylene diamine, propylene diamine, diethylenetliar,line, methylamine, ethanolamine, diell ,anolar, line, N-methyl and N-ethylethanolamine, N-methyl- and N-5 ethyldiethanolamine, triethanolamine, lli;sop~upanolarlline~ 1,3-diaminoprupane, 1,3-diaminobutane, and 1,4-diaminobutane. Preferable amines include mono- and diethanolamine, vicinal toluenediamines, ethylenediamines, and propylenediamine. in a particularly pr~fer,ed embodiment, at least one of the polyether polyols employed is initiated with an initiator containing or consisli"g of an aliphatic amine, and more preferably, all of the polyols used are initiated with 10 an initiator containing an amine, most preferably an aliphatic amine. It is to be understood that the polyols initiated by an amine can also be initiated with a polyhydric alcohol, such as when a mixed initiator of an aliphatic amine/polyhydric alcohol is used like an amine/sucrose package.
Suitable polyhydric polythioethers which may be condensed with alkylene oxides include the condensation product of thiodiglycol or the reaction product of a dicarboxylic acid such as is 15 disclosed above for the preparation of the hydroxyl-containing polyesters with any other suitable thioether glycol.
The hydroxyl-containing polyester may also be a polyester amide such as is obtained by including some amine or amino alcohol in the reactants for the preparation of the polyesters.
Thus, polyester amides may be obtained by condensing an amino alcohol such as ethanolamine 20 with the polycarboxylic acids set forth above or they may be made using the same components that make up the hydroxyl-containing polyester with only a portion of the components being a diamine such as ethylene diamine.
Polyhydroxyl-containing phosphorus compounds which may be used include those compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,639,542. Preferred polyhydroxyl-containing phosphorus 5 compounds are prepared from alkylene oxides and acids of phosphorus having a P2O5 equivalency of from about 72 percent to about 95 percent.
Suitable polyacetals which may be condensed with alkylene oxides include the reaction product of formaldehyde or other suitable aldehyde with dihydric alcohol or an alkylene oxide such as those disclosed above.
Suitable aliphatic thiols which may be condensed with alkylene oxides include . "~anetl,.~'s containing at least two -SH groups such as 1,2-ethanedithiol, 1,2-propanedithiol, 1,2-propanedithiol, and 1,6-hexanedithiol; alkene thiols such as 2-butene-1,4-dithiol; and alkyne thiols such as 3-hexyne-1,6-dithiol.
Also useful in association with the polyol blend co",prisi"g at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol and at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol are polymer modified polyols, in particular, the so-called graft polyols. Graft polyols are well known to the art and are prepared by the in situ polymerization of one or more vinyl monomers, preferably acrylonitrile and styrene, in the presence of a polyether or polyester polyol, particularly polyols containing a minor amount of natural or induced unsaturation. Methods of prt:pari"g such graft polyols may be found in columns 1 - 5 and in the Examples of U.S. Pat. No. 3,652,639; in columns 1 - 6 and the Exdlllp'Es of U.S. Pat. No. 3,823,201; particularly in columns 2 - 8 and the Examples of U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,956; and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,157; all of which patents are herein incorporated by reference.

