TDI and MDI Alternatives for PU Foam Production

Description

  1. Overview
    1. This listing describes alternatives to TDI for flexible polyurethane (PU) foam production.
    2. TDI is harmful due to severe health and safety issues associated with exposure to phosgene during its production via phosgenation.
  2. Alternative 1: Phosgene-Free TDI
    1. Phosgene-free TDI is a safer alternative because it has no health issues.
    2. It is produced via a phosgene-free pathway by reacting TDA, oxygen, and carbon monoxide in the solvent 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE).
    3. This method is an attractive alternative to common methods of producing TDI.
    4. Phosgene-free TDI is non-toxic and has no health issues.
  3. Alternative 2: Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane (NIPU)
    1. Non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) is a novel kind of polyurethane.
    2. It is prepared by reaction of cyclo-carbonates and amines without the use of toxic isocyanates.
    3. NIPU has attracted increasing attention because of its improvements in porosity, water absorption, and thermal and chemical resistance over conventional polyurethanes.