SEDL / STP / STP1116-EB / STP16346S

Fundamental Aspects of Thermal Conductivity Aging and Dimensional Stability of Rigid Polyurethane Foams

Smits, GF
Sr. Research ChemistSr. Associate Scientist, Dow Europe's Polyurethane R&D laboratories, Terneuzen,

Thoen, JA
Sr. Research ChemistSr. Associate Scientist, Dow Europe's Polyurethane R&D laboratories, Terneuzen,

Pages: 27    Published: Jan 1991

Download this paper for $25 PDF (752K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

One of the possible alternatives to eliminate the future use of CFC-11 as an essential blowing agent in rigid polyurethane foams, consists of a partial or complete replacement by carbon dioxide. The two major problems associated with the use of high levels of CO² are first, a significant deterioration of thermal insulation capacity with time, and second, a potential loss of dimensional stability due to the rapid effusion of CO². The paper gives an overview of the scope and limitations of this approach based on the results of extensive computational analysis and simulation.