Polyurethane foam and articles containing polyurethane foam

A polyurethane foam composition with polyether-modified polysiloxane improves water absorption and dewatering, addressing the limitations of hydrophobic foam by enhancing washability and drying properties.

JP7883866B2Active Publication Date: 2026-07-02INOAC CORP

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
INOAC CORP
Filing Date
2022-03-08
Publication Date
2026-07-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Hydrophobic polyurethane foam exhibits poor water absorption and dewatering properties during washing, necessitating improved dewatering and drying capabilities while maintaining water absorption.

Method used

A polyurethane foam composition comprising a polyol, polyether-modified polysiloxane, and isocyanate, with specific ratios and components to enhance hydrophilicity and improve water absorption, dewatering, and drying properties.

Benefits of technology

The resulting polyurethane foam achieves good water absorption, efficient dewatering, and easy drying, enhancing its washability and suitability for applications requiring effective cleaning and drying.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a polyurethane foam that exhibits excellent water-absorbing, dewatering and drying properties during washing, offering excellent wash results.SOLUTION: A polyurethane foam comprises a composition comprising a polyol, a polyether-modified polysiloxane, and an isocyanate. The polyol includes at least polyether polyol as a constituent. Relative to 100 pts.mass of the polyol, the content of the polyether-modified polysiloxane is more than 0 pt.mass to 20 pts.mass or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to polyurethane foam and articles comprising polyurethane foam. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning tool made of hydrophobic polyurethane foam. It describes using dimer acid polyols or polydimethylsiloxane-polyoxyalkylene copolymers having terminal OH groups in the production of the hydrophobic polyurethane foam. It states that the hydrophobic polyurethane foam cleaning tool dries quickly and easily due to its hydrophobic properties. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-048818 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Hydrophobic polyurethane foam has excellent water repellency, but it has poor water absorption when washed. There is a need for technology that improves dewatering and drying properties while maintaining water absorption during washing for polyurethane foam.

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide a polyurethane foam that has good water absorption, dewatering, and drying properties when washed, and is easy to wash. This disclosure can be realized in the following forms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A polyurethane foam obtained from a composition comprising a polyol, a polyether-modified polysiloxane, and an isocyanate, The aforementioned polyol includes at least a polyether polyol. The composition is a polyurethane foam containing more than 0 parts by mass and no more than 20 parts by mass of polyether-modified polysiloxane per 100 parts by mass of the polyol. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a polyurethane foam that has good water absorption, dewatering, and drying properties when washed, and is easy to wash. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Herein lies a preferred example of this disclosure. Articles comprising polyurethane foam, selected from bedding, pillows, mattresses, cushions, seat pads, cleaning sponges, clothing pads, bra pads, vehicle seat pads, cushions, sofas, rugs, and covers.

[0009] The disclosure is described in detail below. In this specification, when a numerical range is indicated using "-", it includes both the lower and upper limits 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 Polyurethane foam is obtained from a composition comprising a polyol, a polyether-modified polysiloxane, and an isocyanate. The polyol comprises at least a polyether polyol. The composition contains more than 0 parts by mass and no more than 10 parts by mass of polyether-modified polysiloxane per 100 parts by mass of polyol.

[0011] (1) Polyol The polyol contains at least a polyether polyol. The polyether polyol is not particularly limited. Various polyether polyols may be used individually or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of hydrolysis resistance, the polyol preferably contains 50% by mass or more of polyether polyol relative to the total polyol, and more preferably contains only polyether polyol.

[0012] The ethylene oxide content (EO content) of the polyether polyol is preferably 0% to 20% by mass, more preferably 2% to 15% by mass, and even more preferably 4% to 11% by mass, from the viewpoint of suppressing swelling due to excessive water absorption. The EO content is the content of ethylene oxide units when the total amount of alkylene oxide units is taken as 100% by mass. When multiple types of polyether polyols are included, the EO content can be calculated by taking the total amount of alkylene oxide units in the polyether polyol as 100% by mass.

