IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO POLYURETHANES

Abstract

A process for making a polyurethane foam, comprising combining, at an isocyanate index of at most 120: (a) a polyol component comprising (i) from 10 to 70 parts by weight of a first polyol having a number average molecular weight of 2000 to 12000 Dalton, and a functionality of 2 to 6; and (ii) from 90 to 30 parts by weight of a second polyol having a number average molecular weight of 300 to 1500 Dalton, a functionality of 2 to 6, and a hydroxyl value of 100 to 600 mg KOH/g; (b) an amine catalyst consisting of: (i) from 0.2 to 0.6 pphp of triethylenediamine, and optionally from 0.05 to 0.20 pphp bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether; or (ii) an amount of one or more tertiary amines having a catalytic gelling and/or blowing activity equivalent to (i); and (c) foam-forming reactants comprising an aromatic polyisocyanate, to obtain the foam.

Claims

1. A process for making a polyurethane foam, the process comprising combining, at an isocyanate index of at most 120: (a) a polyol component comprising, per hundred parts by weight: (i) from 10 to 70 parts by weight of a first polyol having a number average molecular weight in the range of from 2000 to 12000 Dalton, and a functionality in the range of from 2 to 6; and (ii) from 90 to 30 parts by weight of a second polyol having a number average molecular weight in the range of from 300 to 1500 Dalton, a functionality in the range of from 2 to 6, and a hydroxyl value in the range of from 100 to 600 mg KOH/g; (b) an amine catalyst component consisting of: (i) in the range of from 0.2 to 0.6 parts per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp) of triethylenediamine or a delayed action form thereof, and optionally in the range of from 0.05 to 0.20 pphp bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether or a delayed action form thereof; or (ii) an amount of one or more tertiary amines or delayed action forms thereof having a catalytic gelling and/or blowing activity equivalent to (i); and (c) foam-forming reactants comprising an aromatic polyisocyanate, to obtain the polyurethane foam.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the amount of triethylenediamine and/or delayed action form of triethylenediamine in (i) is at least 0.22 pphp.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein the amount of triethylenediamine and/or delayed action form of triethylenediamine in (i) is at most 0.4 pphp.

4. The process of claim 1, wherein the amount of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether and/or delayed action form of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether in (i) is at least 0.10 pphp.

5. The process of claim 1, wherein the amount of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether and/or delayed action form of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether in (i) is at most 0.14 pphp.

6. The process of claim 1, wherein the amine catalyst component consists of in the range of from 0.75 to 2.25 parts per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp) of N,N-dimethylaminoethanol or a delayed action form thereof, and optionally in the range of from 0.05 to 0.20 pphp bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether or a delayed action form thereof.

7. The process of claim 1, wherein the full rise time is no greater than 250 seconds.

8. The process of claim 1, wherein the first polyol is a polymer polyol having a solid polymer stably dispersed therein.

9. The process of claim 1, wherein the polyol component comprises, per hundred parts by weight: (i) from 30 to 70 parts by weight of said first polyol having a number average molecular weight in the range of from 2500 to 4000 Dalton, and a functionality in the range of from 2.5 to 4; and (ii) from 70 to 30 parts by weight of said second polyol having a number average molecular weight in the range of from 300 to 1100 Dalton, a functionality in the range of from 2.5 to 4, and a hydroxyl value in the range of from 150 to 300 mg KOH/g.

10. (canceled)

11. The process of claim 1, wherein the foam is a viscoelastic foam.

12. The process of claim 1, wherein the foam has a resiliency (measured according to ASTM D3574—Test H) in the range of from 5 to 15%.

13. The process of claim 1, wherein the foam has a recovery time to 4.5 s (s) (measured according to ASTM D3574—Test M) in the range of from 5 to 25.

14. (canceled)

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The polyol component (a) used in aspects of the invention comprises, per hundred parts by weight: (i) in the range of from 10 to 70 parts by weight of the first polyol; and (ii) in the range of from 90 to 30 parts by weight of the second polyol.

[0050] The polyol component consists of the first and second polyols, optionally including one or more dispersed polymers (which may form part of the first polyol). The polyol component may be provided as a polyol mixture, or the first and second polyols may be provided separately to form the polyol component in situ.

