Effects of HFO 1233zd/Cyclopentane Blends on the Performance and Properties of an Appliance System

摘要

Fluorochemicals have been an integral component in polyurethane foams since the 1950s. The unique combination of boiling point, solubility, and thermal conductivity, inherent in these materials, has improved the insulation properties of rigid polyurethane foams. This improvement in insulation property has, in turn, reduced the energy consumption of various products which use rigid foam, such as domestic and commercial appliances as well as the buildings or homes that house those products. While there is a continued need for further reductions in energy consumption, fluorochemicals are also being challenged to have less impact on climate change by having a low Global Warming Potential (GWP). To meet those performance and environmental challenges, Arkema introduced the low GWP blowing agent, HFO 1233zd as Forane® 1233zd. We have shown many different foam applications blown with Forane® 1233zd, with improved thermal properties over high GWP materials such as HFC 245fa and hydrocarbons; applications such as appliance, spray foam, and various cold chain systems. In this paper, we will show the improvements in both system performance and foam properties that can be obtained by the addition of Forane® 1233zd to a cyclopentane blown appliance system. While maintaining the same blowing level, increasing amounts of Forane® 1233zd in the cyclopentane system, provided improvements in system flow as well as thermal insulation. Additionally, we will show other properties, such as adhesion, minimum fill weights, and resin blend shelf stability.