Hydrocarbon-Blown Formulations for Appliances and Rigid Panels: Available Solutions for Specific Local Regulations

摘要

Every country in the world is geared up to comply with the objectives of the Montreal Protocol, and its amendments which provide for the gradual and progressive replacement of Ozone depleting Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's). The deadlines for the phasing out of these harmful chemicals were set according to the economic and regional specific situation of each area. While many countries have just started the conversion from CFC's to mainly HCFC's, others are ready to take the next technological step. The progressive substitution of CFC's with other blowing agents - less harmful for the Ozone's layer - has posed a new technological challenge to every PU processor. When the rules of an existing game change, it becomes fundamental investing in strategic researches for the development of alternative solutions. At the heart of this gamble is the ability to implement innovative processes with environmentally and sustainable chemicals and obtain results equal to, if not better, those obtained using conventional blowing agents. The replacement of CFC's with hydrocarbons as expanding agent in rigid polyurethane foams for insulation applications - mostly for household and industrial refrigerators and freezers - is one of the most reliable alternatives available today.