[0051] In general, the first and/or second polyol may be prepared by ring-opening polymerization of alkylene oxide, in particular by reacting a hydroxyl containing compound with an alkylene oxide, such as for example ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide and/or mixtures thereof. The alkylene oxide may, for example, be propylene oxide, optionally together with one or more other alkylene oxides like ethylene oxide or butylene oxide. Suitable hydroxyl containing starting compounds include polyfunctional alcohols, generally containing from 2 to 8 hydroxyl groups. Examples of such alcohols comprise glycols, glycerol, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, triethanolamine, sorbitol and mannitol. Advantageously, propylene glycol (MPG), glycerol or a combination of both may be is used as starting compound. A strong base like potassium hydroxide or a similar metal hydroxide salt may be used as a catalyst in ring-opening polymerization of alkylene oxide to obtain a polyol. However, catalysts such as composite metal cyanide complex catalysts can also be used.

[0052] In an embodiment the first and/or second polyol may be prepared by ring-opening polymerization of alkylene oxide in the presence of a composite metal cyanide complex catalyst. Composite metal cyanide complex catalysts are frequently also referred to as double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts. A composite metal cyanide complex catalyst is typically represented by the following formula (1):

M.sup.1.sub.a[M.sup.2.sub.b(CN).sub.c].sub.d.e(M.sup.1.sub.fX.sub.g).h(H.sub.20).i(R)  (1)

[0053] wherein each of M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 is a metal, X is a halogen atom, R is an organic ligand, and each of a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h and i is a number which is variable depending upon the atomic balances of the metals, the number of organic ligands to be coordinated, etc.

[0054] In the above formula (1), M.sup.1 is preferably a metal selected from Zn(II) or Fe(II). In the above formula, M.sup.2 is preferably a metal selected from Co(III) or Fe(III). However, other metals and oxidation states may also be used, as is known in the art.

[0055] In the above formula (1), R is an organic ligand and is preferably at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, an ester, an amine and an amide. As such an organic ligand, a water-soluble one may be used. Specifically, one or more compounds selected from tert-butyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, iso-butyl alcohol, tert-pentyl alcohol, isopentyl alcohol, N, N-dimethyl acetamide, glyme (ethylene glycol dimethyl ether), diglyrste (diethylene glycol dimethyl ether), triglyme (triethylene glycol dimethyl ether), ethylene glycol mono-tert-butylether, iso-propyl alcohol and dioxane, may be used as organic ligand(s). The dioxane may be 1,4-dioxane or 1,3-dioxane and is preferably 1,4-dioxane. Most preferably, the organic ligand or one of the organic ligands in the composite metal cyanide complex catalyst is tert-butyl alcohol. Further, as an alcohol organic ligand, a polyol, preferably a polyether polyol may be used. More preferably, a poly (propylene glycol) having a number average molecular weight in the range of from 500 to 2,500 Dalton, preferably 800 to 2,200 Dalton, may be used as the organic ligand or one of the organic ligands. Most preferably, such poly(propylene glycol) is used in combination with tert-butyl alcohol as organic ligands. The composite metal cyanide complex catalyst can be produced by known production methods.

[0056] In an embodiment, the polyol component comprises, per hundred parts by weight, in the range of from 30 to 70 parts by weight of the first polyol, and in the range of from 70 to 30 parts by weight of the second polyol. In particular, the polyol component may suitably comprise, per hundred parts by weight, in the range of from 40 to 60 parts by weight of the first polyol, and in the range of from 60 to 40 parts by weight of the second polyol. In an embodiment, the polyol component comprises about 50 parts by weight of each of the first and second polyols.

[0057] The first and/or second polyol may comprise a mixture of polyols having, on average, the defined properties.

[0058] The first polyol has a number average molecular weight in the range of from 2000 to 12000 Daltons, and a functionality in the range of from 2 to 6.

[0059] In an embodiment the first polyol has a number average molecular weight in the range of from 2000 to 8000 Daltons, in particular in the range of from 2000 to 6000 Daltons. Suitably, the first polyol may have a number average molecular weight in the range of from 2500 to 4000 Daltons.

[0060] In an embodiment the first polyol has a functionality in the range of from 2 to 5, in particular in the range of from 2.5 to 4. Suitably, the first polyol may have a functionality in the range of from 2.5 to 3.5.

[0061] In an embodiment, the first polyol has a hydroxyl value of less than 200 mg KOH/g, in particular in the range of from 10 to 100 mg KOH/g. Suitably, the first polyol may have a hydroxyl value in the range of from 30 to 80 mg KOH/g.

[0062] The first polyol may advantageously be propylene oxide (PO)- and optionally ethylene oxide (EO)-derived, i.e. comprise PO and/or EO derived oxyalkene moieties.

[0063] In an embodiment, the first polyol comprises only PO moieties (in combination with a hydroxyl containing starting compound). Where EO moieties are present in the polyol they may advantageously be randomly co-polymerised with PO moieties. In an embodiment, the polyol contains EO moieties in an amount in the range of from 1% w/w to 25% w/w, in particular in the range of from 5% w/w to 20% w/w. The amount of EO moieties in % w/w is based on the total of oxyalkylene units present and may be measured, for example, according to ASTM D4875.

