A New Generation of Cell Openers for Rigid Foams―Improved Balance of Stabilization and Cell Opening

摘要

This paper presents Goldschmidt's latest findings in respect to additives for opening cells in rigid and semirigid foams. Three new products, named TEGOSTAB~(~R) B 8871, B 8934 and B 8935, will be introduced. In this development special attention has been given to systems for automotive headliners, however the products are also suitable in other applications such as energy absorption, packaging and acoustic insulation, among others. These new additives are products combining stabilization and cell opening properties. These two functions are relevant in different phases of the foaming process. The mechanism of cell opening and how to influence it by chemical means will be demonstrated in detail. The open-cells content of these foams can be controlled by varying the concentration of the new additives in the formulation over a broad range while maintaining a relatively fine cell structure. Our evaluations have proven that the choice and the concentration of cell-opener depends strongly on the composition and characteristics of the foam formulation and the processing technology. Both the TEGOSTAB~(~R) B 8934 and B 8935 were developed over the past few months and tested with good results in lab experiments and pilot plant trials.