Hydrophilic ester polyurethane foams
AssigneeFoamex L.P.
InventorsSharon A. Free, Vincenzo A. Bonaddio, Andrew M. Thompson, Joseph W. Lovette
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Abstract
An ester polyurethane foam is prepared by reacting a mixture of one or more polyester polyols with one or more isocyanates and one or more silicone surfactants in the presence of a blowing agent, such as water, and other additives, such as catalysts. The cured foam is chemically treated in a caustic solution to form a hydrophilic ester polyurethane foam having a water absorption rate of at least 20 pounds of water per square foot per minute, preferably at least 25 pounds of water per square foot per minute. The foam also has greater water holding capacity and wet strength than cellulose.
Claims19
A method for making a hydrophilic ester polyurethane foam, comprising:
- (a) forming a polyurethane foam by mixing together the following components:
- (i) 100 parts by weight of an ester polyol;
- (ii) from 20.0 to 62.0 parts by weight, based on 100 parts polyol, of an isocyanate, wherein the isocyanate index is 110 or less;
- and
- (iii) from 1.0 to 3.0 parts by weight, based on 100 parts polyol, of a stabilizing surfactant;
- and
- (b) treating the polyurethane foam in a caustic bath to form the hydrophilic ester polyurethane foam,
- wherein the hydrophilic ester polyurethane foam has a water absorption rate of at least 20 pounds of water per square foot per minute.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.