Foam Blowing Agents
A blowing agent, or foaming agent, is a substance that can create cellular structures by the process of foaming in a range of materials that go through phase transitions or hardening, such as polymers, plastics, and metals. Usually, they are used when the blown material is still liquid.
The blowing agent used can be liquid or gas that is dissolved in the foam precursors and expands to form the foam once it is injected or sprayed and the foaming reaction begins. Optimization is crucial because efficiency and performance is highly dependent on the formulation.
Excellent-performing insulation reduces heat transfer to increase energy efficiency. Building insulation lessens heat gain or loss, enhancing tenant comfort and perhaps lowering energy expenditures. It minimizes heat gain and aids in maintaining precise temperature control during cold and chilled storage and transportation.
The demand for thermal insulation has significantly increased as the importance of buildings in lowering energy dependence and greenhouse gas emissions has come to light, which is consistent with these difficulties with energy performance in both new construction and rehabilitation. Energy consumption can be greatly reduced by retrofitting insulation into the building shells of existing structures.
Climate friendly blowing agents powered by HFO chemistry is the best option available and are more required for foam and adhesive applications. As impacted industries make changes towards sustainable alternatives, we will definitely see the rise and importance of HFO chemical solutions in the future. Yuji’s HFO blowing agents offer excellent performance qualities while featuring a low greenhouse effect index, making our chemicals ideal for your product development.
HFO Chemistry
Featuring low GWP and low ODP, unsaturated organic compounds containing hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon are known as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). They are utilized foam insulation industry with adoptions underway for its usage in more applications- such as refrigeration, aerosols, food industry and specialty working fluids for example.
The distinction between HFOs and HFC is the olefin, a term that simply denotes the presence of a double carbon bond inside the molecule. The difference is in the way the atoms are bonded because the atoms are the same as in CFC, HCFC, and HFC. Because of this olefin property, HFO molecules have a brief atmospheric lifespan, making them substantially more environmentally friendly than their predecessors. The atmospheric lifespan of a chemical and its global warming potential (GWP) are intimately correlated. The double bond makes the molecules less stable and leads to fast decomposition in the atmosphere which is just a few days instead of years and decades as in the case of HFCs.
HFOs are the fourth generation alternatives to previously widely used HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) which are currently being phased out as decided by the Paris Agreement & the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol. The 1990 Montreal Protocol, which prohibited ozone-depleting compounds, led to the replacement of numerous chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) as blowing agents in the foaming industry. Gaining much more popularity in the chemicals sector, are compounds based in HFO (hydrofluoro-olefin) chemistry, which have zero ozone depleting potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP). Transitioning to HFO foaming agents is a crucial step in decreasing the negative climate impact in the building and construction materials sector.
The first generation of blowing agents used in spray foam are chlorofluorocarbons. Due to their damaging characteristics, CFCs were outlawed in the 90s with a GWP value of above 4,000 and an ODP of 1. Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the second generation, were banned in 2005 due to their high GWPs (above 700) and ODPs.
Due to their destructive qualities, hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, the third generation of blowing agents, are also currently being phased out. The most recent laws that forbid HFCs from being used in spray foam insulation aim to lessen the usage and emission of heat-trapping substances that can contribute to global warming.
Partnering with Yuji for Spray Foam Product Development
Spray foam, adhesives, and insulation industries all use blowing agents. They enable materials to deliver heat resistance, foam, and/or expand, as in the case of applications in spray foam insulations, air conditioning or refrigeration systems. To achieve excellent performance, it is imperative to consider all the necessary properties of the foaming agent.
Because of these environmental regulations, the building and construction industry, residential and non-residential, and the roofing sectors, are directly impacted. Spray foam and refrigerant businesses are propelled to work with the formulation of their products in order to meet international standards
We work in conjunction with industry leaders, manufacturers, and our internal team of experts, Yuji develops the next generation chemical solutions needed for your business. Our product line of blowing agents with low greenhouse effect index directly supports the industry’s transition to sustainable alternatives.
Innovative chemical technologies power the world, that’s why Yuji’s advanced fluorochemicals are perfect for your product development. The protection of our environment and society is at the center of our vision as we imagine the chemical solutions that will shape the future.
