POLYURETHANE FOAMS MADE WITH ALKOXYLATED VEGETABLE OIL HYDROXYLATES

摘要

The present invention provides polyurethane foams and elastomers made with an alkoxylated vegetable oil hydroxylate replacing at least a portion of the typically used petroleum-based polyol(s). Also provided are processes for making the inventive foams and elastomers and for making alkoxylated vegetable oil hydroxylates. The alkoxylated vegetable oil hydroxylates are environmentally-friendly, bio-based polyols which advantageously also offer the potential of improved hydrophobicity in polyurethane foams and elastomers. The inventive polyurethane foams and elastomers may find use in a wide variety of products such as automobile interior parts, polyurethane structural foams, floor coatings and athletic running tracks.