Chapter One
MDI, TDI and the polyurethane
Industry
MDI and TDI are high tonnage products, which comprise about 90% of the
total diisocyanate market. The predominant use of MDI and TDI is in the
manufacture of polyurethanes. Polyurethanes are produced by reacting diisocyanates
with polyols and other chemicals. The range of polyurethane types,
from flexible or rigid lightweight foams to tough, stiff elastomers, allows them
to be used in a wide diversity of consumer and industrial applications. Some
examples are:
Rigid foam
thermal insulation of buildings, refrigerators, deep freeze equipment, pipe-lines
and storage tanks;
buoyancy aids in boats and flotation equipment;
packaging;
furniture;
equipment housings.
Flexible foam
household furniture including bedding;
automotive seating;
cushioning for diverse industrial applications;
textile laminates.
Integral skin, semi-rigid and low density structural foams
steering wheels, headrests and other automotive interior trim components;
furniture elements;
sports goods such as skis and surf boa ... read full excerpt from MDI and TDI: Safety, Health and the Environment: A Source Book and Practical Guide ebook