[0013] The average number of functional groups of the polyether polyol is preferably 2 to 5, and more preferably 2 to 4. If the average number of functional groups of the polyether polyol is 2 or more, the reaction proceeds easily, improving foamability and resulting in good strain characteristics of the resulting polyurethane foam. If the average number of functional groups of the polyether polyol is below the above upper limit, the reaction proceeds moderately, shrinkage after foaming occurs easily, and a good polyurethane foam is obtained. The number-average molecular weight of the polyether polyol is preferably 1000 to 10000, and more preferably 2000 to 7000. The hydroxyl value of the polyether polyol is preferably 20 mg KOH / g to 100 mg KOH / g, and more preferably 25 mg KOH / g to 80 mg KOH / g.

[0014] (2) Polyether-modified polysiloxane Polyether-modified polysiloxane has a structure in which polyether groups are bonded to part of the side chain and / or to both ends or one end of a polysiloxane. The polysiloxane is preferably a chain-like methylsiloxane polymer with 2 to 10 silicon atoms. The polyether group is preferably composed of an alkylene oxide component. The alkylene oxide is preferably one or more selected from methylene oxide, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide. Among these, it is more preferable that the polyether group is composed of an ethylene oxide component. Polyether-modified polysiloxane preferably does not have hydroxyl groups at its ends. Polyether-modified polysiloxane is a type of surfactant and can be used as a hydrophilic surfactant (hydrophilizing agent) that reduces the surface tension of the polyurethane foam surface.

[0015] As the polyether-modified polysiloxane, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) and α-methyl-w-[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]disiloxanyl]propoxy] represented by the following formula can be suitably used. In the following formula, n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably an integer from 1 to 5, and more preferably an integer from 1 to 3. [ka] [In the formula, n is an integer between 1 and 10.]

[0016] Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-methyl-w-[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]disiloxanyl]propoxy] is a polyether-modified polysiloxane sold by Evonik under the trade name "Ortegol HPH2". Hereinafter, "Ortegol HPH2" will also be simply referred to as HPH2. According to the material specification dated October 12, 2011 for HPH2, the content of poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-methyl-w-[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]disiloxanyl]propoxy] in HPH2 is more than 75%, and the content of hexamethyldisiloxane is less than 0.1%. According to the measurement by the TAGCC method, HPH2 has a flash point higher than 200°F (93.33°C). HPH2 is a Class IIIB flammable liquid that is yellow or tea-colored. HPH2 is water-soluble. HPH2 has a pH of 4.5 - 6.8 at a concentration of 40 g / L in water and a temperature of 20°C. Also, the mass per volume of HPH2 is 8.41 lb / gal (1.00774 g / cc). HPH2 has a dynamic viscosity of 11 - 24 mPa·s at a temperature of 25°C. Note that the entire content of the above-mentioned material specification dated October 12, 2011 is incorporated by reference.

[0017] The content of the polyether-modified polysiloxane is more than 0 parts by mass and preferably 1.0 part by mass or more, more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or more, based on 100 parts by mass of the polyol, from the viewpoint of improving water absorption, water desorption, and drying properties. The content of the polyether-modified polysiloxane is 20.0 parts by mass or less, preferably 10.0 parts by mass or less, more preferably 8.0 parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of the mechanical properties of the polyurethane foam and the like. From these viewpoints, the content of the polyether-modified polysiloxane is more than 0 parts by mass and 20.0 parts by mass or less, preferably 1.0 part by mass or more and 10.0 parts by mass or less, more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or more and 8.0 parts by mass or less.