[0064] In an embodiment, the first polyol comprises primary hydroxyl groups. In an embodiment, the first polyol has a percentage of primary hydroxyl groups in the range of from 1 to 100, in particular in the range of from 5 to 90. Suitably, the first polyol may have a percentage of primary hydroxyl groups in the range of from 10 to 70.

[0065] In an embodiment, the first polyol has a solid polymer stably dispersed therein, i.e. forms a polymer polyol. The molecular weight and functionality of the first polyol may thus be those of a base polyol of a polymer polyol. Any such dispersed polymer forms part of the polyol component and is considered part of the first polyol, save that the properties defined for the first polyol (e.g. molecular weight, functionality) are those of the base polyol alone.

[0066] In general, a polymer polyol is a dispersion of a solid polymer in a liquid polyol. Such systems are well known in the art and are normally prepared by polymerising one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of a free radical catalyst.

[0067] Examples of such polymer polyol systems and methods for their preparation are disclosed in, for instance, EP-A-076,491, EP-A-343,907 and EP-A-495,551. Polyurea or polyurethane polymers are also known to be useful as the dispersed polymer in polymer polyols instead of the polymers based on ethylenically unsaturated monomers.

[0068] The polymer dispersed in the base polyol, may in principle be any such polymer known to be applicable for this purpose. Thus, suitable polymers include the polymers based on ethylenically unsaturated monomers and particularly polymers of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons, like styrene, alpha-methyl styrene, methyl styrene and various other alkyl-substituted styrenes. Of these, the use of styrene is preferred. The vinyl aromatic monomer may be used alone or in combination with other ethylenically unsaturated monomers, such as acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, vinylidene chloride, various acrylates and conjugated dienes like 1,3-butadiene and isoprene. Preferred polymers, however, are polystyrene and styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers. Another suitable class of polymers are the polyurea and polyurethane polymers. Particularly the condensation products of primary amines or polyhydric alcohol amines and aromatic diisocyanates are very useful in this respect. One suitable polymer is the condensation product of triethanolamine and toluene diisocyanate (TDI).

[0069] The dispersed polymer is suitably present in the first polyol in an amount of from 10 to 55% by weight based on total weight of the first polyol, in particular 15 to 55% by weight, such as 30 to 45% by weight of the first polyol.

[0070] One polyol suitable for use as the first polyol, with a polymer dispersed therein, is the commercially available CARADOL SP 30-45 (CARADOL is a trade mark).

[0071] The second polyol has a number average molecular weight in the range of from 300 to 1500 Daltons, and a functionality in the range of from 2 to 6 and a hydroxyl value in the range of from 100 to 600 mg KOH/g.

[0072] In an embodiment the second polyol has a number average molecular weight in the range of from 300 to 1100 Daltons, in particular in the range of from 300 to 900 Daltons. Suitably, the second polyol may have a number average molecular weight in the range of from 500 to 800 Daltons.

[0073] In an embodiment the second polyol has a functionality in the range of from 2 to 5, in particular in the range of from 2.5 to 4. Suitably, the second polyol may have a functionality in the range of from 2.5 to 3.5.

[0074] In an embodiment, the second polyol has a hydroxyl value of at least 120 mg KOH/g, in particular in the range of from 150 to 500 mg KOH/g. Suitably, the second polyol may have a hydroxyl value in the range of from 150 to 300 mg KOH/g.

[0075] The second polyol may advantageously be propylene oxide (PO)- and optionally ethylene oxide (EO)-derived, i.e. comprise PO and/or EO derived oxyalkene moieties.

[0076] In an embodiment, the second polyol comprises only PO moieties (in combination with a hydroxyl containing starting compound).

[0077] Where EO moieties are present in the polyol they may advantageously be randomly co-polymerised with PO moieties. In an embodiment, the second polyol optionally contains EO moieties (i.e. if any) in an amount of at most 10% w/w, at most 5% w/w, at most 2% w/w, or at most 1% w/w. The amount of EO moieties in % w/w is based on the total of oxyalkylene units present and may be measured according to ASTM D4875.

[0078] The polyol may advantageously comprise a balance of PO moieties making up the remainder of the polyol.

[0079] In an embodiment, the second polyol comprises primary hydroxyl groups. In an embodiment, the second polyol has a percentage of primary hydroxyl groups in the range of from 1 to 100, in particular in the range of from 5 to 90.

[0080] One polyol suitable for use as the second polyol is the commercially available CARADOL SA 250-06 (CARADOL is a trade mark).

