Novel foam modifier, foams prepared from this novel foam modifier and a process for the preparation of these foams

Abstract

This invention relates to novel foam modifiers which can be used to prepare flexible foams. These novel foam modifiers provide improved processability and improved properties of the resultant flexible foams. The present invention also relates to the process of preparing these flexible foams and to the resultant foams.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . A foam modifier comprising: 
 (a) from 35 to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol and mixtures thereof;    (b) from 20 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of one or more polyether polyols containing from 2 to 8 hydroxyl groups per molecule, having an OH number of from about 11 to about 280, and containing greater than 50% by weight, based on 100% by weight of oxyalkylene, of copolymerized oxyethylene; and    (c) from 5 to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of dipropylene glycol.    
   
   
       20 . The foam modifier of  claim 19 , which comprises: 
 (a) from 40 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a compound selected from the group consisting of 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol and mixtures thereof;    (b) from 35 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of said polyether polyol; and    (c) from 10 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of dipropylene glycol.    
   
   
       21 . The foam modifier of  claim 19 , wherein (b) said polyether polyol contains from 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups per molecule and has an OH number of 20 to 200.  
   
   
       22 . The foam modifier of  claim 19 , wherein (b) said polyether polyol contains from 2 to less than 4 hydroxyl groups per molecule, has an OH number of about 25 to about 60 and contains at least about 60% by weight of copolymerized oxyethylene.  
   
   
       23 . The foam modifier of  claim 19 , wherein component (a) comprises 1,4-butanediol, and component (b) comprises a polyether polyol containing from 2 to less than 4 hydroxyl groups per molecule, having an OH number of about 25 to about 60 and containing at least about 60% by weight of copolymerized oxyethylene.  
   
   
       24 . The modifier of  claim 19  in which component (b) has a molecular weight less than 5000.  
   
   
       25 . The foam modifier of  claim 19  which is a clear, white liquid, having a freezing point of less than about 20° C., a viscosity of less than about 1,200 cSt at 25° C., and a specific gravity of less than about 1.09 at 25° C.