[0018] (3) Blowing agent (optional component) The blowing agent is an optional component. Examples of the blowing agent include water, hydrocarbons, halogenated compounds, etc. One or more of these may be used, and two or more may also be used. Examples of the hydrocarbon include cyclopentane, isopentane, normal pentane, etc. Examples of the halogenated compound include methylene chloride, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, nonafluorobutyl methyl ether, nonafluorobutyl ethyl ether, pentafluoroethyl methyl ether, heptafluoroisopropyl methyl ether, etc. Among these, water is particularly suitable as the blowing agent. The amount of the blowing agent is preferably 2.0 parts by mass or more and 8.0 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polyol.

[0019] (4) Catalyst (optional component) The catalyst is an optional component. The catalyst promotes the urethanization reaction of the polyol and the isocyanate, and examples thereof include amine catalysts and metal catalysts used for polyurethane foams. Specific examples of the amine catalyst include N,N-dimethylaminohexanol, triethylenediamine, N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine, N,N-dimethylbenzylamine, N,N-dimethylaminoethanol, N,N´,N´-trimethylaminoethylpiperazine, etc. The amount of the amine catalyst is preferably 0.1 part by mass or more and 3.0 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polyol. Examples of the metal catalyst include tin catalysts such as stannous octoate and dibutyltin dilaurate, phenyl mercury propionate, lead octenoate, etc. The amount of the metal catalyst is preferably 0.1 part by mass or more and 3.0 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polyol.

[0020] (5) Other components (optional component) Other components include foam stabilizers, crosslinking agents, flame retardants, colorants, and UV absorbers. Any foam stabilizer used in polyurethane foams is acceptable, including silicone-based foam stabilizers, fluorine-containing compound-based foam stabilizers, and known surfactants. The amount of foam stabilizer is preferably 0.4 parts by mass or more and 4.0 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of polyol. When using a silicone-based foam stabilizer, it is preferable to use 1.2 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of polyol to ensure the hydrophilicity of the polyurethane foam.

[0021] (6) Isocyanates The isocyanate is not particularly limited as long as it is a compound having two or more isocyanate groups, and those used for polyurethane foams can be used. The isocyanate may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. Examples of isocyanates include aromatic, aliphatic, and alicyclic isocyanate compounds, as well as modified versions thereof.

[0022] Aromatic isocyanate compounds include tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), crude diphenylmethane diisocyanate, naphthalene diisocyanate (NDI), p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), and tolidine isocyanate (TODI). Aliphatic isocyanate compounds include hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), lysine diisocyanate (LDI), and lysine triisocyanate (LTI). Alicyclic isocyanate compounds include isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), cyclohexyl diisocyanate (CHDI), hydrogenated XDI (H6XDI), and hydrogenated MDI (H12MDI). Modified isocyanate compounds include urethane-modified, dimer-modified, trimer-modified, carbodiimide-modified, allophanate-modified, biuret-modified, urea-modified, isocyanurate-modified, oxazolidone-modified, and isocyanate compounds. Examples include terminal prepolymers.

[0023] As the isocyanate, it is preferable to use an aromatic isocyanate compound. Among aromatic isocyanate compounds, it is more preferable to use toluene diisocyanate (TDI) considering effervescence. Examples of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) include 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (2,4-TDI), 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (2,6-TDI), or a mixture of 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (2,4-TDI) and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (2,6-TDI). The mixing ratio (2,4-TDI / 2,6-TDI, mass ratio) of the mixture of 2,4-TDI and 2,6-TDI is preferably 50 / 50-90 / 10, and more preferably 70 / 30-85 / 15.

[0024] The isocyanate index (INDEX) is preferably between 85 and 120. The isocyanate index is calculated by dividing the number of moles of isocyanate groups in the isocyanate by the total number of moles of active hydrogen groups such as hydroxyl groups in the polyol, and multiplying the result by 100. It is calculated as [NCO equivalent of isocyanate / active hydrogen equivalent × 100]. It is presumed that the hydrophilicity of polyurethane foam improves as the isocyanate index decreases, i.e., as the TDI content decreases. If the isocyanate index is 110 or less, the polyurethane foam can be made hydrophilic, contributing to improved washability.

[0025] 2. Method for manufacturing polyurethane foam The polyurethane foam is obtained from a composition (polyurethane foam raw material) containing a polyol, a polyether-modified polysiloxane, a foaming agent (optional component), a catalyst (optional component), and an isocyanate. For example, the polyurethane foam can be produced by stirring and mixing the polyurethane foam raw material to cause reaction and foaming. The foaming method is preferably known slab foaming. Slab foaming is a method of discharging the mixed polyurethane foam composition onto a belt conveyor and foaming it at normal temperature under atmospheric pressure. Incidentally, the polyurethane foam is made into a shape, dimensions, etc. corresponding to the type of bedding by cutting or the like. When the polyurethane foam is a bedding for a human to lie on, such as a mattress or a futon, it is made into a plate-like body having a predetermined thickness. Also, in the case of bedding such as a pillow cushion, it is made into a predetermined pillow shape. A profile processing or the like may be performed on the surface of the polyurethane foam, for example, on the side surface facing a human in the use state, to impart a predetermined uneven shape.

[0026] 3. Physical properties of the polyurethane foam The physical properties of the polyurethane foam can be appropriately set according to the application or the like. The polyurethane foam is preferably a soft polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam preferably has the following physical properties.

[0027] (1) Density (apparent density) The density (JIS K7222) is preferably 25 kg / m 3 or more, more preferably 30 kg / m 3 or more. The upper limit of the density is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be 100 kg / m 3 or less, 80 kg / m 3 or less, 60 kg / m 3 or less, 50 kg / m 3 or less, 40 kg / m 3 or less. The density can be, for example, 25 kg / m 3 or more and 100 kg / m 3 or less, and can be in a range obtained by appropriately combining the above upper and lower limits. (2) Hardness (25% hardness) The hardness (JIS K6400-2 Method D) is preferably 10N-600N, more preferably 20N-400N, and even more preferably 50N-200N. (3) Rebound elasticity The rebound elasticity (JIS K6400-3) is preferably between 5% and 80%. For high-rebound urethane foam, a rebound elasticity of 30% to 70% is preferable, and 50% to 70% is more preferable. High-rebound urethane foam provides good turning and getting up when used, for example, as bedding. For low-rebound urethane foam, a rebound elasticity of less than 15% is preferable. Low-rebound urethane foam provides good pressure distribution when used, for example, as bedding. When the rebound elasticity is between 15% and less than 30%, there is a good balance of pressure distribution, turning and getting up when used, for example, as bedding. (4) Tensile strength, elongation, tear strength The tensile strength (JIS K6400-5) is preferably 30 kPa or higher, more preferably 50 kPa or higher, and even more preferably 80 kPa or higher. The upper limit of the tensile strength is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 200 kPa or lower. The elongation (JIS K6400-5) is preferably 50%-500%, but may be 80% or more, 100% or more, or 150% or more. The tear strength (JIS K6400-5) is preferably 2 N / cm or higher, and more preferably 4 N / cm or higher. The upper limit of the tear strength is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 10 N / cm or lower. (5) The repeated compressive residual strain (JIS K6400-4 Method B) is preferably 15% or less, but may be 10% or less, 8% or less, 5% or less, or 3% or less. (6) The compressive residual strain (JIS K6400-4 Method A, dry heat strain) is preferably 20% or less, but may be 15% or less, 10% or less, 8% or less, 5% or less, or 3% or less. The compression strain was calculated according to JIS K6400-4 Method A. The sample was compressed to 50% of its original thickness and left in a 70°C drying oven for 48 hours. After the compression was released, the thickness was measured, and the compression strain was calculated as the percentage of deformation relative to the original thickness. (7) Air permeability The air permeability (JIS K6400-7 Method A) is preferably 50 L / min or more, more preferably 70 L / min or more, and even more preferably 90 L / min or more. The upper limit of the air permeability is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 300 L / min or less. (8) Number of cells The cell count (JIS K6400-1) is preferably 10-100 (cells / 25mm), more preferably 20-80 (cells / 25mm), and even more preferably 30-60 (cells / 25mm). A cell count above the specified value is an indicator that the cells are fine and that the polyurethane foam has a good feel when touched.

[0028] (9) Dehydration The polyurethane foam preferably has a dewatering rate of 40% or more, more preferably 42% or more, even more preferably 45% or more, even more preferably 50% or more, and even more preferably 60% or more, according to the following washing test method. A high dewatering rate is one indicator of excellent dewatering performance during washing. <Laundry Test Method> [1] Cut a 200mm x 200mm x 30mm sample from the polyurethane foam and measure its mass. This mass is to be taken as the pre-dehydration mass (Ag). [2] Place the sample in a laundry net. [3] Immerse the sample in a laundry net in a container filled with water and knead it by hand to allow the sample to absorb the water. [4] Place the water-soaked sample in a laundry net into a washing machine (Panasonic, NA-FS60H7) and spin-dry it using the spin-only cycle. [5] After dehydration is complete, measure the mass of the sample. This mass is to be called the dehydration mass Bg. [6] Calculate the dehydration rate (%) based on the following formula. Dehydration rate = (A / B)×100

[0029] 4. Effects and Uses of Polyurethane Foam The polyurethane foam of this embodiment has excellent washability. For example, unlike this embodiment, with hydrophobic polyurethane foam (e.g., polyurethane foam with excellent water repellency), even if it is easy to drain water after washing, water does not sufficiently penetrate to the interior during washing, and dirt cannot be sufficiently removed. On the other hand, since the polyurethane foam of this embodiment contains polyether-modified polysiloxane, hydrophilicity is imparted to the surface of the polyurethane foam, allowing water to penetrate to the interior during washing and remove dirt from the inside. Furthermore, since the polyurethane foam of this embodiment has high dewatering properties, water can be sufficiently drained during dewatering. Furthermore, since the polyurethane foam of this embodiment has excellent drying properties, the polyurethane foam is easy to dry. For these reasons, it is suitable for various applications as a washable polyurethane foam. In particular, the technology of this disclosure is useful in applications where dirt easily accumulates and washing is desired, and in applications where outdoor furniture, such as outdoor furniture, is used outdoors and may get wet. Specifically, articles comprising the polyurethane foam of this embodiment include bedding, pillows, mattresses, cushions, seat pads, cleaning sponges, clothing pads, bra pads, vehicle seat pads, cushions, sofas, rugs, and covers. If the polyurethane foam of this embodiment is in the form of a sheet, it is preferable that the sheet be able to be dewatered in a rotary dewatering tank while rolled up or folded.

[0030] The presumed mechanism by which the polyurethane foam of this embodiment exhibits excellent drying properties is not clear, but it can be confirmed as follows. However, this disclosure is not to be interpreted as being limited in any way by this mechanism. The polyurethane foam of this embodiment contains polyether-modified polysiloxane, and the surface of the polyurethane foam is given hydrophilicity. Hereinafter, the polyurethane foam of this embodiment will be referred to as hydrophilic polyurethane foam, and polyurethane foam that does not contain polyether-modified polysiloxane and has superior water repellency compared to hydrophilic polyurethane foam will be referred to as hydrophobic polyurethane foam.

[0031] First, let's explain the mechanism related to dynamic surface tension. Hydrophilic polyurethane foam has low surface tension, and water spreads easily across its surface. Therefore, the surface area in contact with the air is large, and it is thought to dry (evaporate) easily. On the other hand, hydrophobic polyurethane foam has high surface tension, making it difficult for water to spread across the surface. Therefore, the area of ​​water on the surface that is in contact with the air is small, and it is thought that it is difficult for water to dry (evaporate). The mechanism of dynamic surface tension can be demonstrated, for example, by the following experiments. However, this disclosure is not limited in any way to the content of the following experiments (evaporation behavior confirmation test 1, evaporation behavior confirmation test 2, etc.).

[0032] [Evaporation behavior confirmation test 1] The ease with which water evaporates from the surface of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polyurethane foams can be schematically demonstrated, for example, using 100g of water, as follows. In the case of hydrophilic polyurethane foam, 100g of water is divided into 10 containers of the same shape and material, with 10g of water in each. The water is divided in this way to schematically reproduce the state in which water spreads across the surface. On the other hand, in the case of hydrophobic polyurethane foam, all 100g is placed in one container of the same type as the aforementioned containers. The water is placed in one container in this way to schematically reproduce the state in which water does not spread across the surface. Next, each container was heated, and the time it took for 100g of water to completely evaporate was measured. The results showed that in the case of hydrophilic polyurethane foam, since 10 containers were used, the surface area of ​​water in contact with air was 10 times larger, resulting in faster evaporation.

[0033] [Evaporation behavior confirmation test 2] Two glass plates are placed one with tissue paper on it and the other without anything on it, and the same amount of water is dripped onto each. One glass plate has increased hydrophilicity due to the tissue paper, schematically replicating a hydrophilic polyurethane foam. The other glass plate does not have increased hydrophilicity, schematically replicating a hydrophobic polyurethane foam. Each glass plate is placed in a heated oven. The amount of water evaporated is then measured. According to Evaporation Behavior Confirmation Test 2, it was confirmed that more water evaporated when tissue paper was placed on the glass plate. From this test, it can be seen that hydrophilic polyurethane foam has better drying properties than hydrophobic polyurethane foam due to dynamic surface tension and the Marangoni effect, which will be discussed later.

[0034] Next, we will explain the estimated mechanism regarding the local difference in surface tension (Marangoni effect). Water droplets adhering to hydrophilic polyurethane foam have a larger surface area in contact with the air than water droplets adhering to hydrophobic polyurethane foam, so water evaporates more easily from the surface of the droplet. Due to evaporation from the surface, water droplets adhering to hydrophilic polyurethane foam create a local difference in surface tension, which can generate a flow from the center outward, also known as Marangoni convection. This action may accelerate the drying of water droplets adhering to hydrophilic polyurethane foam.

[0035] The uses of polyurethane foam are not particularly limited. Because the polyurethane foam of this embodiment has the characteristics described above, it is suitable for use in bedding. When polyurethane foam is used in bedding, it is preferable that the bedding consists only of the polyurethane foam of this embodiment. In such a configuration, the entire bedding may be made of one type of polyurethane foam of this embodiment, or the bedding may be made of two or more types of polyurethane foam of this embodiment that have different physical properties. [Examples]

[0036] 1. Manufacturing of polyurethane foam Compositions were prepared using the proportions shown in Table 1, and polyurethane foams for the examples and comparative examples were produced by slab foaming. Details of each ingredient are as follows: • Polyol: Polyether polyol, 3 functional groups, molecular weight 3000, hydroxyl value 56 mgKOH / g, ethylene oxide content 8% Water (foaming agent) • Amine catalyst 1: N,N-dimethylaminohexanol (6-dimethylamino-1-hexanol), Kaolizer No. 25, manufactured by Kao Corporation. • Amine catalyst 2: Triethylenediamine, 33LSI, manufactured by Evonik. • Foam stabilizer: Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, SZ-1136, manufactured by Toray Dow Corning. • Polyether-modified polysiloxane: poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-methyl-w-[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]disiloxanyl]propoxy], Ortegol HPH2, manufactured by Evonik. • Tin catalyst: Stannous octylate, MRH-110, manufactured by Johoku Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. • A mixture of isocyanates in a ratio of 1:2,4 tolylene diisocyanate / 2,6 tolylene diisocyanate, with a ratio of 80 / 20. • A mixture of 2:2,4-tolylene diisocyanate and 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate in a ratio of 65 / 35.

[0037] [Table 1]

[0038] 2. Evaluation For the polyurethane foams of the obtained examples and comparative examples, density (JIS K7222), hardness (25% hardness, JIS K6400-2 Method D), rebound elasticity (JIS K6400-3), tensile strength, elongation, tear strength (both JIS K6400-5), repeated compression residual strain (JIS K6400-4 Method B), compression residual strain (JIS K6400-4 Method A), air permeability (JIS K6400-7 Method A), and cell count (JIS K6400-1) were measured using the method described in the examples.

[0039] Furthermore, the dewatering properties of the polyurethane foams obtained in the examples and comparative examples were calculated using the method described in the examples. The washability of the polyurethane foams was comprehensively evaluated according to the following criteria. Good: It is a hydrophilic polyurethane foam with a dewatering capacity of 50% or more. Defective: Polyurethane foam with less than 50% dewatering capacity, or hydrophobic.

[0040] 3.Results The results are shown in Table 1. Comparative Examples 1-3 show the results for polyurethane foam obtained from compositions that do not contain polyether-modified polysiloxane. Comparative Examples 1-3 had poor washability. Example 1 shows the results for a polyurethane foam obtained from a composition containing a polyether polyol as the polyol and a predetermined amount of polyether-modified polysiloxane. Example 1 had better dewatering properties than Comparative Examples 1-3. Example 1 also had good washability.

[0041] Furthermore, the following inventions can also be understood from the above examples and comparative examples. The explanations of the specific features of the following inventions will be based on the above explanations as appropriate. Polyurethane foam with a dewatering rate of 46% or higher according to the washing test method described above.

[0042] According to the above embodiments, a polyurethane foam with good washability is provided.

[0043] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments detailed above, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A polyurethane foam obtained from a composition comprising a polyol, a polyether-modified polysiloxane, and an isocyanate, The polyol includes at least a polyether polyol with an ethylene oxide content of 0% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. The content of the polyether polyol is 50% by mass or more relative to the total polyol. The aforementioned polyether-modified polysiloxane is represented by the following formula: The composition is a polyurethane foam comprising more than 0 parts by mass and 3.0 parts by mass or less of the polyether-modified polysiloxane per 100 parts by mass of the polyol. 【Chemistry 1】 [In the formula, n is an integer between 1 and 10.]

2. A polyurethane foam obtained from a composition comprising a polyol, a polyether-modified polysiloxane, and an isocyanate, The polyol includes at least a polyether polyol with an ethylene oxide content of 0% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. The content of the polyether polyol is 50% by mass or more relative to the total polyol. The aforementioned polyether-modified polysiloxane is represented by the following formula: The composition contains more than 0 parts by mass and no more than 20 parts by mass of the polyether-modified polysiloxane per 100 parts by mass of the polyol. The density of the aforementioned polyurethane foam is 30 kg / m³. 3 That's all for polyurethane foam. 【Chemistry 2】 [In the formula, n is an integer between 1 and 10.]

3. An article comprising a polyurethane foam obtained from a composition containing a polyol, a polyether-modified polysiloxane, and an isocyanate, The polyol includes at least a polyether polyol with an ethylene oxide content of 0% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. The content of the polyether polyol is 50% by mass or more relative to the total polyol. The aforementioned polyether-modified polysiloxane is represented by the following formula: The composition contains more than 0 parts by mass and no more than 20 parts by mass of the polyether-modified polysiloxane per 100 parts by mass of the polyol. Items selected from bedding, pillows, mattresses, cushions, seat pads, cleaning sponges, clothing pads, bra pads, vehicle seat pads, cushions, sofas, rugs, and covers. 【Transformation 3】 [In the formula, n is an integer between 1 and 10.]