Polyether polyols themselves do not have strong irritating odors. However, in actual production processes, polyether polyols may generate a certain odor due to various factors, yet it typically does not adversely affect their chemical properties.

I. Sources of Traditional Polyether Polyol Odor

1. Acryloxy (or Allyloxy) Polyols

During the preparation of polyether polyols, if alkaline catalysts such as KOH are used, they may catalyze the copolymerization of propylene oxide on the initiator molecules, resulting in polyols terminated with acryloxy (or allyloxy) groups. Although these polyols are present in small amounts, they impart a unique and strong aromatic odor to the polyether polyols.

2. Aldehydes

During post-treatment (refinement) processes, a small amount of acrylic and allylic polyols formed by intramolecular rearrangement in polyether polyols may partially decompose under the action of acidic treating agents, producing aldehyde compounds. These aldehydes are one of the main sources of the odor of polyether polyols.

3. Peroxides

Raw materials such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide usually contain trace amounts of oxygen, and inadequate sealing of equipment during production may lead to the oxidation of polyether polyols by trace oxygen present in the reaction process, resulting in the formation of peroxides. Peroxides may also have a certain impact on the odor production of polyether polyols.

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are added during or after production to prevent oxidation of polyether polyols during storage and use. However, some antioxidants have a certain odor, which can also contribute to the odor production of polyether polyols.

II. Features and Applications of Low-Odor Polyols

As consumer requirements for environmental friendliness in products gradually increase, there is a growing demand for low-odor polyols. Their applications are particularly crucial in industries like furniture, automobile and garment.

In order to meet consumer demands, some producers have developed low-odor polyols through improving production processes and raw materials. For example, selecting amine-free antioxidants and employing methods such as nitrogen purging and vacuuming during the post-treatment process can effectively reduce the odor of polyether polyols.

Features

1. Extremely Low Odor Intensity

Compared to traditional polyether polyols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from low-odor polyols are significantly reduced by improving production processes and raw materials, thereby greatly reducing the presence of irritating odors.

2. Very Faint Odor

Such products are almost odorless or have an extremely mild chemical smell. This is a result of effective control during production over factors that could cause odors such as by-products, aldehydes, peroxides, and antioxidants.

Applications

1. Manufacturing

In the production of polyurethane foam plastics, coatings and adhesives, the use of low-odor polyols can significantly improve the environmental performance and market competitiveness of products. Particularly in industries such as automotive interiors and furniture manufacturing, low-odor products are more in line with consumers’ demands for health and environmental friendliness, which can enhance brand image and consumer satisfaction.

2. Medical

Medical supplies have very high requirements for material purity and non-toxicity. Due to low VOC emissions and low irritability, low-odor polyether polyols are suitable for producing medical mattresses, wheelchair cushions, and other products that directly contact the human body.

3. Environmental Protection

Low-VOC materials have minimal impact on the environment during production and use, helping to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the concept of sustainable development.

With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the rising awareness of environmental protection among consumers, the demand for low-odor polyols will continue to grow. In the future, more emphasis should be placed on technological innovation and product R&D to meet market demands for higher quality, lower-odor products. Polyether polyol producers can further promote the development of low-odor polyols through product upgrades, increasing consumer acceptance and other means.

Suggestions

To promote the sustainable development of low-odor polyether polyols, it is suggested that businesses focus on the following aspects: firstly, increase R&D investment to continuously improve the environmental performance and quality level of products; secondly, strengthen efforts in marketing promotion and brand building to enhance consumer awareness and acceptance of low-odor products; thirdly, actively participate in the formulation and revision of international standards and regulations to lay a foundation for the global expansion.