What raw materials are used to make polyurethane?
Polyurethane foams are produced by reacting polyols and diisocyanates, both products derived from crude oil. Two different aromatic diisocyanates are being used in the production of polyurethane foam: MDI (Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) and TDI (Toluene diisocyanate ).
How is polymeric MDI made?
MDI Production Process In the MDI process, aniline is condensed with formaldehyde to produce methylenedianiline (MDA), and MDA is reacted with phosgene to form MDI. The flexibility of the BASF process makes it possible to control and modify the properties of a broad range of MDI products.
Where is MDI produced?
As of 2020, BASF’s production of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) at the company’s plant located in Antwerp, Belgium, had the highest MDI production capacity of a single plant in Europe, at 650,000 metric tons annually….
| Company (Location) | Production capacity in thousand metric tons per year |
|---|---|
| – | – |
What is polyurethane material made of?
Polyurethane (PU) is a composite material made of: (1) one or more layers of polymer resins joined by urethane links; and (2) a woven or non-woven textile backing such as polyester, cotton, nylon, or ground leather.
What type of polymer is polyurethane?
Polyurethane is a polymer joined by urethane links. These links are formed by reacting a di- or poly-isocyanate with a polyol. Polyurethane is unique in that it is not manufactured like many other plastics. Most polymers, such as polyethylene, are produced in the form of a powder and then molded into a desired form.
How is polyurethane made?
Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol (an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with a diisocyanate or a polymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives. Polyurethanes help create durable products and improve energy efficiency and comfort.
What is methylene diphenyl diisocyanate used for?
Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, or MDI, is a very versatile molecule that delivers different performance properties for a variety of applications. Primary end uses for MDI include: Foam insulation for appliances and construction. Binders for composite wood products.
What is toluene diisocyanate used for?
TDI, specifically, is used throughout industry for a number of purposes including the manufacture of polyurethane, foams, and adhesive products. The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) describes TDI as a severe respiratory toxicant.
What is polymeric MDI?
Diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) is the generic name of a product used in industrial settings. Polymeric MDI (PMDI), the primary technical/commercial form of MDI, is actually a mixture that contains 25-80% monomeric 4,4′-MDI as well as oligomers containing 3-6 rings and other minor isomers, such as the 2,2′-isomer.