Ultra-Low Monol PPG High-Performance Polyether Polyols for Polyurethanes

Ultra-Low Monol PPG High-Performance Polyether Polyols for Polyurethanes 

Stephen D. Seneker, Nigel Barksby and Bruce D. Lawrey 

Further improvements in catalyst technology resulted in Lyondell (formerly ARGO Chemical Company) commercialising a new family of PPG with ultra-low monol contents designated Acclaim Polyols. Table 9.2 summarises the unsaturation, functionality, and monol contents of these polyols. Comparing Tables 9.1 and 9.2, one can clearly see the dramatic improvements in functionality. For example, a 4000-MW, ultra-low monol PPG (Acclaim Polyol 4200) has a functionality of 1.98 versus 1.69 for a conventional 4000-MW PPG diol. 

In this chapter, the dramatic effect that monol content or polyol functionality has on processability and properties of polyurethane cast elastomers is discussed. This effect is shown for elastomers prepared by both the prepolymer and one-shot processes. Further improvements in elastomer processability and formulating latitude can be achieved by incorporating oxyethylene moieties into the polyol backbone. For one-shot elastomer processes, ultra-low monol PPG polyols capped with ethylene oxide have been commercialised. 

The experimental procedures utilised to prepare the various polyurethane and polyurethane/urea polymers described in this chapter are discussed in the Appendix. 

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