Complaint
| Grade | Color (APHA) | OHV (mgKOH/g) | Viscosity (cps/25ºC) | Acid value mgKOH/g | Water content(%) | pH | Reference |
| PGY-2500E | 50 max | 65-69 | 300-550 | 0.1 max | 0.05 max | 5-7 | Slabstock foam |
| PGY-3000M | 50 max | 54-58 | 450-650 | 0.1 max | 0.08 max | 5-8 | |
| PGY-3000E | 50 max | 52-56 | 450-550 | 0.1 max | 0.05 max | 5-8 | |
PGY-3010E | 50 max | 54-58 | 400-700 | 0.1 max | 0.08 max | 5-8 | |
| PGY-3105E | 50 max | 54-58 | 400-600 | 0.1 max | 0.08 max | 5-8 | |
| PGY-3350E | 50 max | 48-55 | 615-815 | 0.1 max | 0.05 max | 5-8 | High reactivity Cell opener |
| PGY-3500M | 50 max | 46-50 | 600-800 | 0.1 max | 0.08 max | 5-8 | High reactivity, Mold foam |
| PGY-3500E | 50 max | 45-50 | 550-750 | 0.1 max | 0.08 max | 5-8 | |
| PGY-3510E | 50 max | 45-50 | 650-850 | 0.1 max | 0.08 max | 5-8 | |
| PGY-3550E | 50 max | 45-50 | 450-650 | 0.1 max | 0.08 max | 5-8 | |
| PGY-5000E | 50 max | 31-35 | 850-980 | 0.1 max | 0.08 max | 5-8 | High elasticity, Semi-regid cold cure |
| PGY-5002E | 50 max | 31-35 | 860-980 | 0.05 max | 0.08 max | 5-8 | |
| PGY-5016E | 50 max | 31-35 | 860-980 | 0.05 max | 0.08 max | 5-8 | |
| PGY-5020E | 50 max | 32-36 | 820-980 | 0.05 max | 0.1 max5 | 5-7 |
Technology
Polyether polyols are produced by the catalysed addition of epoxides, mainly propylene-oxide orethylene-oxide, to an initiator having active hydrogens. The most common catalyst is potassium-hydroxide.The reaction is carried out by a discontinuous batch process at raised temperatures and pressures under an inert atmosphere. After polymerisation, the catalyst is neutralised and removed by filtration. The polyol is then purified.
The choice of epoxides, initiator, reaction conditions and catalyst determines the physical properties of the polyol which can range from low molecular weight polyglycols to high molecular weight resins. Bayer's Impact technology is based on a zinc hexacyanocobaltate catalyst and has lower energy needs and waste.
Outlook
Demand growth in western Europe is forecast at 2.5-3%/year through 2006, slower than in previous years. Growth in flexible foam will only be about 1.5%/year as the major markets like furniture and bedding will bestagnant or even decline, although the automotive sector will see further growth of about 2%/year. Consumption into rigid foam is expected to grow by an average 4%/year to 2006. The non-foam sector will see demand growth of 4.0-4.5%/year.
West European production will rise to over 1.6m tonne/year by 2006 to meet export demand from the faster-growing markets of eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Handling
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Take measures to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge.
Storage
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Store in cool place.
