Inorganic infrared attenuation agent blends have been developed to improve the thermal insulation properties of polymeric foams such as polystyrene low density foams. The inorganic infrared attenuation agent blends can include two or more metal oxides such as silicon dioxide, manganese (IV) oxide, iron (III) oxide, magnesium oxide, bismuth (III) oxide, cobalt oxide, zirconium (IV) oxide, molybdenum (III) oxide, titanium oxide, and calcium oxide. In some preferred embodiments, the inorganic infrared attenuation agent blends can include four or more of these metal oxides.

The present invention relates to blowing agent compositions of carbon dioxide and at least one hydrochlorofluoroolefin (HCFO). The HCFOs can include, but are not limited to, 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233zd), 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233xf) and mixtures thereof. The blowing agent compositions are useful in the production of low density insulating foams with improved k-factor made from thermoplastic resins. The blowing agent compositions may also optionally include one or more hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).

Described herein is a perfluorinated aminoolefin compound of general formula (I): CFY═CXN(R.sub.f)CF.sub.2R.sub.f′ where: (a) R.sub.f and R.sub.f′ are (i) independently selected from a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group having 1-8 carbon atoms, optionally comprising at least one catenated O or N atom, or (ii) bonded together to form a perfluorinated ring structure having 4-8 ring carbon atoms, optionally comprising at least one catenated O atom; and (b) X and Y are (i) independently selected from a perfluoroalkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms, or (ii) bonded together to form a perfluorinated ring structure having 5-6 ring carbon atoms. Such compounds may be used in heat transfer, foam blowing or immersion cooling applications, or as a working fluid in a Rankine cycle, a coating or lubricant, or as a dielectric fluid. Also disclosed herein is a method for making such compounds.

The invention relates to a one-component reaction system for producing rigid polyurethane foams (also called rigid PUR foams) having improved dimensional stability, to methods for producing same and the use thereof. The invention also relates to the rigid polyurethane foams produced using the one-component reaction system according to the invention.

A sealing system for joints of joinery construction elements, especially windows and exit doors, includes an insulating material, an internal sealing layer disposed over an interior surface of the insulating material and an external sealing layer disposed over an exterior surface of the insulating material. The internal sealing layer has a low vapor permeability with an equivalent diffusion resistance factor (Sd) equal to or greater than 30 m, and the external sealing layer has a vapor permeability greater than the vapor permeability of the internal sealing layer with an equivalent diffusion resistance factor (Sd) not greater than 2 m.

A composition and process to make polyurethane foam using a stable liquid catalyst composition comprising at least one liquid bismuth carboxylate catalyst and at least one liquid dialkyltin dicarboxylate complex are disclosed. The disclosed composition and process yield polyurethane foam having favorable properties, but requiring less metal. The polyurethane foams produced by this catalyst composition and method are useful for laminated boardstock, construction panels, appliance insulation, spray-applied insulation, seat cushions, and mattresses.

A polymer-based sensor for detecting agricultural analytes is disclosed, including stable polymer-based sensing films such as molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) that can be incorporated in sensors for detecting herbicides and pesticides, as well as methods of making the sensing films.

The present invention relates to sulfur-containing polyester polyols and to the preparation and use thereof.

Polymer foams based on polyethersulfone (PESU) fulfil the legal specifications demanded by the aviation industry for aircraft interiors. Specifically the demands on fire characteristics, stability to media and mechanical properties constitute a great challenge here. According to the related art, suitable polymer foams are produced as semifinished products. Reprocessing to give shaped articles is uneconomic in terms of time and material exploitation, for example by virtue of large amounts of cutting waste. The problem is solved by the material which is suitable in principle can be processed to give particle foam mouldings. These mouldings can be produced without reprocessing in short cycle times and hence economically. Furthermore, this gives rise to new means of functional integration, for example by direct incorporation of inserts etc. in the foam, and with regard to freedom in terms of design.

A composition kit for preparing a polyurethane foam and a preparation method and applications thereof are provided. The composition kit for preparing a polyurethane foam includes a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component are disposed in different containers respectively. The first component includes an organic isocyanate and a low boiling point foaming agent. The second component includes a polyol composition, a high boiling point foaming agent, a composite catalyst, water, and a silicone oil.