HYDROPHILIC, OPEN-CELL, ELASTIC FOAMS WITH A MELAMINE/FORMALDEHYDE RESIN BASE, PRODUCTION THEREOF AND USE THEREOF IN HYGIENE PRODUCTS

摘要

The invention relates to open-cell, elastic foams consisting of melamine/formaldehyde resins having a drop absorption speed of less than five seconds and a formaldehyde emission in accordance with EU standard EN ISO 14184-1 of less than 100 mg formaldehyde/kg foam, to a method for producing hydrophilic, open-cell, elastic foams by (a) heating an aqueous solution or dispersion containing, respectively, at least one melamine/formaldehyde precondensate, an emulsifier, an expanding agent and a hardener, forming a foam and cross-linking the precondensate, (b) subsequently tempering the foam for a period of 1 to 180 minutes at 120 to 300 DEG C, whereby volatile parts are removed, and (c) treating, during or after tempering, with at least one hydrophilization agent and/or with ozone, a corona discharge or a plasma; and to the use of the foams in hygiene products for absorbing, distributing and immobilising body fluids.