Spray foam is used to insulate buildings around the globe. It not only provides insulation, but also improves structural strength and provides air sealing to the structures it is applied to. Spray foam systems and application techniques vary around the world. This paper compares Honeywell's low global warming potential (LGWP) polyurethane blowing agent (HBA-2) for spray foam in a global generic spray foam formulation under a variety of application conditions. This study shows that HBA-2 is a high- performing blowing agent (even more than 245fa) that is low in its global warming impact (GWP=7). Compared to 245fa, HBA2 is a better blowing agent in many respects: better initial and aged thermal insulation properties; better dimensional stability; better processing window; lower vapor pressure, implying that it can be shipped and stored, potentially allowing for greater shipping flexibility; better burn characteristics, indicating that flame retardant loadings (and formulation cost) could be reduced. In addition, HBA2 is comparable to 245fa in several other key performance characteristics: it can be processed through existing equipment; provides comparable properties in multiple lift applications; is applicable under a wide range of environmental conditions. HBA-2 is the ideal global replacement for 245fa. Honeywell is in the process of commercializing HBA2.
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