Additives for improving polyurethane foam performance

Abstract

Polyurethane foam compositions and processes to make flexible polyurethane foams are disclosed. Polyurethane foam is produced in the presence of additives comprising guanidine derivatives. Improvements in physical properties such as air flow, dimensional stability, tensile, tear, elongation and foam hardness is observed when these additives are present in polyurethane formulations. In addition, these additives can minimize polymer degradation under humid ageing conditions resulting in foam products with better mechanical properties.

Claims

1. A composition comprising: at least one polyol, at least one blowing agent, at least one catalyst, at least one surfactant, and a solution comprising dimethyl sulfoxide and at least one guanidine derivative selected from the group consisting of guanidine hydrochloride salt, guanidine phosphate salts, guanidine sulfate salts, cyano guanidine, 1-acetylguanidine, nitroguanidine, 1-(o-tolyl)-biguanidine, and mixtures thereof.

2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the catalyst comprises at least one tertiary amine.

3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the polyol comprises at least one polyether polyol.

4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the blowing agent comprises water.

5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the surfactant comprises at least one silicone surfactant.

6. A composition comprising: at least one polyether polyol, water, at least one tertiary amine catalyst, at least one silicone surfactant, at least one cross linker and a solution comprising dimethyl sulfoxide and at least one guanidine derivative selected from the group consisting of guanidine hydrochloride salt, guanidine phosphate salts, guanidine sulfate salts, and cyano guanidine.

7. The composition of claim 6 wherein the cross linker comprises at least one compound containing at least two moieties selected from hydroxyl groups, primary amino groups, secondary amino groups, and other active hydrogen-containing groups which are reactive with an isocyanate group.

8. The composition of claim 6 wherein the cross linker comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, polyamines, diethyltoluenediamine, chlorodiaminobenzene, diethanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triethanolamine, tripropanolamine, and 1,6-hexanediamine.

9. The composition of claim 1 further comprising at least one polyol selected from the group consisting of graft polyols, polyurea modified polyols, and combinations thereof.

10. The composition of claim 1 wherein the guanidine derivative is present and in an amount less than about 1.0 pphp.

11. The composition of claim 9 wherein the polyol comprises the graft polyol.

12. The composition of claim 11 wherein the graft polyol comprises a homopolymer of styrene.

13. The composition of claim 11 wherein the graft polyol comprises a homopolymer of acrylonitrile.

14. The composition of claim 11 wherein the graft polyol comprises a homopolymer of styrene and a homopolymer of acrylonitrile.

15. The composition of claim 9 wherein the polyol comprises the polyurea modified polyol.

16. The composition of claim 15 wherein the polyurea modified polyol comprises a polyisocyanate polyaddition polylol.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(1) Preparation of Foams

(2) Foams of any of the various types known in the art may be made using the methods of this invention, using typical polyurethane formulations to which have been added at least one guanidine derivative and the amine catalysts. The amount of guanidine derivative can vary but will typically range from about 0.01 pphp to about 2.0 pphp. For example, flexible polyurethane foams with excellent physical properties described herein will typically comprise the components shown below in Table 1, in the amounts indicated. The components shown in Table 1 will be discussed in detail below.

(3) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Polyurethane Components Component Parts by Weight Base Polyol 20-100 Polymer polyol 0-80 Silicone surfactant 0.5-10 Blowing agent 2-4.5 Crosslinker 0.5-2 Catalyst 0.25-10 Polyisocyanate To provide NCO index = 70-115

(4) The amount of polyisocyanate used in polyurethane formulations according to the invention is not limited, but it will typically be within those ranges known to those of skill in the art. An exemplary range is given in table 1, indicated by reference to NCO Index (isocyanate index). As is known in the art, the NCO index is defined as the number of equivalents of isocyanate, divided by the total number of equivalents of active hydrogen, multiplied by 100. The NCO index is represented by the following formula.
NCO index=[NCO/(OH+NH)]*100

(5) Flexible foams typically use copolymer polyols as part of the overall polyol content in the foam composition, along with base polyols of about 4000-5000 weight average molecular weight and hydroxyl number of about 28-35. Base polyols and copolymer polyols will be described in detail later herein.

