ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the molecular structures of the silicone polyether copolymer surfactants as they are used in the various applications of polyurethane foam and reviews the scientific research that has been carried out to define the many complex functions these surfactants perform in the processing of polyurethane foam. The largest commercial application of silicone surfactants is their use as additives for the production of polyurethane foam. Worldwide volume for silicone surfactants in polyurethane foam has been estimated at 30,000 metric tons/year. The growth of the silicone surfactants market parallels the growth of the polyurethane foam market. Polyether polyols were introduced in 1957, but foams from these polyols originally had to be produced in two steps: formation of a prepolymer from the polyol and the isocyanate, and then foaming via the addition of water, catalyst, and stabilizers. The prepolymer foams were also stabilized by silicone oils.