Non-graft polymer modified polyols such as those prepared by the reaction of a polyisocyanate with an alkanolamine in the presence of a polyol as taught by U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,293,470; 4,296,213; and 4,374,209; dispersions of polyisocyanurates containing pendant urea groups as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,386,167; and polyisocyanurate dispersions also containing biuret linkages as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,541 are also useful.
As a blowing agent, water is employed. The amount of water will at least in part depend upon the desired foam density. For the foams of the present invention, suitable free rise densities are greater than 1.7 pcf to less than about 3.5 pcf, pr~:ferdbly 2.0 pcf to 2.5 pcf. To satisfy these density limitations, the amount of water utilized in TDI foam formulations is typically in the range of 2.5 to about 4.4 pbw, preferably from 3.2 pbw to 4.2 pbw, more pr~fe,ably from 3.5 pbw to 3.9 pbw, based on 100 pbw of the isocyanate reactive component. Water is useful as a blowing agent in that it reacts with the organic isocyanate to produce urea linkages and liberate carbon dioxide gas. However, it has been discovered that the amount of water el n~ 'oyed must be carefully controlled since higher water levels generate more urea linkages and thus result in harder foams generally.
Catalysts may be employed which greatly accelerdte the reaction of the compoundscontaining hydroxyl groups and with modified or unmodified polyisocyanates. Examples of suitable compounds are cure catalysts which also function to shorten tack time, promote green strength, and prevent foam shrinkage. Suitable cure catalysts are organometallic catalysts, pr~:fer~bly organorin catalysts, although it is possible to employ metals such as lead, titanium, CA 02243006 l998-08-24 5 copper, mercury, cobalt, nickel, iron, vanadium, anli~ ~ ~ony, and n ,anyanese. Suitable oryanon,~lallic catalysts, exemplified here by tin as the metal, are repr~sented by the formula:
RnSn[X-R~ -y2, wherein R is a C~ - C8 alkyl or aryl group, R1 is a C0- C,8 methylene group optionally substituted or branched with a C1-C4 alkyl group, Y is hydrogen or an hydroxyl group, preferably hydrogen, X is methylene, an -S-, an -SR2COO-, -SOOC-, an -O3S-, or an -OOC-group wherein R2 is a C1-C4 alkyl, n is 0 or 2, provided that R1 is C0 only when X is a methylene group. Specific examples are tin (Il) acetate, tin (Il) o~;lanoale, tin (Il) ethylhexanoate and tin (Il) laurate; and dialkyl (1 - 8C) tin (IV) salts of organic carboxylic acids having 1 - 32 carbon atoms, preferably 1 - 2- carbon atoms, e.g., diethyltin diacetate, dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin dilaurate, dibutylli"",-'e?ite, dihexyltin diacetate, and dioctyltin diacetate. Other suitable organotin catalysts are oryanoli" aloxides and mono or polyalkyl (1 - 8C) tin (IV) salts of i"oryan.c compounds such as butyltin l,ichloride, dimethyl- and diethyl - and dibutyl- and diocryl- and diphenyl- tin oxide, dibutyltin dibutoxide, di(2-ethylhexyl) tin oxide. Preferred, however, are tin catalysts with tin-sulfur bonds which are resistant to hydrolysis, such as dialkyl (1 - 20C) tin dimercaptides, including dimethyl-, dibutyl-, and dioctyl- tin di",ercaptides.
Tertiary amines also pro",ule urethane linkage fo""~tion, and include triethylamine, 3-- methoxypropyl-dimethylamine, triethylenediamine, tributylamine, dimethylcyclohexylamine, dimethylbenzylamine, N-methyl-, N-ethyl- and N-cyclohexyl~ "o",holine, N,N,N',N'-tet,~l"ett,ylethylenediamine, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylbutanediamine or -hexanediamine, N,N,N'-trimethyl isopropyl propylenediamine, penlal"~ll,yldiethylenetriamine, ~et, ~mell ,yldiaminoethylether, bis(-dimethylaminopropyl)urea, dimethylpiperazine, 1 -methyl-4-dimethylaminoethylpiperazine, 1,2-dimethylirn:l ~le, 1-azabicylo[3.3.0] octane and prefer~bly 1,4~iazabicylo[2.2.2] octane, and alkanolamine compounds, such as trie~l,anola"line, triisopropanolamine, N-methyl- and N-ethyldie, I ,anola" line and dimethyl~,;l ,anolamine.
In a pr~r~r,~d embodiment, a delayed action tertiary amine gel catalyst is employed to 10 pru",ote improved froth flow characteristics. Any of the above tertiary amines can be employed.
Exdnlr'es of suitable organic acid blocked amine gel catalysts are the acid blocked amines of triethylenediamine, N-ethyl or methyl morpholine, N,N dimethylamine, N-ethyl or methyl morpholine, N,N dimethylaminoethyl morpholine, N-butyl~ "or~holine, N,N' dimethylpiperazine, bis(dimethylamino-alkyl)-piperazines, 1,2 dimethyl i",:~- ~le, dimethyl cyclohexylamine. The 15 blocking agent can be an organic carboxylic acid having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 1 - 2 carbon atoms. Ex~r"ples of blocking agents include 2-ethyl-hexanoic acid and formic acid. Any stoic',.on,el,ic ratio can be employed with one acid equivalent blocking one amine group equivalent being preferred. The tertiary amine salt of the organic carboxylic acid can be fommed in situ, or it can be added to the polyol composition ingredients as a salt.
The polyol composition optionally contains a flame ,t:tarda"L. Exalll~'os of suitable phosphate flameproofing agents are tricresyl phosphate, tris(2-cl,loruell,yl)phosphate, tris(2-ch'uropr~.pyl) phosphate, and tris(2,3-dibrolnorJIupyl) phosphate. In addition to these halogen substituted phosphates, it is also possible to use inorganic or organic flameprùuri,,g agents, such as red phosphorus, aluminum oxide hydrate, anlilllony trioxide, arsenic oxide, a",monum 5 polyphosphate (Exolit~E3)) and calcium sulfate, molybdenum trioxide, am",on-lrn molybdate, a" 1" ,on - ~rn phosphate, penl~bru~ "odiphenyloxide, 2,3-dibr~," ,opropanol, he,cabrulnoc;yclododecane, dibromoethyldibromocyclohexane, expandable g,~ hite or cyanuric acid derivatives, e.g., melamine, or mixtures of two or more flar"epr~ ofing agents, e.g., al"",on-~rn polyphosph~les and melamine, and, if desired, com starch, or an""on ~rn 10 polyphosphate, melamine, and expandable graphite and/or, if desired, aromatic polyesters, in order to flameproof the polyisocyanate polyaddition products. In general, from 2 to 40 weight percent, preferably from 5 to 20 weight percent, of said flameproofing agents may be used based on the weight of the isocyanate reactive composition.
Examples of suitable surfactants are compounds which serve to support homogenization 15 of the starting ~ lerials and may also regulate the cell structure of the plastics. Specific exdn ,, le s are salts of sulfonic acids, e.g., alkali metal salts or a~",llon um salts of fatty acids such as oleic or stearic acid, of didecylbenzene or dinaphthylmethanedisulfonic acid, and ricinoleic acid, foam stabilizers, such as siloxaneoxyalkylene copolymers and other organopoly- !'cxanes, oxyethyiated alkyl-phenols, oxyethylated fatty a'~ohGls, paraffin oils, ~astor oil esters, ricinoleic acid esters, 20 Turkey red oil and groundnut oil, and cell regulators, such as pardrri"s, fatty alcohols, and dimethylpolysiloxanes. The surfactants are usually used in amounts of 0.01 to 5 wt. %, based on the weight of the polyol col "posiLion.
The organic polyisocyanates employed include 2,2'-diphenyllllelhane diisocyanate and the corresponding isomeric mixtures, mixtures of 4,4'- and 2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanates and 5 polyphenylenepolymethylene polyisocyanates (polymeric MDI). In addition, other organic polyisocyanates including aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic and preferably aromatic multivalent isocyanates may be employed in limited amounts. Specific examples of optional polyisocyanates include: alkylene diisocyanates with 4 to 12 carbons in the alkylene radical such as 1,12-dodecane diisocyanate, 2-ethyl-1,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 2-methyl-1,5-pentamethylene 10 diisocyanate, 1,4-tel,d",t:ll,ylene diisocyanate and preferdbly 1,6-hexd",~lhylene diisocyanate;
cycloaliphatic diisocyanates such as 1,3- and 1,4- cyclohexane diisocyanate as well as any mixtures of these isomers, 1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanatomethylcyulohexane (isophorone diisocyanate), 2,4- and 2,6-hexahyd, ul ~ 'Lene diisocyanate as well as the corresponding isomeric mixtures, 4,4'-2,2'-, and 2,4'-dicyclohexylmelhane diisocyanate as well as 15 the corresponding isomeric mixtures and preferably arumatic diisocyanates and polyisocyanates such as 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate. The organic di- and polyisocyanates can be used individually or in the form of mixtures. However, the organic polyisocyanate component will include at least about 15.0 weight percent MDI and/or polymeric MDI.
Frequently, so-called modified multivalent isocyanates, i.e., products obtained by the 20 partial chemical reaction of organic diisocyanates and/or polyisocyanates may also be employed to a limited extent. Exd",,'es include diisocyanates and/or polyisocyanates containing ester groups, urea groups, biuret groups, ."~Fhandle groups, carbodiimide groups, isocyanurate groups, and/or urethane groups. Specific exdl"~'-s include organic, preferably arur"dlic, polyisocyanates containing urethane groups and having an NCO content of 33.6 to 15 weight percent, preferably 31 to 21 weight percent, based on the total weight, e.g., with low ~"n'ecl~
weight diols, triols, dialkylene glycols, trialkylene glycols, or polyoxyalkylene glycols with a Illc'ecu~ar weight of up to 1500; modified 4,4'-diphenyl"~lhane diisocyanate or 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, where exal",~'es of di- and polyoxyalkylene glycols that may be used individually or as mixtures include diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene glycol, polyoxypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene glycol, polyoxypropylene glycol, and polyoxypropylene polyoxyethylene glycols or-triols. Prepolymers containing NCO groups with an NCO content of 25 to 9 weight percent, pr~ferdbly 21 to 14 weight percent, based on the total weight and produced from the polyester polyols and/or preferably polyether polyols described below; 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, mixtures of 2,4'- and 4,4'-diphenyl~"t:ll,ane diisocyanate, 2,4-and/or 2,6-toluene diisocyanates or polymeric MDI are also suitable. Furthermore, lipid polyisocyanates containing carbodi;n,de groups having an NCO content of 33.6 to 15 weight percent, preferably 31 to 21 weight percent, based on the total weight, have also proven suitable, e.g., based on 4,4'- and 2,4'- and/or 2,2'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and/or 2,4'- and 4,4'-diphenyl~ ll,ane diisocyanate, polymeric MDI, 2,4'- and/or 2,6-toluene diisocyanate.
2 0 Crude polyisocyanates may also be used to a relatively limited extent in the co,npositions of the present invention, such as crude toluene diisocyanate obtained by the phosgendlion of a mixture of toluenediamines or crude diphenylmethane isocyanate obtained by the phosgenation of crude diphenyl~"~ll,ane diamine. The preferred or crude isocyanates are disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 3,215,652.

