Polyurethane Foam

Reactants

HO-R-OH (Polyether polyol) 0=C=N-R’-N=C=O (diisocyanate)

[-O-R-O-C-N-R’-N-C-] (polyurethane)

Products

HO-R-OH (Polyether polyol) + 0=C=N-R’-N=C=O (diisocyanate)

=

[-O-R-O-C-N-R’-N-C-] (polyurethane)

Type of Chemical Reaction:

COMBUSTION

Materials Needed:-Polyester Polyol (Part A) from Industrial Arts-Polyfunctional Isocyanate (Part B) from Industrial Arts-Desmodur and Desmophen

-600 mL beakers (2)

-Food Coloring

-Gloves

-goggles

-plastic cups

- glass stirring rods

-paper towels

-aprons

Safety Precautions

1. Polyurethane foam is a by- product of the same process that is used to makepetroleum. It is highly flammable.

2. Polyurethane foam ignites easily and burns rapidly. It should be kept awayopen flames and sparks.

3. When it burns, polyurethane releases a great amount of heat and toxicfumes.

4. Burning polyurethane can cause suffocation in a poorly ventilated area.

5. Polyfunctional isocyanate and polyester polyol should be handled withgloves.

6. DO NOT INGEST THE POLYURETHANE FOAM – some foams haveflame retardant additives that can be toxic if ingested. Whether or notthe foam you are working with contains them, it should not be ingestedor even placed in the mouth. (JUST LIKE ANY OTHERCHEMICAL!)

(1) Remember that polyurethane is flammable and should not be brought nearan flame.(2) Wear gloves when handling the chemicals.(3) Place approximately 20mL of each chemical, the polyester polyol andpolyfunctional isocyanate, into a large cup.(4) Observe the viscosity and volumes of each chemical. Record yourobservations.(5) Add food coloring to create colored foam.(6) With a stirring rod, mix the contents thoroughly.(7) Feel the cup for temperature change. Record your observation.(8) When the foam begins to expand, stop stirring.(9) Observe the color, texture, temperature and volume of the foam once thereaction stops. Record your observations.

Polyurethane Foam Procedure

Michael, Anthony, and Steven

Anthony typed it, and Michael and Steven looked up the information on the experiment.