Polyurethane “Combination Foam”: a TPU/PU Composite

Title: KOMBINATIONSSCHAUM

 Number/Link:  WO2014/023794   (German)

Applicant/Assignee: BASF

Publication date: 13-02-2014

Gist”: Foamed TPU particles are embedded in a foamed elastomer of the same chemical composition to improve mechanical properties.

Why it is interesting: Foamed, closed-cell TPU particles are incorporated in a foamed, open-cell PU matrix which has a higher density and is produced from essentially the same chemicals, resulting in perfect compatibility and adhesion between the two components.  In the examples 30-40 % (w/w) of expanded TPU particles with a bulk density (“Shüttdichte”) of 89 kg/m³ are incorporated in an elastomer with a density of 200-300 kg/m³. Size of the TPU particles is not given but the preferred size range is 1mm to 2 cm.

Expanded TPU particles by BASF

Expanded TPU particles by BASF

Improved Nanoporous Insulation Materials

Title: AEROGEL-CONTAINING POLYURETHANE COMPOSITE MATERIAL

 Number/Link: WO2013182506 (German)

Applicant/Assignee: BASF

Publication date: 12-12-2013

Gist”: An aqueous dispersion based on an isocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive vinyl polymer is used to bind aerogel particles into an insulation material.

Why it is interesting: Binding (silica) aerogel (or xerogel or cryogel) particles into insulation panels using aqueous polyurethane binders is known.  See e.g. my previous posts on the subject here, here and here. According to this invention both the insulation and processing properties of existing systems can be improved by using an aqueous dispersion of a vinyl polymer containing isocyanate-reactive side groups, together with an emulsifiable isocyanate. The polyvinyl is preferably water-soluble, the side groups being -OH, -SH, -NH2 or -COOH,  a (preferred) example being poyvinylamine with a molecular weight from 10,000 to 500,000. The isocyanate used is preferably a modified HDI or IPDI.  In the examples materials are shown with densities of about 120 kg/m³ and a thermal conductivity of about 16 mW/m.K.

SLENTITE (TM) aerogel-PU insulation panel by BASF

SLENTITE (TM) aerogel-PU insulation panel by BASF

Hybrid Polyurethane-Epoxy Pultrusion System

Title: REINFORCED PULTRUDED POLYURETHANE AND PRODUCTION THEREOF

 Number/Link: US2013/0309924

Applicant/Assignee: Bayer

Publication date: 21-11-2013 (priority PCT/DE)

Gist”: A pultrusion matrix material is formulated from of an immiscible polyol blend together with one or more epoxides and MDI

Why it is interesting: Pultrusion matrix systems need a decent pot-life and, after curing, a high glass transition temperature and modulus. According to the invention this can be achieved by using an immiscible polyol mixture prepared from a) a relatively high MW PO polyol (e.g. PPG4000) and b) a blend of low MW polyols and chain extenders/crosslinkers, where the amount of a) is about 10-30% on the total polyol. This polyol system together with an epoxide (e.g. bisphenol A or the triglycidylether of trimethylolpropane) an  isocyanate (e.g polymeric MDI) and optional additives results in a system useful for a pultrusion process. The examples show a pot-life of about 30 minutes and a Tg of about 150°C. The immiscible high MW PO polyol probably forms a seperate phase, thus increasing the Tg of the hard phase.

Diagram of the Putrusion Process (Wikipedia)

Diagram of the Putrusion Process (Wikipedia)

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