(6) Catalysts

(7) The catalysts of the present invention comprise tertiary amines. Tertiary amine catalysts can contain an isocyanate-reactive group or not. Isocyanate reactive groups comprise primary amine, secondary amine, hydroxyl group, amide or urea. Tertiary amine catalysts containing isocyanate reactive groups include both gelling and blowing catalysts. Exemplary gelling catalysts include N,N-bis(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-isopropanolamine; N,N-dimethylaminoethyl-N-methyl ethanolamine (DABCO T, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. of Allentown, Pa.); N,N,N-trimethylaminopropyl ethanolamine (POLYCAT 17, by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.), N,N-dimethylethanolamine (DABCO DMEA); N,N-dimethyl-N,N-2-hydroxy(propyl)-1,3-propylenediamine; dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA); (N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy)ethanol, methyl-hydroxy-ethyl-piperazine, bis(N,N-dimethyl-3-aminopropyl)amine (POLYCAT 15), N,N-dimethylaminopropyl urea (DABCO NE1060, DABCO NE1070), N,N-bis(3-dimethylaminopropyl) urea (DABCO NE1070, DABCO NE1080), bis(dimethylamino)-2-propanol, N-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole, N-(2-hydroxypropyl)imidazole, and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)imidazole.

(8) Exemplary blowing catalysts containing isocyanate reactive groups include 2-[N-(dimethylaminoethoxyethyl)-N-methylamino]ethanol (DABCO NE200), dimethylaminoethoxyethanol and N,N,N-trimethyl-N-3-aminopropyl-bis(aminoethyl)ether (DABCO NE300).

(9) The catalyst may also comprise tertiary amines that are highly volatile and not isocyanate-reactive. Suitable volatile gelling catalysts may include, for example, diazabicyclooctane (triethylenediamine), supplied commercially as DABCO 33-LV catalyst, tris(dimethyalminopropyl)amine (Polycat 9), dimethylaminocyclohexylamine (Polycat 8), 1,2-dimethylimidazole, 1-methylimidazole and bis(dimethylaminopropyl)-N-methylamine (Polycat 77). Suitable volatile blowing catalysts include, for example, bis-dimethylaminoethyl ether, commercially supplied as DABCO BL-11 catalyst by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.; as well as pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (POLYCAT 5, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.), hexamethyltriethylenetetramine, heptamethyltetraethylenepentamine and related compositions; higher permethylated polyamines; 2-[N-(dimethylaminoethoxyethyl)-N-methylamino]ethanol and related structures; alkoxylated polyamines; imidazole-boron compositions; or amino propyl-bis(amino-ethyl)ether compositions. The catalyst compositions may also include other components, for example transition metal catalysts such as organotin compounds, salts of tin, organobismuth and bismuth salts, for example when the desired polyurethane foam is a flexible slab stock.

(10) Typically, the loading of non-fugitive tertiary amine catalyst(s) for making foam according to the invention will be in the range of 0.1 to 20 pphp, more typically 0.1 to 10 pphp, and most typically 0.1 to 5 pphp. However, any effective amount may be used. The term pphp means parts per hundred parts polyol.

(11) Organic Isocyanates

(12) Suitable organic isocyanate compounds include, but are not limited to, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), phenylene diisocyanate (PDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI). In one aspect of the invention, 2,4-TDI, 2,6-TDI, or any mixture thereof is used to produce polyurethane foams. Other suitable isocyanate compounds are diisocyanate mixtures known commercially as crude MDI. One example is marketed by Dow Chemical Company under the name PAPI, and contains about 60% of 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate along with other isomeric and analogous higher polyisocyanates.

(13) Polyol Component

(14) Polyurethanes are produced by the reaction of organic isocyanates with the hydroxyl groups in a polyol, typically a mixture of polyols. The polyol component of the reaction mixture includes at least a main or base polyol. Base polyols suitable for use in the invention include, as non-limiting examples, polyether polyols. Polyether polyols include poly(alkylene oxide) polymers such as poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) polymers and copolymers with terminal hydroxyl groups derived from polyhydric compounds, including diols and triols. Examples of diols and triols for reaction with the ethylene oxide or propylene oxide include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, pentaerythritol, glycerol, diglycerol, trimethylol propane, and similar low molecular weight polyols. Other base polyol examples known in the art include polyhydroxy-terminated acetal resins, hydroxyl-terminated amines and hydroxyl-terminated polyamines. Examples of these and other suitable isocyanate-reactive materials may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,491; hereby incorporated by reference. Suitable polyols also include those containing tertiary amine groups than can catalyze the gelling and the blowing reaction of polyurethanes, for example those described in WO 03/016373 A1, WO 01/58976 A1; WO2004/060956 A1; WO03/016372 A1; and WO03/055930 A; the foregoing incorporated by reference. Other useful polyols may include polyalkylene carbonate-based polyols and polyphosphate-based polyols.

