This book considers the raw materials used to build the polyurethane polymeric architecture. It explains the chemical and physico-chemical subtleties of oligo-polyol fabrication, the characteristics of the various oligo-polyol families, and the effects of the oligo-polyol structure on the properties of the resulting polyurethane. It presents the details of oligo-polyol synthesis, while offering a comprehensive overview of basic PU chemistry; synthesis of the main oligo-polyol families, including polyether, polyester, polybutadiene, acrylic, polysiloxane, and aminic polyols; polyols from renewable resources; chemical recovery of polyols; and more.

From the Preface: “...A large variety of chemical reactions for the synthesis of oligo-polyols to build the chemical architecture of oligo-polyols are used, such as: ring opening polymerisation of cyclic monomers by anionic, cationic or coordinative mechanisms, polycondensation reactions (polyesterification, transesterification, Mannic reactions, phenol—aldehydes condensations and so on), alkoxylation, radical polymerisation, transformation of double bonds in hydroxyl groups...oxidation and amidation reactions...This book attempts to link in a general concept, organised in a systematic manner, the more important knowledge, data and information concerning the chemistry and technology of oligo-polyols for polyurethanes...”

Target Audience: Chemists and technologists working with polyols for the manufacture of polyurethanes and to all researchers that require a fuller understanding of polyol chemistry.

Table of Contents:

Polyols

Basic Chemistry of Polyurethanes

The General Characteristics of Oligo-Polyols

Oligo-Polyols for Elastic Polyurethanes

Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Polyether Polyols with Double Metal Cyanide Catalysts (DMC Catalysts)

Polymer Polyols (Filled Polyols)

Polyether Polyols by Cationic Polymerisation Processes

Polyester Polyols for Elastic Polyurethanes

Polybutadiene Polyols

Acrylic Polyols

Polysiloxane Polyols

Polyols for Rigid Polyurethanes — General Considerations

Polyether Polyols for Rigid Polyurethane Foams

Aminic Polyols

Rigid Polyols Based on the Alkoxylation of Aromatic Compounds Condensates with Aldehydes

Polyester Polyols for Rigid Polyurethane Foams

Polyols from Renewable Resources — Oleochemical Polyols

Flame Retardant Polyols

New Polyol Structures for Rigid Polyurethane Foams

Oligo-Polyols by Chemical Recovery of PU Wastes

Relationships Between the Oligo-Polyol Structure and Polyurethane Properties

Index