Silicone Surfactants for Balancing Physical Properties versusFlammability Performance in Rigid PUR Foam for ConstructionApplications

摘要

One of the most important performance attributes of a silicone surfactant used in rigid polyurethane (PUR) foam forconstruction applications is its impact on the foam flammability. Even though the surfactant is typically used at only 1% byweight in the formulation, the structure of the surfactant can directly affect the flame spread, flame height, mass retention,and smoke generation measured in various flammability standards. Furthermore, it is well known that the siliconesurfactant structure heavily influences the physical properties of PUR foam such as foam density, surface voiding, andinsulation value. We have conducted a multi-year fundamentals program to study the relationships between the surfactantstructure versus the resulting PUR foam physical properties and flammability performance. This paper will present some ofthe results from this study, as well as describe how we have used these results to design new rigid PUR surfactants that canbe balanced for flow, insulation properties, and flammability/smoke reduction.