(15) In one aspect of the invention, a single high molecular weight polyether polyol may be used as the base polyol. Alternatively, a mixture of high molecular weight polyether polyols, for example, mixtures of di- and tri-functional materials and/or different molecular weight or different chemical composition materials may be used. Such di- and tri-functional materials include, but are not limited to polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerol-based polyether triols, trimethylolpropane-based polyether triols, and other similar compounds or mixtures. In some embodiments of the invention, at least 50 wt % polyol component consists of one or more polyether polyols.

(16) In addition to the base polyols described above, or instead of them, materials commonly referred to as copolymer polyols may be included in a polyol component for use according to the invention. Copolymer polyols may be used in polyurethane foams to increase the resistance of the foam to deformation, for example to improve the load-bearing properties of the foam. Depending upon the load-bearing requirements for the polyurethane foam, copolymer polyols may comprise from 0 to about 80 percent by weight of the total polyol content. Examples of copolymer polyols include, but are not limited to, graft polyols and polyurea modified polyols, both of which are known in the art and are commercially available.

(17) Graft polyols are prepared by copolymerizing vinyl monomers, typically styrene and acrylonitrile, in a starting polyol. The starting polyol is typically a glycerol-initiated triol, and is typically end-capped with ethylene oxide (approximately 80-85% primary hydroxyl groups). Some of the copolymer grafts to some of the starting polyol. The graft polyol also contains homopolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile and unaltered starting polyol. The styrene/acrylonitrile solids content of the graft polyol typically ranges from 5 wt % to 45 wt %, but any kind of graft polyol known in the art may be used.

(18) Polyurea modified polyols are formed by the reaction of a diamine and a diisocyanate in the presence of a starting polyol, with the product containing polyurea dispersion. A variant of polyurea modified polyols, also suitable for use, are polyisocyanate poly addition (PIPA) polyols, which are formed by the in situ reaction of an isocyanate and an alkanolamine in a polyol.

(19) Blowing Agents

(20) Polyurethane foam production may be aided by the inclusion of a blowing agent to produce voids in the polyurethane matrix during polymerization. Any blowing agent known in the art may be used. Suitable blowing agents include compounds with low boiling points which are vaporized during the exothermic polymerization reaction. Such blowing agents are generally inert or they have low reactivity and therefore it is likely that they will not decompose or react during the polymerization reaction. Examples of blowing agents include, but are not limited to, carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), fluoroolefins (FOs), chlorofluoroolefins (CFOs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), hydrochlorfluoroolefins (HCFOs), acetone, and low-boiling hydrocarbons such as cyclopentane, isopentane, n-pentane, and their mixtures. Other suitable blowing agents include compounds, for example water, that react with isocyanate compounds to produce a gas. The amount of BA is typically from about 0 (water blown) to about 80 pphp. Water (blow foam by reacting with isocyanate making CO2) can be present in the range from about 0 (if a BA is included) to about 60 pphp (a very low density foam) and typically from about 1.0 pphp to about 10 pphp and, in some cases, from about 2.0 pphp to about 5 pphp.

(21) Other Optional Components

(22) A variety of other ingredients may be included in the formulations for making foams according to the invention. Examples of optional components include, but are not limited to, cell stabilizers, crosslinking agents, chain extenders, pigments, fillers, flame retardants, auxiliary urethane gelling catalysts, auxiliary urethane blowing catalysts, transition metal catalysts, and combinations of any of these.

(23) Cell stabilizers may include, for example, silicone surfactants or anionic surfactants. Examples of suitable silicone surfactants include, but are not limited to, polyalkylsiloxanes, polyoxyalkylene polyol-modified dimethylpolysiloxanes, alkylene glycol-modified dimethylpolysiloxanes, or any combination thereof. Suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, salts of fatty acids, salts of sulfuric acid esters, salts of phosphoric acid esters, salts of sulfonic acids, and combinations of any of these.

(24) Crosslinking agents include, but are not limited to, low-molecular weight compounds containing at least two moieties selected from hydroxyl groups, primary amino groups, secondary amino groups, and other active hydrogen-containing groups which are reactive with an isocyanate group. Crosslinking agents include, for example, polyhydric alcohols (especially trihydric alcohols, such as glycerol and trimethylolpropane), polyamines, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of polyamine crosslinking agents include diethyltoluenediamine, chlorodiaminobenzene, diethanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triethanolamine, tripropanolamine, 1,6-hexanediamine, and combinations thereof. Typical diamine crosslinking agents comprise twelve carbon atoms or fewer, more commonly seven or fewer.

