Natural Oil Polyol (NOP) Based Polyurethane Slabstock Foam for Automotive Interior Foam-Fabric/Vinyl Laminate Construction (2011-01-0459)

The drive to incorporate renewable resources continues to gain momentum within the automotive industry. FXI has developed a grade of low (1.7 pcf) density slabstock foam which uses a natural oil polyol in place of a petroleum-based polyol. This foam grade, trademarked GreenBlend™, has been developed specifically to produce foam-fabric/vinyl laminates for automotive seating, and interior trim applications such as headrests, armrests, visors and door panels. This new foam grade satisfies all of the OEM specifications for physical properties, including fogging and flammability, and yields satisfactory bond strengths when flame-laminated to cover stock. It is also a cost competitive technology compared to conventional slabstock foam using petroleum-based polyols.