[0081] In some embodiments, the polyol component is the sole polyol component used in the invention. However, in other embodiments, the invention may comprise using one or more auxiliary polyols as additional components forming part of the foam-forming reactants. Advantageously such auxiliary polyols may be entirely absent, or present in an amount of at most 50 pphp, in particular at most 10 pphp.

[0082] The amine catalyst component (b) used in aspects of the invention consists of one or more tertiary amines or delayed action forms thereof.

[0083] In particular, the amine catalyst component may consist of:

[0084] (i) in the range of from 0.2 to 0.6 parts per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp) of triethylenediamine or a delayed action form thereof, and optionally in the range of from 0.05 to 0.20 pphp bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether or a delayed action form thereof; or

[0085] (ii) an amount of one or more tertiary amines or delayed action forms thereof having a catalytic gelling and/or blowing activity equivalent to (i)

[0086] In an embodiment, the amount of triethylenediamine and/or delayed action form of triethylenediamine is at most 0.5 pphp, in particular at most 0.4 pphp or even at most 0.3 pphp.

[0087] In an embodiment, the amount of triethylenediamine and/or delayed action form of triethylenediamine is at least 0.21 pphp, in particular at least 0.22 pphp or even at least 0.23 pphp.

[0088] Suitably, the amount of triethylenediamine and/or delayed action form of triethylenediamine may be in the range of from 0.21 to 0.5 pphp, or in the range of from 0.22 to 0.5 pphp, or in the range of from 0.23 to 0.5 pphp.

[0089] Suitably, the amount of triethylenediamine and/or delayed action form of triethylenediamine may be in the range of from 0.21 to 0.4 pphp, or in the range of from 0.22 to 0.4 pphp, or in the range of from 0.23 to 0.4 pphp.

[0090] Suitably, the amount of triethylenediamine and/or delayed action form of triethylenediamine may be in the range of from 0.21 to 0.3 pphp, or in the range of from 0.22 to 0.3 pphp, or in the range of from 0.23 to 0.3 pphp.

[0091] Triethylenediamine is 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, which is a known polyurethane catalyst also referred to as TEDA. An example of a catalyst formulation comprising triethylenediamine is Dabco™ 33LV (33% wt triethylene diamine in dipropylene glycol, available from Air Products and Chemicals).

[0092] For the avoidance of doubt, catalytically inert carriers, such as for example dipropylene glycol, are not considered to be part of the amine catalyst component but may be present in the process or reaction system as additional components.

[0093] In an embodiment, the amine catalyst component comprises or consists of a delayed action form of triethylenediamine. Such delayed action forms are known in the art. The delayed action form of triethylenediamine may suitably be a salt of triethylenediamine.

[0094] A delayed action form of triethylenediamine may, for example, be obtained by reacting triethylenediamine with a carboxylic acid. The resulting product is composed of a carboxylic acid salt and an excess of triethylenediamine. The salt has limited or no catalytic activity. When this blend is used in a foam formulation, only the free amine is catalytically active. When the reaction has progressed, with heat generation, the salt dissociates to yield back triethylenediamine and the acid. At this time the catalyst is unblocked and has achieves its full activity.

[0095] Examples of suitable carboxylic acids for preparing delayed action forms of triethylenediamine include formic and 2-ethylhexanoic acids.

[0096] The unblocking temperature depends on the acid used. Stronger acids require higher temperatures than weaker acids. Suitably, the unblocking temperature may be in the range of from 30 to 60° C.

[0097] An example of a catalyst formulation comprising delayed action triethylenediamine is Niax™ A-300, a proprietary mixture of acid blocked triethylenediamine in water, available from Momentive Performance Materials.

[0098] In an embodiment, (i) comprises an amount of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether and/or delayed action form of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether. Suitably, the amount of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether and/or delayed action form of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether in (i) may be at least 0.08 pphp, in particular at least 0.10 pphp, such as at least 0.11 pphp.

[0099] In an embodiment, the amount of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether and/or delayed action form of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether is at most 0.16. in particular at most 0.14 pphp, such as at most 0.13 pphp.

[0100] An example of a catalyst formulation comprising bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether is Niax® Al, a 70 w/w % solution of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether in dipropylene glycol, commercially available from Momentive.

[0101] As aforesaid, catalytically inert carriers, such as for example dipropylene glycol, are not considered to be part of the amine catalyst component but may be present in the process or reaction system as additional components.

[0102] In an embodiment, (i) comprises a delayed action form of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether. Such delayed action forms are known in the art. The delayed action form of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether may suitably be a salt of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether.

