Use of Fluorocarbons in Rigid Foam Insulation: Issue Paper

摘要

The two main fluorocarbons used to manufacture rigid insulations are trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) and dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12). The use of these fluorocarbons in rigid foam insulation is the focus of this paper. The environmental impacts of the fluorocarbon emissions are discussed in Section 2.0. Section 3.0 contains an overview of the most common types of rigid insulation found in the construction industry. The primary types of foams are summarized in terms of thermal conductivity, cost, availability, and use of blowing agents. This information provides the basis for determining the existence of suitable alternatives to products that use fluorocarbons as blowing agents. These alternatives, along with conclusions and recommendations, are presented in Section 4.0. (ERA citation 12:030948)