TDI 80/20 & Flexible Foam Polyol Sourcing Guide for West Africa: CIF Lagos Nigeria Drum Shipping & Foam Formulation Guide (2026)

Quick Summary for Foam Producers & Buyers

TDI 80/20 typically carries an NCO content of 48.2–48.5% and a viscosity of about 3 mPa·s at 25°C, while flexible polyether polyols of MW 3000 / 3500 typically show hydroxyl values of about 56 / 48 mg KOH/g at a nominal functionality of 3.0. D20 slabstock (20 kg/m³ density) is commonly run at a TDI index of 105–115. Ocean freight from Ningbo to Lagos (Apapa / Tin Can Island) is typically 30–38 days, depending on carrier and sailing schedule. TDI 80/20 is offered in 250 kg steel drums (80 drums per 20ft FCL, about 20 MT), polyol in 200 kg drums and 1,000 kg IBCs, all shipped with batch COA, TDS and SDS plus documentation support for Form M and SONCAP processing.

1. Direct Overview: West Africa Flexible Foam Demand

Nigeria is the largest flexible polyurethane foam market in West Africa, with production concentrated around Lagos and the wider South-West industrial belt plus secondary clusters near Onne and Port Harcourt. Output is dominated by continuous and box-foam slabstock for mattresses, upholstered furniture and cushions, with a smaller moulded foam segment supplying automotive seating and packaging. Plants range from single-line family operations to multi-block factories running several grades per shift, and most rely on imported TDI and polyol because local isocyanate and polyether capacity is limited. That makes stable raw-material supply, consistent batch quality and correct import documentation the three practical constraints on output. Buyers therefore plan around drum quantities, COA consistency and a documentation package that their bank and clearing agent can work with ahead of vessel arrival.

2. TDI 80/20 & Polyol Specification Tables

The values below are typical figures used as a starting point for formulation and incoming inspection. Always confirm against the batch COA and the latest TDS before releasing material to production.

Table 1: TDI 80/20 Typical Specifications

Table 2: Flexible Polyether Polyol MW 3000 / 3500

Values above are typical. Actual figures are subject to the batch COA and the latest TDS.

3. D20 Slabstock TDI Index Formulas

For a D20 block foam, the index and the isocyanate mass are linked by the hydroxyl and water equivalents of the polyol blend:

TDI index = [ ( TDI mass x NCO% / 100 / 42.02 ) / ( ( Polyol mass x OH value / 56,100 ) + ( Water mass x 2 / 18.015 ) ) ] x 100

TDI mass = TDI index / 100 x 42.02 x [ ( Polyol mass x OH value / 56,100 ) + ( Water mass x 2 / 18.015 ) ] / ( NCO% / 100 )

Water consumption：1 pbw water consumes about 9.67 pbw TDI 80/20 (at 48.3% NCO)

D20 slabstock is commonly run at an index of 105–115. The water level directly sets both density and hardness, so it must be adjusted together with the index rather than treated as an independent variable. In high-water systems the index should be raised accordingly to avoid collapse and to keep the block from settling.

4. Tropical Heat & Humidity: Scorch and Core Burning Control

Lagos and the wider coastal belt combine high ambient temperature with high relative humidity, both of which push exotherm and moisture pickup in the wrong direction. The following controls are the practical levers for keeping core colour and physical properties stable.

• Index control: avoid running at sustained high index; an elevated index intensifies exotherm and core discolouration.
• Catalyst balance: reduce stannous octoate and use amine catalysts to tune cream and rise, lowering concentrated heat release.
• Water and density: in humid conditions water variation shifts the exotherm curve, so calibrate water per batch.
• Antioxidants: pair a suitable antioxidant with a light-stabiliser system to reduce core yellowing.
• Block and heat dissipation: control block height and conveyor speed to improve centre cooling, adding a cooling station where needed.
• Environment management: log workshop temperature and relative humidity, and tighten drum sealing and nitrogen blanketing during the rainy season to limit polyol moisture pickup.

5. Drum Shipping, Form M & SONCAP Documentation

Packaging: TDI 80/20 in 250 kg steel drums, 80 drums per 20ft FCL (about 20 MT); polyol in 200 kg drums and 1,000 kg IBCs; bulk via 24,000 L ISO tanks where applicable.

Transit: typical ocean transit from Ningbo to Lagos (Apapa / Tin Can Island) is 30–38 days, varying by carrier and sailing schedule; Onne and Tema follow similar routing.

Documents: batch COA, TDS, SDS, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, dangerous goods declaration (UN 2078, Class 6.1).

Form M and SONCAP: DOBO provides the product and shipment documents required to support Form M application and SONCAP product certification processing. Issuance and clearance outcomes are determined by the authorised dealer bank, Nigerian Customs Service and SON respectively, so importers should confirm current requirements with their bank and clearing agent.

6. Frequently Asked Questions