[0103] A delayed action form of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether may, for example, be obtained by reacting bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether with a carboxylic acid. The resulting product is composed of a carboxylic acid salt and an excess of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether. The salt has limited or no catalytic activity. When this blend is used in a foam formulation, only the free amine is catalytically active. When the reaction has progressed, with heat generation, the salt dissociates to yield back bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether and the acid. At this time the catalyst is unblocked and has achieves its full activity.

[0104] Examples of suitable carboxylic acids for preparing delayed action forms of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether include formic and 2-ethylhexanoic acids.

[0105] The unblocking temperature depends on the acid used. Stronger acids require higher temperatures than weaker acids. Suitably, the unblocking temperature may be in the range of from 30 to 60° C.

[0106] An example of a catalyst formulation comprising delayed action bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether is Niax™ A-400, a proprietary mixture of acid blocked bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether in water, available from Momentive Performance Materials.

[0107] In an embodiment, the amine catalyst component consists of an amount of one or more tertiary amines or delayed action forms thereof having a catalytic gelling and/or blowing activity equivalent to (i).

[0108] As aforesaid, the catalytic gelling and/or blowing activity of a tertiary amine may be readily determined based on the method disclosed in “Polyurethane Catalysis by Tertiary Amines”, Roger van Maris et al, Journal of Cellular Plastics, Volume 41—July 2005, 305.

[0109] In an embodiment, the amine catalyst component comprises one or more other tertiary amine catalysts with gelling activity, for example one or more tertiary amines selected from N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl hexamethylenediamine; N,N-dimethyl cyclohexylamine; N-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-N′-methylpiperanize; N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylene diamine; N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyldiethylene triamine; Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether; N,N-dimethylaminoethoxyethanol; N,N-dimethylaminoethanol; and N,N,N′-trimethylaminoethyl ethanolamine.

[0110] For example, in an embodiment, the amine catalyst component comprises N,N-dimethylaminoethanol. In an embodiment, the amine catalyst component consists of in the range of from 0.75 to 2.25 parts per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp) of N,N-dimethylaminoethanol or a delayed action form thereof, and optionally in the range of from 0.05 to 0.20 pphp bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether or a delayed action form thereof.

[0111] As is known in the art, the foam-forming reactants will typically comprise the aromatic polyisocyanate and at least a blowing agent.

[0112] The aromatic polyisocyanate may for example comprise tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) or polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate.

[0113] One or more aliphatic polyisocyanates, such as for example hexamethylene diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, lysine diisocyanate or tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate, an alicyclic polyisocyanate such as isophorone diisocyanate, or a modified product thereof may also be present.

[0114] In an embodiment, the aromatic polyisocyanate comprises or consists of a mixture of 80% w/w of 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate and 20% w/w of 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, which mixture is known as “TDI-80”.

[0115] In the aspects of the present invention, the molar ratio of isocyanate (NCO) groups in the polyisocyanate to hydroxyl (OH) groups in the polyether polyol and any water may suitably be at most 1/1, which corresponds to a TDI index of 100. In an embodiment, the TDI index is at most 90. Optionally, the TDI index may be at most 85.

[0116] The TDI index may suitable be at least 70, in particular at least 75.

[0117] The foam-forming reactants may comprise an amount of aromatic polyisocyanate for providing the TDI index. In an embodiment the aromatic polyisocyanate is the sole isocyanate in the foam-forming reactants.

[0118] The blowing agent used to prepare the polyurethane foam of the present invention may advantageously comprise water. The use of water as a (chemical) blowing agent is well known. Water reacts with isocyanate groups according to the well-known NCO/H.sub.2O reaction, thereby releasing carbon dioxide which causes the blowing to occur.

[0119] However, other suitable blowing agents, such as for example, acetone, gaseous or liquid carbon dioxide, halogenated hydrocarbons, aliphatic alkanes and alicyclic alkanes may be employed additionally or alternatively.

[0120] Due to the ozone depleting effect of fully chlorinated, fluorinated alkanes (CFC's) the use of this type of blowing agent is generally not preferred, although it is possible to use them within the scope of the present invention. Halogenated alkanes, wherein at least one hydrogen atom has not been substituted by a halogen atom (the so-called HCFC's) have no or hardly any ozone depleting effect and therefore are the preferred halogenated hydrocarbons to be used in physically blown foams. One suitable HCFC type blowing agent is 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane.

