Surfactant Polarity and the Development of New Silicone Surfactants for Rigid Polyurethane Foam

摘要

Rapid changes in blowing agent technology are forcing the development of new rigid foam systems. Particular attention must be focused on the role of the surfactant and other additives to obtain desired physical, processing, and performance properties as non-CFC blowing agents are employed. Two new surfactants have been developed to meet the diverse requirements of these systems based on an optimization of surfactant structure versus performance. DABCO® DC5604 surfactant has been designed for HCFC-141b / water co-blown and all-water blown rigid polyurethane systems to provide an optimal balance of both thermal and mechanical properties. DABCO DC 1598 experimental surfactant has been developed for improved k-factor, finer cell structure and better flow in cyclopentane rigid appliance formulations. A new technique will also be described for evaluating the polarity of a silicone surfactant, enabling better characterization, development and selection of surfactants for specific applications. (DABCO and Polycat are Registered Trade Marks of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.)