Flexible polyurethane foam formulations require a precise balance between cell stability, cell opening and mechanical performance. Achieving this balance becomes particularly challenging when working with different foam systems and formulation conditions.
To further investigate this topic, Concentrol has published a new technical white paper entitled New surfactants for Flexible Slabstock Foam, presenting the development and evaluation of a new silicone surfactant for flexible polyurethane foam applications.
The study originated from previous industrial evaluations of Concentrol® STB PU-3244 K. While the product demonstrated very good performance in OH index 48 formulations using different blowing agents, opportunities for improvement were identified in OH index 56 formulations, particularly in viscoelastic systems, regarding structure and openness.
Based on these findings, the objective of the project was to develop a new surfactant capable of maintaining cell stability, providing good openness, avoiding excessive rigidity and remaining compatible with conventional slabstock formulations with OH indices of 48 and 56.
Several surfactant versions were tested in conventional slabstock and viscoelastic polyurethane foam formulations. The evaluation included the analysis of key physical parameters such as Compression Load Deflection (CLD), density and breathability.
The results showed that STB PU-3260 (V4) achieved a balanced overall performance across the different systems evaluated. The surfactant demonstrated comparable behaviour to the reference formulations in terms of mechanical properties, density and cell openness, while maintaining good foam stability throughout the process.
According to the conclusions of the study, STB PU-3260 (V4) is compatible with both conventional slabstock and viscoelastic systems, showing strong overall performance across the evaluated formulations.
Download the full white paper to explore the complete methodology, test results and conclusions.
