Ann Coates Lescher Savoca

Amine Catalyst Characterization by a Foam Model Reaction

olyurethane foams are prepared from the simultaneous reactions P of a diisocyanate with water and with a polymeric diol or polyol to form hydrogen-bonded urea (hard) segments and polyurethane networks (soft segments), respectively. The manufacture of a foam with a specific set of properties requires not only the proper choice of raw materials, but also the judicious use of catalysts, surfactants, and other additives. Requirements for catalysts and other additives are changing rapidly due to the phaseout of chlorinated fluorocarbons (CFCs) and the advent of increasingly stringent safety, health, and environmental regulations. The study of the chemistry of polyurethane foam formation is complicated by the heterogeneous nature of the reaction and the simultane-