Research of HCFC Blown Integral Skin Foam[UNKNOWN]mMorphology Study

Abstract

HCFCs are well-known to be the most likely liquid candidates which would replace CFC-11 as the blowing agent for polyurethane rigid foam and polyurethane integral skin foam. HCFC-123 (CHCI₂CF₃) is utilized in this research effort for replacing the conventionally used CFC-11 (CCl₃F) in the polyurethane integral skin foam with ozone depletion potential (ODP) level as high as 1.0. CFCs should be phased out prior to 1996.

First, suitable polyurethane integral skin foam is selected from formulation screen bench tests which employ HCFC-123 as the physical blowing agent (optimal chain extender/amine catalyst/organotin catalyst combination). Second, the formulation is scaled up to a pilot plant type line. Additionally, SEM (Scanning Electronic Microscopy) technology is used to study the influence of the factors (i.e. the blowing agent, the overall density, the processing parameters and the position of the product) on intermediate layer morphology.

A morphology model has already been proposed by Shutov (morphology of integral polymer foams[UNKNOWN]mMacromol. Chem., Macromol. Symp. 2, 1986) which concerns itself with the intermediate layer between the skin and the core foam of polyurethane integral skin foam. Polyurethane integral skin foam intermediate layer morphology by SEM technology has not yet been reported in previous literature. Applying SEM technology toward studying the polyurethane integral skin foam intermediate layer is a topic of valuable interest.

The research information contained within could be presented as a reference for the complete replacement of CFCs in the polyurethane integral skin foam which, subsequently, would be aimed toward the final goal of solving global environmental problems caused by the ozone layer depletion from CFCs.