Filled or extended polyurethane foam containing polyethylene glycol softening agent

Abstract

The softness of filled polyurethane foams is enhanced by the incorporation in the formulation used to make the foam of a polyethylene glycol softening agent. Generally, from about 2 to about 12 parts by weight of polyethylene glycol can be used in the foam formulation. Use of this glycol softening agent obviates the need for relatively high amounts of halogenated hydrocarbon auxiliary blowing agents with the water blowing agent normally used and this obviates the foam processing instability which can result from use of such high levels of auxiliary blowing agent. If desired, the polyethylene glycol softening agent can be combined with a liquid compatible plasticizer (e.g. a phosphate or phthalate plasticizer) to ensure that it is in a liquid form for processing ease of the foamable formulation used to make the foam.

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