Polyurethanes: Science, Technology, Markets, and Trends

A complete overview of a key plastic One of the most versatile polymer materials, polyurethanes have a unique chemical nature that allows for shaping and molding to fit all sorts of consumer and industrial products – seat cushions, carpets, insulation, coatings, and refrigerators to name a few. Despite its popular uses, polyurethane science has only relatively recently achieved appreciation for the richness of its expression as a polymer family. This book provides a thorough presentation of polyurethane science, technology markets and trend analysis based on recent patents .  Although it does not provide ultimate detail (such as explicit information typically in patents), the book has a flow and continuity that allows readers to find all the background necessary to understand any other more detailed polyurethane information found elsewhere. Anyone involved in the polymer and plastics industry will find this book a key resource with features that include: An in–depth summary of the current state of polyurethane research and knowledge Discussion of the applications, manufacture, and markets for polyurethanes Analytical methods, reaction mechanisms, morphology, theoretical techniques, and the selection of chain extenders Polyurethane flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and medical applications In–depth coverage of governmental regulations, non–isocyanate/non–phosgene routes to polyurethane structure, and industrial routes to environmental, health, and safety risk mitigation

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Polyurethane Building Blocks 2.1 Polyols 2.2 Isocyanates 2.3 Chain extenders Chapter 3 Introduction to Polyurethane Chemistry 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Mechanism and Catalysis of Urethane Formation 3.3 Reactions of Isocyanates with Active Hydrogen Compounds Chapter 4 Theoretical Concepts and Techniques in Polyurethane Science 4.1 Formation of Polyurethane Structure 4.2 Properties of Polyurethanes Chapter 5 Analytical Characterization of Polyurethanes 5.1 Analysis of reagents for making polyurethanes 5.2 Instrumental Analysis of Polyurethanes 5.3 Mechanical Analysis 5.4 Nuclear Magnetic Spectroscopy (NMR) Chapter 6 Polyurethane Flexible Foams: Chemistry and Fabrication 6.1 Making Polyurethane Foams 6.2 Foam Processes 6.3 Flexible Foam Formulation and Structure Property Relationships Chapter 7 Polyurethane Flexible Foams: Markets, Applications, Markets and Trends 7.1 Applications 7.2 Trends in Molded Foam Technology and Markets Chapter 8 Polyurethane Rigid Foams: Markets, Applications, Markets and Trends 8.1 Regional Market Dynamics 8.2 Applications 8.3 Blowing Agents and Insulation Fundamentals 8.4 Insulation Fundamentals 8.5 Trends in Rigid Foams Technology Chapter 9 Polyurethane Elastomers: Markets, Applications, Markets and Trends 9.1 Regional Market Dynamics 9.2 Applications 9.3 Trends in Polyurethane Elastomers Chapter 10 Polyurethane Adhesives and Coatings: Manufacture, Applications, Markets and Trends 10.1 Adhesives and Coatings Industries: Similarities and Differences 10.2 Adhesives 10.3 Coatings Chapter 11 Special Topics: Medical Uses of Polyurethane 11.1 Markets and Participants 11.2 Technology Chapter 12 Special Topic: Non–isocyanate Routes to Polyurethanes 12.1 Governmental Regulation of Isocyanates 12.2 Non–isocyanate routes to polyurethanes Index

Mark Sonnenschein is a Fellow in the Material Sciences Division at the Dow Chemical Company. He holds 36 US and international patents and is the author of over 50 refereed journal articles and the chapter “Polyurethanes” in Wiley’s Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology.