Polyurethane foam

Abstract

To provide a polyurethane foam which has antibacterial properties and is prevented from deterioration in appearance over time.SOLUTION: A polyurethane foam is obtained from a composition comprising a polyol, a polyisocyanate, and a copper-containing antibacterial agent and has a ΔYI value, expressed as ΔYI=YI1 - YI0, of less than 24.0. YI0 and YI1 are each a yellow index of the polyurethane foam measured in accordance with ASTM D1925, wherein: YI0 is the yellow index of the polyurethane foam before being irradiated with a carbon arc; and YI1 is the yellow index of the polyurethane foam after the carbon arc irradiation for 100 minutes at a black panel temperature of 63°C by using an ultraviolet carbon arc lamp light in accordance with JIS B7751.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to polyurethane foams. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a flexible polyurethane foam obtained by adding zeolite carrying silver and zinc ions to a foaming raw material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 01-161053 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To improve antibacterial properties, polyurethane foams using copper-containing antibacterial agents have been investigated. However, polyurethane foams obtained by adding copper-containing antibacterial agents to the foaming raw materials have the problem of discoloration over time, resulting in poor appearance.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a polyurethane foam that has antibacterial properties and is inhibited from deteriorating in appearance over time. The present disclosure can be realized in the following aspects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A polyurethane foam obtained from a composition comprising a polyol, a polyisocyanate, and a copper-containing antimicrobial agent, A polyurethane foam having a ΔYI value, expressed by the following formula, of less than 24.0. ΔYI=YI1-YI0 YI0 and YI1 are yellowness indices of the polyurethane foam measured in accordance with ASTM D1925, respectively; YI0 is the yellow index of the polyurethane foam before carbon arc irradiation; YI1 is the yellow index of the polyurethane foam after irradiating it with an ultraviolet carbon arc lamp light in accordance with JIS B7751 at a black panel temperature of 63° C. for 100 minutes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a polyurethane foam that has antibacterial properties and is inhibited from deteriorating in appearance over time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Here, a preferred example of the present disclosure will be described. The composition is a polyurethane foam containing more than 0 parts by mass and not more than 3 parts by mass of the antibacterial agent per 100 parts by mass of polyol. The polyurethane foam composition contains 1.5 parts by mass or more and 2.8 parts by mass or less of a catalyst per 100 parts by mass of polyol. The composition is a polyurethane foam that does not contain a tin catalyst. Polyurethane foam containing a copper-containing antimicrobial agent, Tin-free polyurethane foam.

[0009] The present disclosure will be described in detail below. In this specification, when a numerical range is indicated using "-", it is intended to include both the lower limit and the upper limit unless otherwise specified. For example, the expression "10-20" includes both the lower limit "10" and the upper limit "20". In other words, "10-20" has the same meaning as "10 or more and 20 or less".

[0010] 1. Polyurethane foam (part 1) The polyurethane foam is obtained from a composition containing a polyol, a polyisocyanate, and a copper-containing antibacterial agent. The polyurethane foam has a ΔYI value, expressed by the following formula, of less than 24.0: ΔYI=YI1-YI0 YI0 and YI1 are yellowness indices of the polyurethane foam measured in accordance with ASTM D1925, respectively; YI0 is the yellow index of the polyurethane foam before carbon arc irradiation; YI1 is the yellow index of the polyurethane foam after irradiating it with an ultraviolet carbon arc lamp light in accordance with JIS B7751 at a black panel temperature of 63° C. for 100 minutes.

[0011] The composition contains a polyol, a polyisocyanate, and a copper-containing antibacterial agent. The composition may contain at least one optional component selected from a catalyst, a foaming agent, a foam stabilizer, and a crosslinking agent. Each component of the composition will be described below.

[0012] (1) Polyol The polyol is not particularly limited, and examples of the polyol that can be used include polyether polyol, polymer polyol, and polyester polyol.

[0013] Examples of polyether polyols include polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, glycerin, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, sorbitol, and sucrose, and polyether polyols obtained by adding alkylene oxides such as ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to the polyhydric alcohols. Among these, polyols containing polypropylene glycol are preferred.

[0014] The polymer polyol is not particularly limited. Examples of polymer polyols include polymer polyols obtained by polymerizing styrene or acrylonitrile, or styrene and acrylonitrile, with a polyether polyol (base polyol). The polymer content of the polymer polyol (the mass ratio of the portion other than the base polyol to the entire polymer polyol) is preferably 10% by mass to 55% by mass, more preferably 15% by mass to 45% by mass.

[0015] The polyester polyol is not particularly limited, and examples of the polyester polyol include condensation polyester polyols obtained by reacting a polycarboxylic acid such as adipic acid or phthalic acid with a polyol such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol or glycerin, lactone polyester polyols, and polycarbonate polyols.

[0016] The weight average molecular weight of the polyol is preferably 700 to 10000. The number of functional groups of the polyol is preferably 2 or 3. The polyol may be used alone or in combination of two or more different types, weight average molecular weights, numbers of functional groups, etc. The polyol preferably contains a polyether polyol. It is also preferable that the polyol contains a polyether polyol and a polymer polyol.

[0017] (2) Catalyst The catalyst is an optional component and is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of suppressing discoloration over time, the catalyst is preferably an amine-based catalyst. Various catalysts may be used alone or in combination of two or more. As the catalyst, a catalyst (resinification catalyst) that promotes the reaction between polyol and polyisocyanate is preferably used. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of foamability, a catalyst (foaming catalyst) that promotes the reaction between water and polyisocyanate may be used in combination with a resinification catalyst.

[0018] Examples of the resinification catalyst include amine catalysts such as triethylenediamine, N,N-dicyclohexylmethylamine, N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine, N,N-dimethylaminohexanol, 1,2-dimethylimidazole, N·(N′,N′-dimethylaminoethyl)-morpholine, tetramethylguanidine, dimethylaminoethanol, N-methyl-N′-(2hydroxyethyl)-piperazine, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylpropane-1,3-diamine, N,N′-dimethylpiperazine, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylhexane-1,6-diamine, N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldipropylene-triamine, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)morpholine, ethylene glycol bis(3-dimethyl)-aminopropyl ether, and N-methyl-N′-(2dimethylamino)ethylpiperazine.

[0019] Examples of foaming catalysts include amine catalysts such as bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, triethylamine, dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, N,N,N'-trimethylaminoethyl-ethanolamine, and N,N,N',N",N"-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine.

[0020] The catalyst content is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of sufficiently promoting the polyurethane production reaction, the catalyst content is preferably 1.3 parts by mass or more, more preferably 1.5 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of polyol. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of production costs, the catalyst content is preferably 4.0 parts by mass or less, more preferably 3.0 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.8 parts by mass or less. From these viewpoints, the catalyst content is preferably 1.3 parts by mass or more and 4.0 parts by mass or less, more preferably 1.5 parts by mass or more and 3.0 parts by mass or less, more preferably 1.5 parts by mass or more and 2.8 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of polyol, even more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or more and 2.8 parts by mass or less.

[0021] From the viewpoint of suppressing discoloration over time, it is preferable that a tin catalyst is not used as the catalyst. That is, the content of the tin catalyst is preferably 0.2 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.15 parts by mass or less, and particularly preferably 0 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of polyol. That is, it is particularly preferable that the composition does not contain a tin catalyst. Examples of tin catalysts include tin(II) octoate (tin 2-ethylhexanoate, stannous dioctoate), tin(II) acetate, stannous diacetate, tin(II) octoate, tin stannous dioleate, tin(II) neodecanoate, stannous dilaurate, dibutyltin oxide, dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin dilaurate, dibutyltin dichloride, dioctyltin dilaurate, dibutyltin dimaleate, and dioctyltin diacetate.

[0022] (3) Foaming agent The blowing agent is an optional component and is not particularly limited. The blowing agent may be water, a chlorofluorocarbon alternative, or a hydrocarbon such as pentane, which may be used alone or in combination. Water is particularly preferred as the blowing agent. When using water, carbon dioxide gas is generated during the reaction of polyol with polyisocyanate, and foaming is caused by the carbon dioxide gas. The amount of water used as the blowing agent is preferably 1.0 to 4.0 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of polyol.

[0023] (4) Foam stabilizer The foam stabilizer is an optional component and is not particularly limited. The foam stabilizer may be any foam stabilizer that is commonly used as a raw material for urethane foam, such as a silicone compound or a nonionic surfactant. The amount of the foam stabilizer is preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more and 5.0 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the polyol.

[0024] (5) Polyisocyanate The polyisocyanate is not particularly limited. Examples of polyisocyanates that can be used include aromatic or aliphatic polyisocyanates having two or more isocyanate groups, mixtures thereof, and modified polyisocyanates obtained by modifying these. Examples of aromatic polyisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), naphthalene diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, and polymeric polyisocyanate (crude MDI). Examples of aliphatic polyisocyanates include hexamethylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, and dicyclohexamethane diisocyanate. Other prepolymers can also be used. One type of polyisocyanate may be used alone, or two or more types may be mixed together.

[0025] The isocyanate index is preferably 70 or more and 120 or less, and more preferably 80 or more and 110 or less. The isocyanate index is the value obtained by dividing the number of moles of isocyanate groups in a polyisocyanate by the total number of moles of active hydrogen groups such as hydroxyl groups in the polyol and water used as a blowing agent, and multiplying the result by 100, and is calculated as [NCO equivalent of isocyanate / active hydrogen equivalent x 100].

[0026] (6) Other ingredients The composition may contain other additives, such as crosslinking agents, flame retardants, fillers, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, defoamers, compatibilizers, colorants, stabilizers, mildew inhibitors, deodorizers, deodorizers, fragrances, and flavorings. Examples of crosslinking agents include short-chain diol crosslinking agents such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, glycerin, and trimethylolpropane. Examples of coloring agents include pigments, dyes, and coloring agents.

[0027] (7) Copper-containing antibacterial agents The copper-containing antibacterial agent is not particularly limited. The copper-containing antibacterial agent is preferably a copper- and silver-containing antibacterial agent. The copper-containing antibacterial agent is preferably one in which a metal component is supported on a support. The form of the metal component is not particularly limited, and may be metal or a metal ion. The support is preferably an inorganic support. Examples of inorganic supports include zeolite, clay minerals, glass, silica gel, alumina, zirconium phosphate, calcium phosphate, etc. Among these, zeolite is preferred. A specific example of the copper-containing antibacterial agent is zeolite supported with silver and copper. One type of copper-containing antibacterial agent may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0028] The content of the copper-containing antibacterial agent is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of antibacterial properties, the content of the copper-containing antibacterial agent is preferably more than 0 parts by mass, more preferably 0.4 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.7 parts by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of polyol. From the viewpoint of suppressing discoloration over time, the content of the copper-containing antibacterial agent is preferably 3 parts by mass or less, more preferably 2 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 1.5 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of polyol. The content of the copper-containing antibacterial agent is preferably more than 0 parts by mass but less than 3 parts by mass, more preferably 0.4 parts by mass or more but less than 2 parts by mass, and even more preferably 0.7 parts by mass or more but less than 1.5 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of polyol.

[0029] 2. Properties and uses of polyurethane foam The physical properties of the polyurethane foam can be appropriately set depending on the application, etc. The polyurethane foam is preferably a flexible polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam preferably has the following physical properties: (1) ΔYI value The polyurethane foam has a ΔYI value, expressed by the following formula, of less than 24.0. ΔYI=YI1-YI0 YI0 and YI1 are yellow indices of polyurethane foam measured in accordance with ASTM D1925, respectively. YI0 is the yellow index of the polyurethane foam before irradiating with a carbon arc, YI1 is the yellow index of the polyurethane foam after irradiating with a carbon arc for 100 minutes at a black panel temperature of 63 °C using ultraviolet carbon arc lamp light conforming to JIS B7751.

[0030] The yellow index is an index indicating the degree to which the hue deviates in the yellow direction from colorless or white. The yellow index is usually a positive value, and a negative value indicates that the hue is blue. The ΔYI value means the difference between the yellow index (YI0) of the polyurethane foam measured before irradiating with a carbon arc and the yellow index (YI1) of the polyurethane foam measured after irradiating with a carbon arc under predetermined conditions. It is common for the yellow index of the polyurethane foam to tend to increase according to the exposure time of ultraviolet rays (YI0 < YI1). YI0 may be measured immediately after the polyurethane foam is molded (for example, stored in a dark place within 10 days) in order to avoid the influence of ultraviolet rays during storage.

[0031] The above ΔYI value of the polyurethane foam is less than 24.0, preferably 22.0 or less, more preferably 20.0 or less, and still more preferably 18.0 or less. The lower limit of the ΔYI value is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0 or more, 5.0 or more, 10.0 or more.

[0032] YI0 and YI1 are determined according to the composition of the polyurethane foam and the like, and are not particularly limited. YI0 may be, for example, 20.0 or less, 15.0 or less, 10.0 or less. YI0 may be, for example, -1.0 or more. YI1 may be, for example, 40.0 or less, 35.0 or less, 30.0 or less. YI1 may be, for example, 10.0 or more.

[0033] When a copper-containing antibacterial agent is used, the ΔYI value tends to be larger than when a silver- or zinc-containing antibacterial agent is used. Even when a copper-containing antibacterial agent is used, the ΔYI value can be controlled, for example, by appropriately selecting the type of catalyst and adjusting the amount of each catalyst added.

[0034] (2) Antibacterial properties The polyurethane foam preferably has an antibacterial activity value of 2.0 or more, more preferably 7.0 or more, measured using Escherichia coli in accordance with JIS K6400-9: 2018. The antibacterial activity value is measured using a sample that has not been subjected to pretreatment such as water resistance or light resistance.

[0035] (3) Apparent density Apparent density (JIS K7222) is 8 kg / m 3 -150kg / m 3 is preferred, and 10 kg / m 3 -100kg / m 3 is more preferred. (4) 25% hardness The 25% hardness (JIS K6400-2 D method) is preferably 10N to 600N, and more preferably 20N to 200N. (5) Rebound elasticity The impact resilience (JIS K6400-3) is preferably 1% to 60%, and more preferably 2% to 30%. (6) Tensile strength, elongation, tear strength The tensile strength (JIS K6400-5) is preferably 15 kPa or more, and may be 100 kPa or more, or 50 kPa or more. The elongation (JIS K6400-5) is preferably 50% to 500%, more preferably 80% to 150%. The tear strength (JIS K6400-5) is preferably 1 N / cm or more, and the tensile strength (JIS K6400-5) may be 4 N / cm or more. (7) Breathability The breathability (ASTM D 3574) is preferably 0.5 L / min or more, and more preferably 1.0 L / min or more.

[0036] (8)Applications The polyurethane foam of the present disclosure has antibacterial properties and inhibits deterioration of appearance over time, making it useful for a variety of applications. The polyurethane foam is suitable for cleaning sponges such as kitchen sponges and body sponges, clothing, mattresses and cushions, filters, etc. The polyurethane foam may be subjected to water resistance treatment, light resistance treatment, etc. depending on the application.

[0037] 3. Polyurethane foam (part 2) The polyurethane foam (type 2) is a polyurethane foam containing a copper-containing antibacterial agent and does not contain tin. This polyurethane foam (type 2) is typically obtained from a composition containing a polyol, a polyisocyanate, and a copper-containing antibacterial agent, but does not contain a tin catalyst. Regarding polyurethane foam (part 2), the explanations in the "Polyurethane foam (part 1)" section regarding "copper-containing antibacterial agent" and "physical properties of polyurethane foam" apply as is, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] 4. Polyurethane foam manufacturing method Polyurethane foam can be produced by a known foaming method in which a polyurethane resin composition is stirred and mixed to react a polyol and a polyisocyanate. Foaming methods include slab foaming and mold foaming, and either molding method may be used. Slab foaming is a method in which a mixed polyurethane resin composition is discharged onto a belt conveyor and foamed at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. On the other hand, mold foaming is a method in which a mixed polyurethane resin composition is filled into a mold (forming die) and foamed within the mold. [Example]

[0039] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to examples.

[0040] 1. Production of polyurethane foam (Experiment 1) Compositions blended in the proportions shown in Table 1 were prepared, and polyurethane foams of Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and Reference Examples 1 and 2 were produced by slab foaming. The details of each raw material are as follows: Polyol-1: Polyether polyol (EO / PO=5 / 95), functional group number 3, weight average molecular weight 3000 Polyol-2: Ether-based polymer polyol obtained by graft polymerization of acrylonitrile and styrene solids onto polyether polyol, Exenol 941WF, manufactured by Asahi Glass Urethane Co., Ltd. Silver-copper antibacterial agent: Silver and copper-loaded zeolite, AC10N, manufactured by Sinanen Zeomic Co., Ltd. Silver-zinc antibacterial agent: Silver and zinc-loaded zeolite, AW10N, manufactured by Sinanen Zeomic Co., Ltd. Foam stabilizer: Silicone compound, SZ1136, manufactured by Toray Dow Amine catalyst-1: Triethylenediamine Amine catalyst-2: A mixture of N,N-dicyclohexylmethylamine and N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine ·Tin catalyst: stannous octylate Foaming agent (water) Polyisocyanate-1: Toluene diisocyanate (TDI)

[0041] Specifically, the polyurethane foam was produced by the following procedure. The raw materials other than Isocyanate-1 were weighed and mixed in a cup to form a mixed solution. Isocyanate-1 was added to the mixed solution and stirred to form a polyurethane foam.

[0042] [Table 1]

[0043] 2. Production of polyurethane foam (Experiment 2) Compositions formulated according to the proportions shown in Table 2 were prepared, and polyurethane foams of Example 2, Comparative Examples 3 and 4, and Reference Examples 3 and 4 were produced by slab foaming. The details of each raw material are as follows: Polyol-3: Polyether polyol (EO / PO=0 / 100), functional group number 3, weight average molecular weight 750 Polyol-4: Polyether polyol (EO / PO=80 / 20), functional group number 3, weight average molecular weight 5000 Polyol-5: Polyether polyol (EO / PO=0 / 100), functional group number 2, weight average molecular weight 1000 Silver-copper antibacterial agent: Silver and copper-loaded zeolite, AC10N, manufactured by Sinanen Zeomic Co., Ltd. Silver-zinc antibacterial agent: Silver and zinc-loaded zeolite, AW10N, manufactured by Sinanen Zeomic Co., Ltd. Foam stabilizer: Silicone compound, SZ1136, manufactured by Toray Dow Amine catalyst-3: N,N-dimethylaminohexanol Amine catalyst-4: Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether ·Tin catalyst: stannous octylate Foaming agent (water) Polyisocyanate-2: Diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI)

[0044] Specifically, the polyurethane foam was produced by the following procedure. The raw materials other than polyisocyanate-2 were weighed and stirred in a cup container to prepare a mixed solution. Polyisocyanate-2 was added to the mixed solution and stirred to prepare a polyurethane foam.

[0045] [Table 2]

[0046] 2. Evaluation Method (1) Apparent density (density) The apparent density was measured according to JIS K7222. (2) 25% hardness The 25% hardness was measured according to JIS K6400-2 D method. (3) Rebound elasticity The impact resilience was measured according to JIS K6400-3. (4) Tensile strength, elongation, tear strength The tensile strength, elongation and tear strength were measured according to JIS K6400-5. (5) Breathability The breathability was measured according to ASTM D 3574. (6) ΔYI value The ΔYI value was measured by the method described in the embodiment. Note that YI0 was measured within 10 days after molding the polyurethane foam and storing it in a dark place. The measurement was carried out using a fade meter conforming to JIS B7751 (F type) under the conditions of a black panel temperature of 63°C and a sample rack rotation speed of 1 r / min.

[0047] 3.Results The results of Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and Reference Examples 1 and 2 are shown in Table 1. Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are polyurethane foams using a copper-containing antibacterial agent. Comparative Example 1, which did not contain a tin catalyst, was poorly molded and could not be evaluated. Comparative Example 2, which contained a tin catalyst, was molded, but the ΔYI value was 24.0 or more. Example 1 is a polyurethane foam using a copper-containing antibacterial agent, and the ΔYI value was 17.22 (less than 24.0). Therefore, it was confirmed that deterioration of appearance over time can be suppressed even when a copper-containing antibacterial agent is used.

