The present and potential uses of MDI isocyanates in flexible polyurethane foams are discussed. LEXIBLE FOAMS MAKE Up the largest portion of the U.S. polyFurethanes market and, oxter the past 25 years, have become the predominant upholstery padding in furniture and automotive seating. The market is expected to reach 1.2 billion pounds this year and consumes large volumes of polyether polyols and TDI (toluene diisocyanate) as the primary polymer building blocks.It is our purpose in this paper to indicate the rising importance of MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate) isocyanates as viable raw material candidates for the formulation of flexible foams.Over the last 25 years MDI isocyanates have become a major raw material for rigid foams, elastomers and other polyurethane applications. During this period of increasing MDI use, prices have become more competitive with TDI. More importantly, however, MDI isocyanates are of increasing interest as they contribute to faster processing or lower processing temperatures with resulting cost savings for labor, energy, fixed and working capital. As we all know, these costs have all risen dramatically in recent years. An added benefit of MDI is its lower volatility [ 1 which can aid environmental management in the workplace.
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