Process for preparing flexible CFC-free polyurethane foams using an encapsulated blowing agent

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for producing a flexible polyurethane foam by reacting, at a reaction temperature within a temperature range of between about 70° F. and about 150° F., a reaction mixture comprised of a polyol, an organic isocyanate, water, an encapsulated blowing agent, and a reaction catalyst, wherein the encapsulated blowing agent comprises a shell and a core, said shell comprising a polymer having a melting point above the initial reaction temperature, and said core comprising a gaseous blowing agent or blowing agent precursor for blowing said reaction mixture at said reaction temperature. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for cooling a hot polyurethane foam utilizing encapsulated water contained in the foam forming reaction mixture.