Catalyst Helps Rigid Polyurethane Foams
Air Products has introduced a non-emissive catalyst that the company says is designed to help polyurethane foam producers maximize foam performance in “next generation” hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agents.
Polycat 204 helps achieve six to eight months of system stability in the new HFO blowing agents, according to the company.
New HFO blowing agents are being used to help phase out traditional HFCs as a way to reduce potential global warming concerns. HFCs—and now HFOs—can be used as spray foam insulation; refrigerator/freezer insulation; and panel insulation for building structures, says Air Products.
“Relative to conventional amine catalysts, Polycat 204 catalyst provides significantly more shelf stability in rigid foam systems containing Solstice LBA...while also reducing VOC emissions,” says Steve Hulme, vice president and general manager of Polyurethane Additives for Air Products.
The company says it is working with Honeywell on its Solstice LBA HFO to help the foam spray insulation achieve greater results. Solstice LBA has a global warming potential footprint of 1, which the company says is equal to that of carbon dioxide.
Polycat 204 will help act as a catalyst for what it says is an ozone-friendly, VOC-exempt and nonflammable rigid foam, Air Products says.
More information: http://www.airproducts.com.
