A valid substitute for CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane) for the production of rigid polyurethane foams for thermal insulating materials, with blowing agents having low environmental impact, is not available yet. HCFC-141b and n-pentane, at present the most utilized physical blowing agents (PBAs), cannot definitely replace CFCs because of their environmental impact and flammability, respectively. The aim of the present work is to investigate the opportunity of employing HCOOH as a chemical blowing agent (CBA), other than water, which can in some applications replace physical blowing agents. Advantages and disadvantages have been highlighted after studying the isocyanate-formic acid reaction. Evidently, the introduction of new reactions into the polyurethane chemistry introduces a wide range of opportunities and challenges. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Formic acid as co-blowing agent in rigid polyurethane foams
MODESTI, MICHELE;SIMIONI, FRANCESCO
1998
Abstract
A valid substitute for CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane) for the production of rigid polyurethane foams for thermal insulating materials, with blowing agents having low environmental impact, is not available yet. HCFC-141b and n-pentane, at present the most utilized physical blowing agents (PBAs), cannot definitely replace CFCs because of their environmental impact and flammability, respectively. The aim of the present work is to investigate the opportunity of employing HCOOH as a chemical blowing agent (CBA), other than water, which can in some applications replace physical blowing agents. Advantages and disadvantages have been highlighted after studying the isocyanate-formic acid reaction. Evidently, the introduction of new reactions into the polyurethane chemistry introduces a wide range of opportunities and challenges. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
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