Data center panel

Abstract

To provide a panel that can be suitably used in data centers. [Solution] A data center panel is provided which contains a fluororesin, the light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 560 nm is 80% or more, and the flammability grade of the fluororesin according to the UL94 flammability standard is V-0 or higher.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to panels for data centers. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a sheet used to partition a room comprising a plurality of racks for housing heating equipment, an air conditioner, a cold aisle for supplying cool air from the air conditioner to the racks, and a hot aisle for supplying warm air, which is heated as the cool air passes through the racks, wherein the sheet comprises a curable resin layer impregnated into a glass fiber fabric, has a total light transmittance of 80% or more, a haze of 20% or less, and is measured according to section 4.10.2 of the "Methods for Testing and Evaluating Fire Resistance Performance" (revised March 1, 2014) of the Building Materials Testing Center, which measures a heat generation capacity of 50 kW / m² from a radiant electric heater to the surface of the sheet. 2 In a heat generation test involving irradiation with radiant heat, the maximum heat generation rate after the start of heating remained at 200 kW / m² for 10 seconds or more. 2 The total heat output does not exceed 8 MJ / m³. 2 The following conditions apply, and the bending stiffness measured using a pure bending tester KES-FB2-S manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd. is 10 gf·cm². 2 The sheet is described as being at least / cm. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-105420 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] This disclosure aims to provide a panel that can be suitably used in data centers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a panel for a data center that contains a fluororesin, wherein the light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 560 nm is 80% or more, and the flammability grade of the fluororesin in the UL94 standard for flammability is V-0 or higher.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a panel that can be suitably used in a data center.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail, but the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0008] In a data center (information and communication machine room), racks that house IT devices such as servers, storage devices, and network devices are arranged in a horizontal row. In order to improve the cooling efficiency, the rack rows are arranged such that the intake surfaces of each rack row face each other and the exhaust surfaces of each rack row face each other. Cold air is supplied to the cold air passage (cold aisle) sandwiched between two intake surfaces, and warm air is exhausted to the warm air passage (hot aisle) sandwiched between two exhaust surfaces. If warm air flows into the cold air passage, the cooling efficiency will decrease. Therefore, the cold air passage and the warm air passage are partitioned by a sheet or a panel.

[0009] As a sheet for partitioning the cold air passage and the warm air passage, the above-described sheet has been proposed in Patent Document 1. However, it has been clarified that the sheet described in Patent Document 1 cannot sufficiently suppress fires. A new technology that can improve the safety of the data center is required.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a panel for a data center that can be suitably used in a data center, can facilitate the management of IT devices and the like in the data center, and can also improve the safety of the data center.

[0011] The data center panels of this disclosure contain a fluororesin. In one embodiment, the fluororesin used in this disclosure has a light transmittance of 80% or more at a wavelength of 560 nm and a flammability grade of V-0 or higher according to the UL94 flammability standard.

[0012] Because the fluororesin forming the panel has a light transmittance of 80% or more at a wavelength of 560nm, even when LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are used as lighting fixtures in the data center, IT equipment installed in the passageway becomes easier to see from outside the passageway, thus facilitating the management of IT equipment installed in the passageway.

[0013] Furthermore, because the flammability grade of the fluororesin used to form the panels is V-0 or higher according to the UL94 standard, the panels are less likely to burn even if a fire occurs in the data center, thereby enhancing the safety of the data center.

[0014] In one embodiment, the panel of the Disclosure is used to separate a cold air passage from another space. In one embodiment, the panel of the Disclosure is used to separate a warm air passage from another space. In one embodiment, the panel of the Disclosure is used to separate a cold air passage from a warm air passage. In one embodiment, the panel of the present disclosure is used in a data center room where a plurality of rack rows form a cold air passage and a warm air passage, for separating the cold air passage from other spaces in the room, or for separating the warm air passage from other spaces in the room, or for separating the cold air passage from the warm air passage. Typically, each rack in a rack array houses IT equipment such as servers, storage devices, and network devices. Cool air is usually supplied by an air conditioner and is, for example, a gas with a temperature of 20°C or lower. Warm air is usually discharged from the IT equipment and is, for example, a gas with a temperature of 30°C or higher. Passageways may be spaces where airflow is forced.