[0121] It will be understood that the above blowing agents may be used singly or in mixtures of two or more. The amounts in which the blowing agents are to be used are those conventionally applied, i.e.: in the range of from 0.1 to 10 per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp), in particular in the range of from 0.1 to 5 pphp, more in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 3 pphp in case of water; and between about 0.1 and 50 pphp in particular in the range of from 0.1 to 20 pphp, more in particular in the range of from 0.5 to 10 pphp in case of halogenated hydrocarbons, aliphatic alkanes and alicyclic alkanes.

[0122] Additionally, other components may also be present during the polyurethane preparation process of the present invention, such as surfactants and/or cross-linking agents.

[0123] The use of foam stabilisers (surfactants) is well known. Organosilicone surfactants are most conventionally applied as foam stabilisers in polyurethane production. A large variety of such organosilicone surfactants is commercially available. Usually, such foam stabiliser is used in an amount of from 0.01 to 5.0 parts by weight per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp). Preferred amounts of stabiliser are from 0.25 to 1.0 pphp.

[0124] The use of cross-linking agents in the production of polyurethane foams is also well known. Polyfunctional glycol amines are known to be useful for this purpose. The polyfunctional glycol amine which is most frequently used and is also useful in the preparation of the present flexible polyurethane foams, is diethanol amine, often abbreviated as DEOA. If used at all, the cross-linking agent is applied in amounts up to 2 parts by weight per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp), but amounts in the range of from 0.01 to 0.5 pphp are most suitably applied.

[0125] In addition, other well-known auxiliaries, such as fillers and flame retardants may also form part of the foam-forming reactants.

[0126] Suitably, flame retardant may be present in a “flame retardant effective amount”, i.e. an amount of total flame retardant sufficient to impart flame resistance to the polyurethane foam sufficient to pass a flame resistance standard, e.g. BS 5852, Part 2, Crib 5 or Cal 117 Section A—Part 1.

[0127] The total amount of flame retardant may suitably be in the range of from 10 to hundred parts by weight per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp), in particular between about 20 and about 80 pphp.

[0128] In an embodiment, melamine or a melamine derivative is used as a principal flame retardant. Suitably, melamine may be employed together with a supplemental flame retardant, e.g. a halogenated phosphate.

[0129] The melamine useful in the present invention is suitably employed in an amount of between about 5 and about 50 parts by weight per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp), preferably between about 20 and about 50 pphp in the urethane-forming reaction mixture.

[0130] The melamine and/or its derivatives can be used in any form, as may be desired, including solid or liquid form, ground (e.g., ball-milled) or unground, as may be desired for any particular application.

[0131] The supplemental flame retardant, such as halogenated phosphate, may suitably be employed in an amount of between about 10 and about 30 pphp, preferably between about 15 and about 25 pphp. An example of a suitable halogenated phosphate flame retardant is tris-mono-chloro-propyl-phosphate (TMCP), commercially available, for example, under the name Antiblaze®.

[0132] In some embodiments, the foam-forming reactants comprise one or more additional components consistent with forming a foam, suitably a viscoelastic foam. One example of an additional component is a catalytically inert carrier material in which the catalyst is dispersed. However any suitable further component may in principle be added, provided that the desired formation of the foam is not affected.

[0133] Suitably, the amount of any additional components may be no greater than 100 pphp, for example, no greater than 50 pphp, in particular no greater than 20 pphp or no greater than 10 pphp.

[0134] In some embodiments, the foam-forming reactants consist of the aromatic polyisocyanate, blowing agent and optionally surfactant, crosslinker and flame retardant.

[0135] The reaction system may consist of the polyol component (a), the amine catalyst component (b) the foam-forming reactants (c). The process of the invention may thus involve combining only the polyol component (a), the amine catalyst component (b) and the foam-forming reactants (c) to obtain the polyurethane foam.

[0136] In general, the process or use of the invention may involve combining the polyol component (a), the amine catalyst component (b) and the foam-forming reactants (c) in any suitable manner to obtain the polyurethane foam.

[0137] In an embodiment, the process comprises stirring the polyol component (a), the amine catalyst component (b) and the foam-forming reactants (c) except the polyisocyanate together for a period of at least 1 minute; and adding the polyisocyanate under stirring.

[0138] In an embodiment, the full rise time (FRT, measured as the time from start of aromatic isocyanate addition/mixing to end of foam rise) is no greater than 360 seconds, in particular no greater than 250 seconds, such as no greater than 240 seconds.

[0139] In an embodiment, the process comprises forming the foam into a shaped article before it fully sets. Suitably, forming the foam may comprise pouring the polyol component (a), the amine catalyst component (b) and the foam-forming reactants (c) into a mould before gelling is complete.

[0140] The foam formed or obtainable by the process, reaction system or use of the invention may advantageously be a viscoelastic foam.

