Water Blown Polyurethane Foams?

[danhfromTO]

We've always used CFC- or HCFC-blown Polyurethane Foams, but the HCFC-141b stockpiles are waning and we plan on switching over to one of the so-called water-blown polyurethane foams.

Does anyone have any experience with development of water-blown foams? Is it really possible to expand polyurethane plastics without hydrocarbons? Any stability issues, either in the short or long term?

dan

 

[EGT01]

danhfromTO,

I have some knowledge of the raw materials to make polyurethane but not actual end product use. If you aren't aware, there are some polyurethane organizations that may be of interest.

http://www.pfa.org/

http://www.polyurethane.org/conferences/expo/2004/programOverview2.asp

The last one shows an upcoming conference covering blowing agents.

As far as I know, I thought water was a main ingredient for making PU foam. The water reacts with the isocyanate to form CO2. The CFC or HCFC is just an auxilliary, non-reactive blowing agent. So I believe the answer to your question "Is it really possible to expand polyurethane plastics without hydrocarbons?" is yes. Whether it alone can meet your product specs is another question.

It is always good to hear others experience but if you have an isocyanate supplier now, you may want to discuss with them about the different products they may have that can serve your needs. Hope you find the info you are looking for.