Emulsified PMDI

Monofunctional hydroxyl terminated polyethylene oxide chains with degree of polymerization from 5 to 20 are reacted with pMDI, or simply with MDI, to provide surface active agents. The resulting surface active agent is then mixed with pMDI to provide a resin which is dispersible in water, resulting in an oil-in-water emulsion [51]. Such emulsions are stable for brief periods, 1 to 2 hours, before the water reaetion eauses gelation. Emulsifiable pMDI could be used where dispersion in water offers some benefit. For example, neat emulsifiable pMDI could be added directly to the blow line for medium density fiberboard production. Water emulsified pMDI has been used for improving resin distribution in particleboard or OSB manufacture however, this is not common industrial practice. 

The impossibility of diluting PMDI with water was solved by the introduction of emulsified PMDI, often called EMDI, which allows an even distribution of the adhesive during the gluing process. EMDI is a product of the reaction of PMDI with polyglycols. EMDI is manufactured under high pressure and dispersed in water. 

Water-borne adhesives are preferred because of restrictions on the use of solvents. Low viscosity prepolymers are emulsified in water, followed by chain extension with water-soluble glycols or diamines. As cross-linker PMDI can be used, which has a shelf life of 5 to 6 h in water. Water-borne polyurethane coatings are used for vacuum forming of PVC sheeting to ABS shells in automotive interior door panels, for the lamination of ABS/PVC film to treated polypropylene foam for use in automotive instmment panels, as metal primers for steering wheels, in flexible packaging lamination, as shoe sole adhesive, and as tie coats for polyurethane-coated fabrics. PMDI is also used as a binder for reconstituted wood products and as a foundry core binder. 

A related technique involves incorporation of monofunctional poly(etliylene oxide) chains as nonionic, internal emulsifier groups. Even PMDI can be dispersed in water using this nonionic method (Scheme 4.24). High-molecular-weight (ca. 2000 g/m) monols are usually used which act as chain terminators and long, hydrophilic tails which function as an emulsifying agent. 

Adhesion to aU other surfaees, e.g., also press platens. This imposes the use of (i) special internal or external release agents [219], (ii) special types of PMDI [220] or (iii) the use in the board surface of adhesives other than isocyanates The necessary use of special emulsifiers (EMDI) or special dosing and gluing systems... 

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