[0141] In an embodiment, the foam has a density in the range of from 25 to 500, in particular in the range of from 25 to 150.

[0142] In an embodiment, the foam has a porosity (measured according to ASTM D3574—Test G) in the range of from 2 to 200 litres per minute, in particular 10 to 150 litres per minute, such as in the range of from 40 to 80 litres per minute.

[0143] In an embodiment, the foam has a compression load deflection (CLD, measured according to DIN 53577/ISO 3386) in the range of from 0.5 to 20 kPa, in particular 1 to 10 kPa, such as in the range of from 2 to 5 kPa.

[0144] In an embodiment, the foam has a resiliency (measured according to ASTM D3574—Test H) in the range of from 1 to 40%, in particular 2 to 25%, such as in the range of from 5 to 15%.

[0145] In an embodiment, the foam has a recovery time to 4.5 s (s) (measured according to ASTM D3574—Test M) in the range of from 1 to 40, in particular 2 to 30, such as in the range of from 5 to 25.

[0146] In an embodiment, the foam is a flame resistant foam passing a flame resistance standard, e.g. BS 5852, Part 2, Crib 5 or Cal 117 Section A—Part 1.

[0147] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Moreover the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0148] Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following examples. Generally speaking the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings). Thus features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. Moreover unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same or a similar purpose.

[0149] Where upper and lower limits are quoted for a property then a range of values defined by a combination of any of the upper limits with any of the lower limits may also be implied.

[0150] In this specification, references to component properties are—unless stated otherwise—to properties measured under ambient conditions, ie at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of about 23° C.

[0151] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

Comparative Examples 1 to 2 and Examples 3 to 7

[0152] Seven polyurethane foams were prepared based upon the following starting materials: [0153] Polyol A is a poly(propyleneoxide)triol, i.e. an entirely PO-based polyol with a nominal functionality of 3.0, having a number average molecular weight of about 700 Dalton and a hydroxyl value of 250 mg KOH/g. [0154] Polyol B is a polymer polyol consisting of a random PO/EO base polyol (EO content about 10% w/w) with a number average molecular weight of about 3000 Dalton, a nominal functionality of 3.0, a hydroxyl value of 30 mg KOH/g of polyol with a solid content of 45 w/w % of styrene-acrylonitrile polymer stably dispersed therein. [0155] Polyol C is a (propyleneoxide)triol, i.e. an entirely PO-based polyol with a nominal functionality of 3.0, having a number average molecular weight of about 1000 Dalton and a hydroxyl value of 160 mg KOH/g. [0156] Catalyst A is a 70 w/w % solution of bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether in dipropyleneglycol, commercially available from Momentive under the trade name Niax® Al. [0157] Catalyst B is a 33 w/w % solution of triethylene diamine in dipropyleneglycol, commercially available from Air Products and Chemicals under the trade name Dabco® 33LV. [0158] Catalyst C is a delayed action amine catalyst containing water, understood to be a proprietary mixture of acid blocked bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether and bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether in water with activity comparable to Catalyst A, available from Momentive Performance Materials under the trade name Niax® A400. [0159] Catalyst D is a delayed action amine catalyst containing water, understood to be a proprietary mixture of acid blocked triethylenediamine and triethylenediamine in water with activity comparable to Catalyst B, available from Momentive Performance Materials under the trade name Niax® A300. [0160] Surfactant A is an organosilicone surfactant, commercially available from Momentive under the trade name Niax® L620. [0161] Surfactant B is an organosilicone surfactant, commercially available from Evonik Industries under the trade name Tegostab® B8002. [0162] Surfactant C is an organosilicone surfactant, commercially available from Evonik Industries under the trade name Tegostab® B8155. [0163] Surfactant D is an organosilicone surfactant, commercially available from Momentive under the trade name Niax® L650. [0164] TCMP is tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate with a chlorine content of 33 w/w % and phosphorous content of 9.5 w/w %. [0165] TDI 80 is an 80/20 w/w blend of the 2,4- and 2,4-isomers of toluene diisocyanate.

[0166] To prepare each of the foams, a 1:1 mixture of polyols A and B was processed into polyurethane foam under a range of conditions, using the formulations shown in Table 1. All quantities are in parts by weight.

[0167] Melamine was premixed with polyol A and TMPC and stirred for 1 minute. Polyol B was added and stirred for 1 minute. Water, diethanolamine, catalyst and surfactant were then added and the mixture stirred for 75 seconds. TDI 80 was added and the mixture stirred for 10 to 15 seconds and then poured into the foaming box. The resulting foam was cured for 24 hours, before cutting and conditioning at 23° C.+/−2° C. for a minimum of 18 hours.