The following examples illustrate the nature of the invention and should not be considered as limitations thereto. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts are expressed in parts by weight.
Polyol A is a propylene oxide, ethylene oxide, glycerine adduct containing 21 weight percent ethylene oxide, having a theoretical functionality of 3.0, and a hydroxyl number of 27.5.
Polyol B is a propylene oxide, ethylene oxide, trimethylol propane adduct containing 78 weight percent ethylene oxide, having a theoretical functionality of 3.0 and a hydroxyl number of 24Ø
Polyol C is a propylene oxide, ethylene oxide, glycerine adduct containing 73 weight percent ethylene oxide, having a theoretical functionality of 3.0 and a hydroxyl number of 46Ø
B4113 is a silicone surfactant available from Goldschmidt.
Polycat 77 is an amine catalyst available from Air Products.
SA 610 50 is an amine catalyst available from Air Products.
ISO A is a polymeric MDI having a viscosity of about 30 cps at 25~ C, a nominal functionality of 2.2, a monomeric MDI content of about 78% and an NCO content of about 32.3%.
To evaluate the cell opening characteristics for foam formulations including varying amounts of high ethylene oxide capped and heteric polyols three dirrerenl formulations pr~pa,ed as set forth in Table ll below were analyzed as free use cups. Each of the samples 1-3 were identical except for the type of polyol employed as set forth in Table 1.

