Flexible polyurethane foam formulators now have access to a set of higher performing surfactant options for mattresses and other upholstered furniture with improved sustainability profile. Dow, the world’s leading materials science company, has introduced the next generation of low cyclics, low volatile silicone Vorasurf Surfactants.
“Flexible polyurethane foam formulators around the world are facing growing demands from brand owners and consumers for improved physical performance and ergonomics, as well as enhanced health and sustainability profiles for their foams,” said Justin Weare, North America marketing manager for Polyurethane Additives at Dow. “This new series of novel Vorasurf Surfactants is a testament to Dow’s commitment to bringing high quality, profitable polyurethane surfactant technology to the foam industry that address both the latest market trends and technical requirements.”
Vorasurf Polyurethane Surfactants empower formulators with an enhanced level of control over the physical properties of their foam, helping them meet the latest specifications on volatile content and emissions required by leading brand owners such as IOS-MAT-0010. These new-generation additives also allow formulators to easily comply with demanding regulatory and sustainability requirements around the world, helping ensure safe and compliant furniture products.
The new Vorasurf Surfactant series includes:
Vorasurf DC 5951LV Additive – an innovation primarily aimed at EO-rich polyol-based MDI/TDI systems and low- to medium-density conventional foams, including those based on auxiliary blowing agents. Vorasurf FF 5959 Additive: a new-generation surfactant offering finer control over cell size and foam recovery properties in flexible foam applications. Vorasurf DC 5906LV, Vorasurf DC 5950LV, Vorasurf DC 198LV Additives: low cyclics, low volatile grades of globally recognised industry standards for bedding and furniture, including medium-high density conventional foams, MDI viscoelastic foams, and applications requiring excellent flame retardancy.
