Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Materials

Chemistry In Pictures

Chemistry in Pictures: Forbidden macaron

by Craig Bettenhausen
October 25, 2023

 

Four cups with expanded foam coming out of the top.
Credit: Craig Bettenhausen/C&EN

The chemistry at the core of polyurethane materials is the simple reaction of an isocyanate with an alcohol. Chemists have come up with countless elaborations on that motif. Adjustments to the polymerization catalysts, monomers, and other ingredients lead to commercial products as diverse as memory foam mattresses and structural plywood beams. Though these samples at Huntsman’s R&D lab outside of Houston look like French pastries and miniature mushroom clouds, they’re rigid foam formulations the firm is optimizing for spray and panel polyurethane insulation.

Credit: Craig Bettenhausen/C&EN

Do science. Take pictures. Win money. Enter our photo contest here.

Click here to see more Chemistry in Pictures.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.