All posts in category Flexible Foams

In Situ Reticulated Viscoelastic Foams

Patent Title: VISCOELASTIC AND RETICULATED POLYURETHANE FOAM AND THE PREPARATION THEREOF

 Number/Link: WO2016/198433

Applicant/Assignee: Covestro

Publication date: 15-dec-2016

“Gist”: Composition of 3 semi-miscible polyols and a surfactant

Why it is interesting: This case claims a polyol composition for the preparation of a viscoelastic, reticulated foam without the need for a separate reticulation step. The composition consists of (at least) three polyols and a surfactant:  a low mole-weight all-PO ‘rigid’ triol, a conventional flexible polyol, a high- or all-EO polyol and some off-the-shelf silicone surfactant.  The composition is foamed with water and polymeric MDI or a polymeric MDI/TDI mixture. This is a well-known composition and it is hard to see why this should result in a reticulated foam – unless maybe in some fine-tuned cases.  Apart from the ball rebound being less than 15% the claims do not mention any parameters related to reticulated foam (such as airflow). It is doubtful (in my opinion) that this will get granted.

Cell structure of a reticulated foam

Cell structure of a reticulated foam

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by Gerhard Bleys on December 16, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in Flexible Foams
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Gerhard Bleys on December 16, 2016

https://purpatents.com/2016/12/16/in-situ-reticulated-viscoelastic-foams/

Polyrotaxanes in Flexible Foams

Patent Title: POLYOL COMPOSITION FOR PRODUCING FLEXIBLE POLYURETHANE FOAM..

 Number/Link: US20160304689

Applicant/Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber

Publication date: 20-10-2016

“Gist”: Polyrotaxanes in PU foam reduces ‘wobble’ when used in car seats

Why it is interesting: The use of polyrotaxanes in polyurethanes is not new and has been discussed before in this blog.  According to the current invention polyrotaxanes with OH-functional rings can be incorporated in flexible foams, where they are said to reduce tensile stress while having little impact on compressive properties. When these foams are used in (e.g.) vehicle seats that are subject to low frequency sideways vibrations, they should reduce the sense of “wobble” of the occupants. The theory is that under tension the rings slide along the axis molecule equalizing stresses. In the examples polyrotaxanes with 11000 to 20000 molecular weight PEG axis molecules are used with cyclodextrin rings having an OHv of 43 to 85.

Polyrotaxane-crosllinked polyurethane under stress (schematic)

Polyrotaxane-crosslinked polyurethane under stress (schematic)

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by Gerhard Bleys on October 24, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in Flexible Foams, Polyols
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Posted by Gerhard Bleys on October 24, 2016

https://purpatents.com/2016/10/24/polyrotaxanes-in-flexible-foams/

Green Tea Memory Foam

Patent Title: Foam with Green Tea Additive for Foam Mattresses, Pillows and Cushions

 Number/Link: US2016/0270549

Applicant/Assignee: Zinus

Publication date: 22-09-2016

“Gist”: Green Tea is added to memory foam formulation

Why it is interesting: Powdered leaves of the Green Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) are added to memory foam formulations in an amount of less than 2% (w/w) on the total composition.  The Green Tea is said to kill bacteria, mites and molds and reduce the smell of the foam when used in pillows and mattresses for example. Since tea leaves are also claimed to “brighten eyesight, refresh the brain and resist radiation” it’s hard to know if the claim is true. If it doesn’t work it won’t hurt I guess.

Cammelia sinensis (Wikipedia)

Camellia sinensis (Wikipedia)

 

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by Gerhard Bleys on September 26, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in Flexible Foams
Tagged , , , , , , ,

Posted by Gerhard Bleys on September 26, 2016

https://purpatents.com/2016/09/26/green-tea-memory-foam/

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