TABLE I

Sample A B C
Polyol A 96.05 -- --Polyol B 96.05 Polyol C 96.05 water 2.85 2.85 2.85 B4113 .25 .25 .25 Polycat 77 .60 .60 .60 SA 610 50 .25 .25 .25 To prepare the samples set forth in Table ll, the required weights of the resinslisted in Table I were added separately to 23.6 grams of ISO A utilizing standard mix techniques including a German mix blade at 3100 rpm at a quart cup factor of 0.059.

TABLE ll Sample Sample 2 Sample 3 Resin A50.0 9 40.0 g 40.0 9 Resin B -- 10.0 9 Resin C 10.0 g ISO A 23.6 9 23.6 9 23.6 9 The reaction profile for Sample 1 showed a cream time of 14 sec., a top of cup time of 58 sec., a string gel time of 70 sec., and an end rise time of 94 sec. To calculate the density, the net weight of the cup 55.49 9 was multiplied by the cup factor 0.059 giving a density of 3.218 pcf.
10The reaction profile for Sample 2 showed a cream time of 14 sec., a top cup time of 55 sec., a string gel time of 65 sec., and an end rise time of 104 sec. Surprisingly, the cup net weight fell to 50.9 9 thereby giving a calculated density of 50.9 * 0.059 = 3.003 pcf.
The reaction profile of Sample 3 showed a cream time of 14 sec., a top of cup time 15of 55 sec., a string gel time of 65 sec., and an end rise time of 104 sec. Again, the cup net weight fell unexpectedly to 48.77 g resulting in a calculated density of 48.77 9 1 0.059 =2.88pcf.