(25) Examples of chain extenders include, but are not limited to, compounds having hydroxyl or amino functional group, such as glycols, amines, diols, and water. Specific non-limiting examples of chain extenders include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 1,12-dodecanediol, ethoxylated hydroquinone, 1,4-cyclohexanediol, N-methylethanolamine, N-methylisopropanolamine, 4-aminocyclohexanol, 1,2-diaminoethane, 2,4-toluenediamine, or any mixture thereof.

(26) Pigments may be used to color code the polyurethane foams during manufacture, for example to identify product grade or to conceal yellowing. Pigments may include any suitable organic or inorganic pigments known in the polyurethane art. For example, organic pigments or colorants include, but are not limited to, azo/diazo dyes, phthalocyanines, dioxazines, and carbon black. Examples of inorganic pigments include, but are not limited to, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, or chromium oxide.

(27) Fillers may be used to increase the density and load bearing properties of polyurethane foams. Suitable fillers include, but are not limited to, barium sulfate or calcium carbonate.

(28) Flame retardants may be used to reduce the flammability of polyurethane foams. For example, suitable flame retardants include, but are not limited to, chlorinated phosphate esters, chlorinated paraffins, or melamine powders.

(29) The following Examples are provided to illustrate certain aspects of the instant invention and shall not be used to limit the scope of the claims attached hereto.

Examples 1 and 2

(30) Examples 1 and 2 demonstrate making polyurethane foams by utilizing guanidine derivatives in the presence of tertiary amine catalysts (fugitive or non-fugitive) or acid blocked tertiary amine catalysts. The acid blocked tertiary amine catalysts are made by combining tertiary amine catalysts with suitable organic acids. Listed are the TDI and MDI based polyurethane foam formulations which were used to evaluate the additives using conventional acid blocked or non-blocked tertiary amine catalysts in free-rise and molded foams. In the case of flexible molded foams, the pads were removed from the heated mold and allowed to cool down to room temperature to monitor dimensional stability (shrinkage) or mechanically crushed to evaluate their physical and mechanical properties.

Example 1

(31) Handmix experiments were conducted using the following procedure. Formulations were blended together for approximately 10 minutes using a mechanical mixer equipped with a 7.6 cm diameter high shear mixing blade, rotating at 5000 rpm. Premixed formulations were maintained at 231 C. using a low temperature incubator. Mondur TD-80 (an 80/20 2,4/2,6 isomer blend of toluene diisocyanate) or modified MDI was added to the premix at the correct stoichiometric amount for the reported index of each foam. The mixture was blended together with Premier Mill Corporation Series 2000, Model 89, and dispersed for approximately five seconds. The foaming mixture was transferred to an Imperial Bondware #GDR-170 paper bucket and allowed to free rise while data was recorded.

Example 2

(32) Machine runs for the flexible molded foam were conducted on a Hi Tech Sure Shot MHR-50, cylinder displacement series and high-pressure machine. Fresh premixes, consisting of the appropriate polyols, water, crosslinker, surfactants and catalysts for each formulation were charged to the machine. Mondur TD-80 was used throughout the entire study. All chemical temperatures were held at 232 C. via the machine's internal temperature control units. Foam pours were made into an isothermally controlled, heated aluminum mold maintained at 632 C. The mold was a typical physical property tool designed with internal dimensions of 40.6 cm40.6 cm10.2 cm. The mold has five vents, each approximately 1.5 mm in diameter, centered in each corner 10.0 cm from each edge and the geometric center of the lid. The mold was sprayed with a solvent-based release agent, prior to every pour and allowed to dry for one minute before pouring. The foam premix was puddle poured into the center of the mold with a wet chemical charge weight capable of completely filling the mold and obtaining the desired core densities reported. Minimum fill requirements were established for each formulation evaluated. The foam article was demolded at 240 seconds (4 minutes) after the initial pour (detailed in next paragraph). Upon demold, the foam was placed through a mechanical crusher or tested for Force-to-Crush (FTC) measurements or allow to cool down to determine dimensional stability (detailed below).

(33) Foam physical properties of each catalyst set were mechanically crushed 1 minute after demold using a Black Brothers Roller crusher set to a gap of 2.54 cm. Crushing was conducted three times on each part, rotating the foam 90 degrees after each pass through the rollers. All parts produced for physical testing were allowed to condition for at least seven days in a constant temperature and humidity room (232 C., 502% relative humidity).

