answersLogoWhite

0

You mean like foam rubber and not the foam on a latte, correct? Foam rubber is actually "polyurethane foam" today; they don't make it out of rubber anymore. And when making polyurethane foam, four chemicals are needed.

The first is a polymer polyol. Any chemical that ends in -ol is an alcohol; a polyol has "multiple" (read: hundreds) of hydroxyl groups per molecule. As you'd pretty much figured, these are huge molecules.

The second is 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. People call it "dabco," and with good reason. I mean, look at the name of this stuff! This is your catalyst.

The third is a diisocyanate. There are two. In the OLD days everyone used toluene diisocyanate. TDI is extremely hazardous so polymer engineers are using more diphenylmethane diisocyanate, which isn't quite as hazardous. The important thing to know about diisocyanates is they are dangerous all the time: they are made out of a chemical warfare agent (specifically, a blood agent) called phosgene, and if heated too much turn into a different blood agent called hydrogen cyanide. Phosgene is so dangerous they're not allowed to transport it even across the street; it must be made at the same factory as the isocyanates. And every company that makes this stuff has to be registered as a chemical warfare agent factory with the United Nations.

The fourth is a blowing agent, which makes it foam up. The first blowing agent, and one still used sometimes, is water. They found out about this by accident: Otto Bayer, who invented polyurethane and was not related to the Bayer family who started the chemical company, got some water into a batch of polyurethane that he was reacting out and was surprised as could be when it turned into foam rubber. Further research proved that adding water to diisocyanate releases carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide gas is another popular blowing agent.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How does nitrogen react with other chemicals?

by the combinement and combitnation of other chemicals which make it fuzz frizz or foam


What gases are in firefighters foam?

The foam is not gas, but chemicals that prevent the fuel source in a fire from receiving the oxygen needed to sustain a fire.


What is foam rubber?

Foam rubber it is made up with a foaming agent for creating an air-filledmatrix structure. Those foam rubbers are normally either polyurethane foam or natural foam rubber latex.Foam rubber can also created from chemicals polyol,Latex foam rubber.Used in:mattressesInsulationFurniturePackagingCostumes


What are the raw materials used in Foam mattress?

Foam mattresses are typically made from polyurethane foam, memory foam, latex, or a combination of these materials. These materials are derived from petroleum-based chemicals for polyurethane foam, rubber trees for latex, and other synthetic materials for memory foam.


What kind of foam is used to make a trampoline?

The foam used in trampolines is typically closed-cell foam, which provides cushioning and support for jumpers. This type of foam is durable, resistant to water and chemicals, and retains its shape well even with frequent use.


Are memory foam pillows toxic and harmful to health?

Memory foam pillows are generally considered safe and non-toxic for most people. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or respiratory issues due to the chemicals used in memory foam manufacturing. It is recommended to choose memory foam pillows that are CertiPUR-US certified, as they meet strict standards for harmful chemicals.


Can foam give you cancer?

This is highly dependent on what chemicals are present in the foam. If it has been tainted with something such as radium or tritium, radiation could cause cells to become cancerous.


What did you see when you mixed the vinegar and the baking soda?

you get CO2 and other chemicals that flows out as bubbling foam


What is icynene made of?

Icynene is a type of spray foam insulation made from a combination of chemicals such as isocyanates and polyols. When these chemicals are mixed together, they react and expand to create a foam that can fill cavities and gaps in building structures, providing thermal insulation and air sealing properties.


What is the conclusion of elephant tooth paste?

Sorry di ko alam google tanugin mo:">


Is Polyurethane foam Hypoallergenic?

Polyurethane foam can potentially trigger allergic reactions in some individuals due to its chemical composition and off-gassing. It may not be considered hypoallergenic for those sensitive to chemicals or respiratory irritants.


Will eating foam harm you?

Yes, eating foam can be harmful, especially if it contains toxic materials or chemicals. Consuming foam can cause choking or blockages in the digestive system, leading to serious health issues. It's best to avoid eating foam and seek medical help if ingestion occurs.