The Use of FT-IR and Dynamic SAXS to Provide an Improved Understanding of the Matrix Formation and Viscosity Build of Flexible Polyurethane Foams

Many aspects concerning the formation of the polyurethane flexible foam matrix are still poorly understood. While the chemistry of the isocyanate-water and the isocyanate-polyol reactions is well known, the dynamic evolution of the resultant products to form the final polymer matrix is not. The inherent reagent differences between traditional slabstock and HR foams and their contribution to the viscosity profile are not well documented. Also needed for completeness is an understanding of raw material and product interactions: factors such as reagent incompatibility, hydrogen bonding, phase separation and chemical crosslinking all play a major role in the formation of the flexible foam matrix