(34) FTC measurements were conducted 45 seconds after demold. The pad was removed from the mold, weighed and placed in the FTC apparatus. The force detection device is equipped with a 2.2 kg capacity pressure transducer mounted between the 323 cm.sup.2 circular plate cross head and the drive shaft. The actual force is shown on a digital display. This device mimics the ASTM D-3574, Indentation Force Deflection Test and provides a numerical value of freshly demolded foam's initial hardness or softness. The pad was compressed to 50 percent of its original thickness at a cross-head velocity of 275 mm per minute with the force necessary to achieve the highest compression cycle recorded in Newton's. Ten compression cycles were completed. A cycle takes approximately 30 seconds to complete.

Example 3

Physical Properties of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Made with Fugitive Catalysts in the Presence and in the Absence of Cyanoguanidine

(35) Foam pads were prepared by adding a tertiary amine catalyst to about 302 g of a premix (prepared as in Table 2) in a 32 oz (951 ml) paper cup. The formulation was mixed for about 10 seconds at about 6,000 RPM using an overhead stirrer fitted with a 2-inch (5.1 cm) diameter stirring paddle.

(36) The toluene diisocyanate was then added, and the formulation was mixed well for about another 6 seconds at about 6,000 RPM using the same stirrer, after which it was poured into a pre-heated mold at 70 C. and demolded after 4 minutes. The foam pads were removed from the mold, hand crushed, weighed and machine crushed at 75% pad thickness. Dimensional stability (foam shrinkage) was evaluated by allowing the foam pads to cool down and observing whether shrinkage or not took place. Foam pads were stored under constant temperature and humidity conditions for 48 hours before being cut and tested.

(37) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Premix Components Component Parts by weight Hyperlite E848.sup.1 100 Water 3.7 DABCO DC5164.sup.2 0.10 DABCO DC5169.sup.3 0.60 DABCO 33LX.sup.4 0.30 DABCO BL11.sup.5 0.10 Diethanolamine-LF 1.04 (crosslinker) Toluene diisocyanate To provide NCO index = 100 .sup.1High functionality capped polyether polyol of high molecular weight, functionality, and primary hydroxyl content with a base polyol molecular weight of about 5500, available from Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI .sup.2,3Silicone surfactant available from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. .sup.4,5Amine catalyst available from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

(38) Table 3 shows the improvement in physical properties when cyanoguanidine is dispensed in the polyurethane formulation as a 30% solution in DMSO. The addition of 2-cyanoguaniine provides foam products with better physical properties than the current industrial standard.

(39) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Dimensional Stability Results Component/Property Units Control 1 2 Dabco 33LV PPHP 0.30 0.30 0.30 Dabco BL11 PPHP 0.10 0.10 0.10 DICY PPHP 0 0.03 0.09 TDI Index % 100 100 100 Density Kg/m3 29.68 29.05 28.58 Air Flow SCFH 2.44 3.33 4.83 ILD 25% N 92 105 114 ILD 65% N 236 266 273 ILD 25% Return N 79 89 95 Tear N/m 212 237 308

Example 4

Physical Properties of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Made with Non-Fugitive Catalysts in the Presence and in the Absence of Cyanoguanidine

(40) Table 4 shows the effect of dicyanamide when used in combination with a non-emissive catalyst. The addition of dicyanamide can help improving air flows which improves foam dimensional stability. In addition other physical properties, such as ILD, tear strength and tensile strength, are also improved. Thus, better physical properties are obtained when using a combination of a non-emissive catalyst and dicyanamide when compared to emissive industry standards. Dicyanamide is dispensed in the formulation as a solution which can be obtained when dissolving dicyanamide in a mixture of POLYCAT-15 (Bis-N,N-dimethylaminopropyl amine) and water.

(41) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Physical Properties Non- Fugitive Fugitive Component/Property Units Control Control 3 4 5 6 Dabco 33LV PPHP 0.40 Dabco BL11 PPHP 0.20 POLYCAT-15 PPHP 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 DABCONE300 PPHP 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 DICY PPHP 0.03 0.05 0.07 0.09 MDI Index % 95 95 95 95 95 95 Density Kg/m3 48 48 48 47 49 49 Air Flow SCFH 1.81 1.09 1.17 1.17 2.01 1.70 ILD 25% N 296 285 303 324 327 353 ILD 65% N 739 735 774 824 835 898 ILD 25% Return N 222 215 228 242 241 261 Tear N/m 273 265 275 274 303 304 Tensile kPa 133 151 153 151 168 177 HA-Tensile kPa 130 137 156 157

(42) While the invention has been described with reference to certain aspects or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.