TDI is used in the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foam for products such as mattresses and furniture cushioning. TDI 80/20 is a common grade for flexible foam production. Grade selection should follow the requirements of the formulation, processing equipment and intended foam properties. Review the technical data and discuss your application before placing an order.
TDI Raw Material for Flexible Foam Production
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is an isocyanate raw material used in polyurethane formulations. This page concerns the raw material for foam production. It does not describe a finished mattress, cushion or ready-made foam product.
The appropriate TDI grade depends on the foam system. Different TDI grades have different isomer compositions and should be identified by their exact grade and manufacturer, rather than treated as interchangeable products.
Slabstock Foam, Mattresses and Furniture Cushioning
| Application or Process | Information to Include in Your Enquiry |
|---|---|
| Slabstock foam | Continuous or batch production, the existing formulation or grade and the foam properties used for product acceptance. |
| Mattress foam | The foam layer or end use, target density and hardness with the relevant test methods, and other customer requirements. |
| Furniture cushioning | Cushion type, production process and required comfort, recovery and durability properties. |
Slabstock describes a foam production format, while mattresses and furniture cushioning describe end uses. These terms can overlap in a project. Providing both the process and the end use helps clarify your requirements.
What TDI 80/20 Means
TDI 80/20 is a mixture of 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate in a nominal 80:20 isomer ratio. The designation does not mean that its purity is 80%. Isomer composition and purity are separate characteristics to review in the current product specification.
Read what TDI 80/20 means for the distinction between a grade designation, isomer composition and purity.
Technical Information to Review
Request the current manufacturer TDS and SDS for the exact product. Review the stated isomer composition, purity and other relevant specifications with their units, limits and test methods. Ask which batch documents are available if your purchasing specification requires a COA.
Target foam density, hardness or resilience describes the finished foam. These properties cannot be guaranteed from the TDI designation alone because the complete formulation and production process also affect the result. Provide the relevant test methods and acceptance criteria when requesting technical guidance.
Purchasing and Grade Selection Questions
- Which TDI manufacturer and grade are specified in the current formulation?
- Is the request for a repeat order, a new formulation or a potential grade change?
- Which process and equipment will be used, and which foam properties must be assessed?
- Which customer specifications, standards or documentation requirements apply?
- What quantity, packaging preference, destination and commercial terms are required?
A grade change should follow the technical evaluation required for your formulation and production process. A similar product name or isolated specification value does not establish equivalence.
Explore TDI Products
Review the TDI 80/20 product page and browse the TDI product catalog. Confirm the current technical documents, packaging and supply details for your order.