Claims (23)

1. A low density, flexible polyurethane foam comprising the reaction product of:
a) an isocyanate reactive component including a polyol blend comprising at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol and at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol wherein the polyol blend has an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of at least about 1500;
b) a catalyst;
c) a blowing agent consisting of water;
d) a crosslinker;
e) optionally a surface active agent; and f) an isocyanate composition wherein the resulting foam has an average density of less than about 3.5 pcf.
2. The polyurethane foam of claim 1, wherein said polyol blend has an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of between about 1500 to about 2200.
3. The polyurethane foam of claim 1, wherein said polyol blend has a weight average molecular weight of greater than 4200.
4. The polyurethane foam of claim 1, wherein said polyol blend has a weight average molecular weight of between about 4700 to about 6800.
5. The polyurethane foam of claim 1, wherein said polyol blend has an average hydroxyl number ranging from about 20 to about 60 mgKOH/g.
6. The polyurethane foam of claim 5, wherein said polyol blend has an average hydroxyl number ranging from about 25 to about 45 mgKOH/g.
7. The polyurethane foam of claim 1, wherein said polyol blend includes from about 8.0 wt. % to about 30.0 wt. % of said ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol.
8. The polyurethane foam of claim 7, wherein said polyol blend includes from about 10.0 wt. % to about 20.0 wt. % of said ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol.
9. The polyurethane foam of claim 1, wherein said polyol blend includes from about 18.0 wt. % to about 24.0 wt. % of said ethylene oxide capped polyol.
10. The polyurethane foam of claim 9, wherein said polyol blend includes from about 20.0 wt. % to about 22.0 wt. % of said ethylene oxide capped polyol.
11. The polyurethane foam of claim 1, wherein the total amount of said at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol and said at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol in said polyol blend is at least wt. % based on the total amount of said polyol blend.
12. A resin composition useful for production of polyurethane foams comprising:
a) an isocyanate reactive component including a polyol blend comprising at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol and at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol wherein the polyol blend has an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of at least about 1500;
b) a catalyst;
c) a blowing agent consisting of water;
d) a crosslinker; and e) optionally a surface active agent.
13. The polyurethane foam of claim 12, wherein said polyol blend has an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of between about 1500 to about 2200.
14. The polyurethane foam of claim 12, wherein said polyol blend has a number average molecular weight of greater than 4200.
15. The polyurethane foam of claim 12, wherein said polyol blend has a (number or weight) average molecular weight of between about 4700 to about 6800.
16. The polyurethane foam of claim 12, wherein said polyol blend has an average hydroxyl number ranging from about 20 to about 60 mgKOH/g.
17. The polyurethane foam of claim 16, wherein said polyol blend has an average hydroxyl number ranging from about 25 to about 45 mgKOH/g.
18. The polyurethane foam of claim 12, wherein said polyol blend includes from about 8.0 wt. % to about 30.0 wt. % of said ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol.
19. The polyurethane foam of claim 18, wherein said polyol blend includes from about 10.0 wt. % to about 20.0 wt. % of said ethylene oxide /propylene oxide heteric polyol.
20. The polyurethane foam of claim 12, wherein said polyol blend includes from about 18.0 wt. % to about 24.0 wt. % of said ethylene oxide capped polyol.
21. The polyurethane foam of claim 20, wherein said polyol blend includes from about 20.0 wt. % to about 22.0 wt. % of said ethylene oxide capped polyol.
22. The polyurethane foam of claim 1, wherein the total amount of said at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol and said at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol in said polyol blend is at least 8 wt. % based on the total amount of said polyol blend.
23. A method for producing a low density, flexible polyurethane foam comprising the steps of:
reaction a composition comprising:
a) an isocyanate reactive component including a polyol blend comprising at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide heteric polyol and at least one ethylene oxide capped polyol wherein the polyol blend has an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of at least about 1500;
b) a catalyst;
c) a blowing agent consisting of water;
d) a crosslinker; and e) optionally a surface active agent with f) an isocyanate composition;
wherein the resulting foam has an average density of less than about 3.5 pcf.
CA002243006A 1997-09-22 1998-08-24 Low density, low water, all mdi flexible foams Abandoned CA2243006A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US93517797A 1997-09-22 1997-09-22
US08/935,177 1997-09-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2243006A1 true CA2243006A1 (en) 1999-03-22