[0168] In Examples 8 and 9, the second polyol is formed of a mixture of polyol A and polyol C.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Formulation Component 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Polyol A pbw 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 30 30 Polyol B pbw 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 40 40 Polyol C pbw 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 30 Water pphp 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2 2 2 2 2 DEOA pphp 0.08 0.12 0.08 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 Catalyst A pphp 0.18 0.18 0.2 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 Catalyst B pphp 0.36 0.36 0 0.9 0.72 0.72 0.72 0.65 0.65 Catalyst C pphp 0 0 0 0 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.16 0.16 Catalyst D pphp 0 0 0.9 0 0 0 0 0 0 Surfactant A pphp 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 Surfactant B pphp 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 0 0 Surfactant C pphp 0 0 0 0 0 0.28 0 0 0 Surfactant D pphp 0 0 0 0 0.28 0 0.25 1.0 1.25 Melamine pphp 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 TMCP pphp 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 TDI 80 Index 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 DEOA = diethanolamine pbw = parts by weight pphp = parts per hundred of polyol Each of the resulting foams was analysed and subject to testing to determine the range of properties as shown in Table 2.

[0169] The full rise time was determined by timing how long it took for the foam to reach maximum height/volume during the foaming reaction.

[0170] Foam density was calculated by measuring the weight of a 10 cm×10 cm×5 cm cube of foam.

[0171] Porosity was determined using IDM foam porosity tester using ASTM D3574—Test G, in which 50 mm×50 mm×25 mm foam sample is placed in a vacuum chamber cavity and a specified automatic constant differential air pressure (125 Pa) is applied. The readings of air volume are recorded in litres/min.

[0172] Compression load deflection (CLD) was determined by measuring the force required to compress a 10 cm×10 cm×5 cm cube of foam by 40% using DIN 53577/ISO 3386 test method.

[0173] Resiliency was determined by dropping a 16 mm diameter steel ball bearing onto a 10 cm×10 cm×5 cm cube of foam and measuring the percentage height that the ball bearing rebounded ASTM D3574—Test H.

[0174] Recovery time was determined using ASTM D3574—Test M with foam samples of dimensions 10 cm×10 cm×5 cm, smaller than that mentioned in the test method.

[0175] Flame resistant was determined by the BS 5852, Part 2, Crib 5 test. In general, a sample passed the test if the loss in foam weight (due to burning) was not more than 60 g and the time for self-extinguish (when the smoking/smoldering stops) was not be more than 10 min.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Foam 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Full Rise Time (s) 404 390 226 215 178 186 157 220 227 Density (Kg/m3) 62 69 58 69 52 51 52 50.6 51.6 Porosity (litre/min) 58 46 69 21 50 60 43 26 23 CLD @40% (kPa) 0 0 3.0 2.9 2.5 2.3 2.9 4.1 4.4 Resiliency (%) 0 0 9 8 9 9 9 12 11 Recovery Time to 4.5 s (s) 0 0 8 13 17 16 19 9 9 Crib-5 test Fail Fail Fail Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass

[0176] Notably, the foams of comparative Examples 1 and 2 had a rise time in excess of 350 seconds, whereas the foams of Examples 3 to 9 had a rise time of less than 250 seconds.

[0177] The foams of Examples 4 to 9 further had desirable fire resistance properties in addition to viscoelastic foam properties.

Example 10 (Prophetic)

[0178] An amine catalyst component comprising N,N-dimethylaminoethanol instead of triethylenediamine, with the N,N-dimethylaminoethanol providing a gelling activity equivalent to 0.2 to 0.6 parts per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp) of triethylenediamine was determined.

[0179] With reference to “Polyurethane Catalysis by Tertiary Amines”, Roger van Maris et al, Journal of Cellular Plastics, Volume 41—July 2005, 305, in particular Table 1 thereof, the gelling activity of triethylenediamine was found to be 10.9 (×10), whereas the gelling activity of N,N-dimethylaminoethanol was found to be 2.91 (×10). On this basis, the amount of N,N-dimethylaminoethanol providing a gelling activity equivalent to 0.2 to 0.6 parts per hundred parts by weight of polyol component (pphp) of triethylenediamine was calculated to be 0.75 to 2.25 pphp.

[0180] Accordingly, it is envisaged that one suitable amine catalyst component could consist of in the range of from 0.75 to 2.25 pphp dimethylaminoethanol or a delayed action form thereof, optionally in combination with in the range of from 0.05 to 0.20 pphp bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether or a delayed action form thereof.

[0181] Particular embodiments of such a component equivalent to embodiments comprising triethylenediamine, e.g. as described hereinabove, may be readily inferred by calculation and are also envisaged.