Abstract
During the last year all major European Appliance Manufacturers have chosen the cyclopentane options as blowing agent for polyurethane insulation as the optimum solution for the phase-out of CFCs. The reason for this choice is due to several factors, including: zero-ODP, environmental acceptance, reasonable low initial thermal conductivity, appropriate boiling point and proven availability. These factors outweighed the disadvantage of cyclopentane flammability and the related safety problems.
This paper presents the results of ICI Polyurethanes studies with cyclopentane foam in terms of: • processing and safety, including engineering advice for the modification of existing equipment, storage facilities and handling procedures • the VOC emission during handling and foaming process • the exothermicity of the reaction, overpack and pressure generation • the initial properties of the foam: thermal conductivity and thermal insulation efficiency on the cabinets, mechanical properties, dimensional stability, blowing efficiency and foam flowability • anticipation of long term performances, including diffusion and condensation phenomena, identification of accelerated method for the prediction of aged foam physical properties • the performances in domestic appliances in terms of the aging phenomena, the solubility of the cyclopentane in the PU foam and compatibility with plastic liners • the plasticizing effect on the PU matrix • the aspect related to the environmental impact
This paper also addresses the further developments being carried out with leading appliance manufacturers towards the improvement of key requirements, such as thermal conductivity, foam morphology and mechanical properties.
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