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)

Flexible Foams containing Polyurethane Phase Change Gels

Title: Polyurethane Gel-Like Polymers, Methods and Use in Flexible Foams  

 Number/Link: US2013/0296449

Applicant/Assignee: PETERSON CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

Publication date: 07-11-2013

Gist”:   “Polyurethane phase change gels” prepared from polyurethane gels and conventional PCMs are incorporated into polyurethane or latex flexible foams to improve thermal comfort.

Why it is interesting: This application is closely related to the application discussed in the previous post but instead of a plasticized styrenic triblock copolymer, now a polyurethane gel is used. The PU gel is produced from conventional raw materials at low NCO-index (about 60%) together with plasticizers.

A Polyurethane Gel

A Polyurethane Gel

Incorporating “Phase Change Gels” into Flexible Foams for Improved Thermal Comfort

Title: Thermal Storage Gelatinous Triblock Copolymer Elastomer Particles in Polyurethane Flexible Foams

 Number/Link: US2013/295371

Applicant/Assignee: PETERSON CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

Publication date: 07-11-2013

Gist”:  Particles of  “phase change gels” prepared from plasticized styrenic TPEs and conventional PCMs are incorporated into polyurethane or latex flexible foams

Why it is interesting: A conventional phase change material (PCM) selected from alkanes, PEGs, hydrated salts ect. with a transition temperature between 20 and 35°C is melt-blended with a plasticized styrenic triblock copolymer like SBS, SIS, SEBS etc. to form a “phase change gel”. The gel is then comminuted and added to a flexible foam forming composition in an amount of about 30 pphp. The resulting foams have an increased thermal conductivity which together with the temperature buffering properties of the PCM improves thermal comfort. The flexible foams are useful in application such as matresses, pillows, automotive cushioning, shoe inserts, medical foams and the like. In my opinion especially useful for viscoleastic (“memory”) foams which are known to suffer from thermal discomfort problems.

Effect of "gel PCM" on heating rate of flexible foam according to the invention.

Effect of “gel PCM” on heating rate of flexible foam according to the invention.

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