Flexible urethane foam, bedding

Latin American Markets. Flexible polyurethane foam for premium as well as inexpensive mattresses has been the major growth market in most Latin American countries, and often represented 50% of the flexible demand. Growth prospects to 1990 are good as consumers upgrade some of their previous purchases, and increased market penetration is realized in some countries (e.g. Mexico) that have considerable potential. Furniture demand for flexible polyurethane foam is relatively modest compared to bedding end uses. Styling trends and the proliferation of small furniture producers have not opted for flexible urethane foam cushioning. Upholstered furniture demand will continue to be constrained by low consumer income, as well as small artisan production facilities. 

The furnishings market for flexible urethane foam can be divided into three major segments furniture, bedding, and carpet under-layment. These markets are supplied flexible foam by a larger number of firms known as the flexible slab foam industry which convert liquid chemicals to large foam buns made on a continuous conveyor. An infinite variety of cushion shapes are fabricated from the large foam buns. 

The growth in vaterbed production has had a positive impact on urethane foam demand. Boarder or dam components made from a firm, high density flexible urethane foam has bouyed foam consumption in bedding despite foams lack of growth in other bedding applications, i.e. foam cores and topper pads. 

Polyurethane. SmaU quantities of polyurethane film are produced as a tough mbber-like film. Polyurethane is more commonly used to produce foamed sheet, both flexible and rigid. The flexible foam is used as cushioning in furniture and bedding the rigid foam is widely used for architectural insulation because of its outstanding thermal insulation efficiency (see Urethane POLYMERS). 

Mexican urethane demand has been constrained by raw materials costs. Flexible foam markets will show some strength in the 80 s, reflecting a steady auto production and moderate increases for furniture and bedding uses. Rigid foam applications are still in the early stages of market development but, commercial/industrial insulation uses are increasing well. Mexico leads Latin America in urethane elastomer usage, paced by its demand for shoe sole applications. 

Uses Raw material, combined with iso anates, to produce urethanes such as rigid foam, flexible foam, coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomer systems for furniture, car seating, bedding, refrigerator insulation, paints/coatings, ski suits, playground surfaces, waterproof leisure wear also in surfactants and oil demulsifiers Carbalink HPC [Huntsman]... 

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