The Polyurethane Foam Book

Addendum: The History of Polyurethane

by Nick Clark

Otto Bayer, the father of polyurethane, was born in Frankfurt-am-Maine, Germany on November 4, 1902. He began to study chemistry at a very young age and seemed to be fascinated with the possibility of learning and working with new ideas. By the year 1924, Otto had received his doctorate from Frankfurt University while studying chemistry under Julius von Braun. While at Frankfurt University, Otto seemingly always found time to attend extra lectures on various aspects of chemistry, that helped satisfy his desire to learn more. From then on, the life of Otto was surrounded by great accomplishments that have changed our lives drastically.

In 1927, following an internship as a research assistant, Otto took a job as a research chemist for an industrial dye factory, Cassella Farbewerke of I.G. Farbenindustrie. After two years of working there, Otto had many research accomplishments “in the fields of vat and sulfur dyes and in the lightfastness of dyestuffs” and was promoted to a management position for his department. Then in 1933, while not quite 30 years old, Otto received another promotion for his work. This time he was transferred to be the head of the Central Scientific Laboratory of Bayer in the Leverkusen factory, where he dedicated most of his time to working with rubber chemicals and pharmaceuticals. For example, Otto developed “a new principle of synthesis for high-molecular-weight compounds.” This polyaddition process has become the basis of plastics chemistry worldwide.

Otto continued to research there and turned his studies to more polymer chemistry. He was trying to come up with a replacement for rubber in 1937, when he discovered the basic polyurethane chemistry. “The principle of polyaddition using diisocyanates is based on his research.” From his documented records on March 26, 1937 the basic idea relates to “spinnable products made of Hexane-1, 6-diisocyanate (HDI) and hexa-1, 6-diamine (HDA).” This new discovery opened up the doors to new possibilities in varies areas. Plastics, coatings, synthetic fibers, adhesives, and synthetic rubbers have all benefited from this process. Due to its versatility, it can be substituted for scarce materials and greatly enhanced many applications.

Polyurethane Chemistry was his greatest invention ever, while many were skeptical at first they would soon catch onto the idea. It took some time though as Otto continually worked on it for more than a decade and a half. “In spite of all the criticism and the cynical smiles of the experts, he involved more and more of his co-workers on the project.” Through that desire to achieve, a “profound knowledge of almost all aspects of organic chemistry”, and his perseverance, Otto “eventually succeeded in synthesizing polyurethane foam.” Along the way he helped motivate and inspire other young scientists to continue researching and developing new products.

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Introduction: by David B. South
Chapter One: What Is Polyurethane Foam?
Chapter Two: Spray-in-place Polyurethane Foam
Chapter Three: Foam Roofing
Chapter Four: R-value Fairy Tale
Chapter Five: Fire and Foam
Chapter Six: Application -- Substrates, Water and Blisters
Chapter Seven: Foam and Safety
Chapter Eight: Foam Equipment
Chapter Nine: Starting a Urethane Foam Business
Chapter Ten: Selling Polyurethane Foam for Use in Homes
Addendum: A History of Polyurethane by Nick Clark

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The Polyurethane Foam Book

Addendum: The History of Polyurethane

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