[0048] Reference Examples 1 and 2 are polyurethane foams in which a silver- and zinc-containing antibacterial agent was used instead of the copper-containing antibacterial agent. The ΔYI values of Reference Examples 1 and 2 were less than 24.0. Example 1 is a polyurethane foam using a copper-containing antibacterial agent, and the ΔYI value was 17.22 (less than 24.0). Therefore, it was confirmed that even when a copper-containing antibacterial agent is included, deterioration of appearance over time can be suppressed, similar to when a copper-containing antibacterial agent is not included.

[0049] The results of Example 2, Comparative Examples 3 and 4, and Reference Examples 3 and 4 are shown in Table 2. Comparative Examples 3 and 4 are polyurethane foams using a copper-containing antibacterial agent. Comparative Example 3, which used both amine catalyst-3 (resin catalyst) and a tin catalyst, showed poor foaming and could not be evaluated. Comparative Example 4 was molded, but the ΔYI value was 24.0 or more. Example 2 is a polyurethane foam using a copper-containing antibacterial agent, and the ΔYI value was 18.03 (less than 24.0). Therefore, it was confirmed that deterioration of appearance over time can be suppressed even when a copper-containing antibacterial agent is used.

[0050] Reference Examples 3 and 4 are polyurethane foams in which a silver- and zinc-containing antibacterial agent was used instead of the copper-containing antibacterial agent. The ΔYI value of Reference Example 4 was less than 24.0. Example 2 is a polyurethane foam obtained from a composition containing a copper-containing antibacterial agent, and had a ΔYI value of 18.03 (less than 24.0). Therefore, it was confirmed that even when a copper-containing antibacterial agent is included, deterioration of appearance over time can be suppressed, similar to when a copper-containing antibacterial agent is not included.

[0051] A demonstration experiment was conducted taking into consideration the usage environment of cleaning sponges. Samples of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 2 and 4 were left indoors at room temperature for 30 days, and the change in yellow index (yellowing degree) before and after leaving them was measured. The yellowing degree of Examples 1 and 2 was lower than that of Comparative Examples 2 and 4, and deterioration of appearance over time was suppressed.

[0052] The antibacterial properties of the polyurethane foam of Example 1 were evaluated by the method described in the embodiment. The antibacterial activity values of Example 1 were all 7.0 or higher. It was confirmed that the polyurethane foam of Example 1 had good antibacterial properties. It is presumed that Example 2 also has similar antibacterial properties.

[0053] According to the above examples, it is possible to provide a polyurethane foam that has antibacterial properties and is inhibited from deteriorating in appearance over time.

[0054] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible.

Claims

1. A polyurethane foam obtained from a composition comprising a polyol, a polyisocyanate, and a copper-containing antimicrobial agent, The copper-containing antibacterial agent is a copper component supported on an inorganic support, the inorganic support is selected from zeolite, clay mineral, glass, silica gel, alumina, zirconium phosphate, and calcium phosphate; The ΔYI value represented by the following formula is less than 24.0, A polyurethane foam obtained by using two or more amine catalysts in combination. ΔYI=YI １ -YI ０ YI ０ and YI １ are the yellowness indexes of the polyurethane foam measured in accordance with ASTM D1925, YI ０ is the yellow index of the polyurethane foam before carbon arc irradiation, YI １ is the yellow index of the polyurethane foam after irradiating it with an ultraviolet carbon arc lamp in accordance with JIS B7751 at a black panel temperature of 63° C. for 100 minutes.

2. The polyurethane foam according to claim 1 , wherein the composition contains more than 0 parts by weight and not more than 3 parts by weight of the antimicrobial agent per 100 parts by weight of polyol.

3. The polyurethane foam according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition contains 1.5 parts by mass or more and 2.8 parts by mass or less of the catalyst per 100 parts by mass of the polyol.

4. 4. The polyurethane foam of claim 1, wherein the composition is free of a tin catalyst.

5. 1. A polyurethane foam containing a copper-containing antimicrobial agent, The copper-containing antibacterial agent is a copper component supported on an inorganic support, the inorganic support is selected from zeolite, clay mineral, glass, silica gel, alumina, zirconium phosphate, and calcium phosphate; Contains no tin, A polyurethane foam obtained by using two or more amine catalysts in combination.

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