Family

ID=25466661

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002243006A Abandoned CA2243006A1 (en) 1997-09-22 1998-08-24 Low density, low water, all mdi flexible foams

Country Status (2)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2243006A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2329642A (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1178061A1 (en) 2000-08-01 2002-02-06 Huntsman International Llc Process for preparing a polyurethane material
US8901187B1 (en) 2008-12-19 2014-12-02 Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company High resilience flexible polyurethane foam using MDI
US8906975B1 (en) 2009-02-09 2014-12-09 Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company Conventional flexible polyurethane foam using MDI
GB201703738D0 (en) 2017-03-08 2017-04-19 Levitex Foams Ltd Polyurethane foam

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL130291C (en) * 1964-01-02
US4853054A (en) * 1987-09-29 1989-08-01 The Dow Chemical Company Process for preparing polyurethane carpet backings based on high equivalent weight polyols
DE3942330A1 (en) * 1989-12-21 1991-06-27 Basf Ag METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FLEXIBLE POLYURETHANE SOFT FOAMS WITH VISCOELASTIC, BODY SOUND ABSORBING PROPERTIES AND POLYOXYALKYLENE-POLYOL BLENDS TO BE USED THEREFOR
GB9301995D0 (en) * 1993-02-02 1993-03-17 Ici Plc Process for making flexible foams
CA2132595C (en) * 1993-09-22 1999-03-16 Thomas L. Fishback Polyol composition having good flow and water blown rigid polyurethane foams made thereby having good dimensional stability
EP0692507A1 (en) * 1994-07-11 1996-01-17 Basf Corporation Flexible open-cell polyurethane foam

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9820130D0 (en) 1998-11-11
GB2329642A (en) 1999-03-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0935624B1 (en) Rigid polyurethane foams
US5284880A (en) Water-blown polyurethane integral skin foam
EP1984415B1 (en) Compatibilizing surfactants for polyurethane polyols and resins
US5216035A (en) Water-blown polyurethane integral skin foam
KR19980024901A (en) Production of rigid polyurethane foams
US6329440B2 (en) Preparation of polyisocyanate polyaddition products
US5449699A (en) Rigid closed cell polyisocyanate based foams for use as positive flotation materials in watercraft
MXPA02001281A (en) Sprayable autofrothing polyisocyanate foam and delivery system.
CA2146910A1 (en) Production of polyurethane foams in the presence of aminoalkyl- or aminophenylimidazoles as catalyst, and the use of these catalysts for the preparation of polyisocyanate polyaddition products
US9605106B2 (en) Polyester polyols made of isophthalic acid and/or terephthalic acid and oligoalkyl oxides
CA2245332A1 (en) Production of polyurethane foams
US5208271A (en) Flexible polyurethane foams with reduced tendency for shrinkage
GB2365436A (en) Polyol composition containing a hydrocarbon blowing agent
CA2164468A1 (en) Production of cfc-free polyurethane rigid foams having a reduced thermal conductivity and their use
KR19990078177A (en) Preparation of Polyurethane Foams
AU4614799A (en) Process for rigid polyurethane foams
CA2243289C (en) Low density rigid polyurethane foams having improved substrate adhesion characteristics
US5488072A (en) Rigid closed cell polyisocyanate based foams for use as positive flotation materials in watercraft
US6096237A (en) Polymeric MDI compositions for use in thermoformable foams
EP0603597B1 (en) Flexible polyurethane foams containing lithium-based salts, a process for their preparation and a polyol composition therefor
CA2216772A1 (en) Production of polyisocyanurate foams having a reduced thermal conductivity
CA2243006A1 (en) Low density, low water, all mdi flexible foams
US6031013A (en) Production of polyurethane foams
US6093342A (en) Preparation of a homogeneous, demixing-stable polyol component
US20020153507A1 (en) Use of phosphate esters to extend the pot-life of isocyanates, isocyanate pre-polymers and blends

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Dead