[0015] Because the panel of this disclosure has the configuration described above, by using the panel of this disclosure, even if IT equipment etc. in the passageway catches fire, the occurrence of fire in the passageway can be easily visually detected from outside the passageway, and because the panel is difficult to burn, it is easier to prevent the fire from spreading outside the passageway. In addition, even in the event of a fire that occurs outside the passageway, because the panel is difficult to burn, it is easier to prevent the fire from spreading to IT equipment inside the passageway, thereby preventing data loss due to the burning of IT equipment. Therefore, by using the panel of this disclosure, the security of the data center can be enhanced.

[0016] Incidentally, it is conceivable to form data center panels from polycarbonate. However, polycarbonate panels have the drawback of being poorly flame-retardant and low-smoke. Furthermore, although it is known that flame retardants can be added to polycarbonate to impart flame retardancy, it is difficult to form panels with sufficient low-smoke properties, or to form panels with sufficient transparency due to reduced transparency. The panel of this disclosure, having the above-described configuration, possesses excellent flame retardancy, excellent low-smoke properties, and excellent transparency, and can enhance the safety of data centers to a level that is not achievable with polycarbonate panels.

[0017] In one embodiment, the light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 560 nm is 80% or more, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 88% or more, even more preferably 90% or more, preferably 100% or less, and more preferably 99% or less. Light at a wavelength of 560 nm is the green light contained in the light emitted from the LED. By forming a panel using a fluororesin with high light transmittance at a wavelength of 560 nm, even when LEDs are used as operation lamps to indicate the operating status of IT equipment in a data center, the operating status of IT equipment installed in the passageway becomes easier to see.

[0018] In one embodiment, the light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 470 nm is 80% or more, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 88% or more, even more preferably 90% or more, preferably 100% or less, and more preferably 99% or less. Light at a wavelength of 470 nm is the blue light contained in the light emitted from the LED. By forming a panel using a fluororesin with high light transmittance at a wavelength of 470 nm, even when LEDs are used as operation lamps to indicate the operating status of IT equipment in a data center, the operating status of IT equipment installed in the passageway becomes easier to see.

[0019] In one embodiment, the light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 660 nm is 80% or more, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 88% or more, even more preferably 90% or more, still more preferably 92% or more, preferably 100% or less, and even more preferably 99% or less. Light at a wavelength of 660 nm is the red light contained in the light emitted from the LED. By forming a panel using a fluororesin with high light transmittance at a wavelength of 660 nm, even when LEDs are used as operation lamps to indicate the operating status of IT equipment in a data center, the operating status of IT equipment installed in the passageway becomes easier to see.

[0020] The light transmittance of fluororesin at wavelengths of 560 nm, 470 nm, and 660 nm can be measured using a spectrophotometer after preparing a 0.1 mm thick measurement sheet using fluororesin.

[0021] In one embodiment, the total light transmittance of the fluororesin is 80% or more, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 88% or more, even more preferably 90% or more, preferably 100% or less, and more preferably 99% or less. By forming the panel using a fluororesin with high total light transmittance, the operating status of IT equipment installed in the passageway becomes easier to see.

[0022] The total light transmittance of fluororesin can be measured using a haze meter after preparing a 0.1 mm thick measuring sheet using fluororesin.

[0023] In one embodiment, the flammability grade of the fluororesin according to the UL94 standard is V-0 or higher. By using a fluororesin with a flammability grade of UL94V-0 or higher, the flame retardancy of the panel can be increased, thereby enhancing the safety of the data center.

[0024] The flammability grade of fluoropolymers can be determined by conducting the UL94 vertical combustion test, which is a safety standard.

[0025] By using fluororesin, it is possible to create panels with a low coefficient of friction and resistance to scratches. Therefore, a decrease in light transmittance due to scratches is less likely to occur, and the high light transmittance of the panel can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0026] In one embodiment, the fluororesin is resistant to flame propagation and has low smoke emission properties. Because the fluororesin has low smoke emission properties, even if it burns, it is possible to form a panel that does not generate much smoke. Therefore, it becomes easier to detect the occurrence of a fire early and to identify the location of the fire early, which facilitates initial fire suppression and further enhances the safety of the data center. Because it has the property of being resistant to flame propagation, even if it burns, the flame will not spread through the panel, further enhancing the safety of the data center.

[0027] In one embodiment, the light transmittance of the data center panel at a wavelength of 560 nm is 80% or more, preferably 82% or more, more preferably 84% or more, even more preferably 86% or more, preferably 100% or less, and more preferably 99% or less. Since the operation lamps that indicate the operating status of IT equipment installed in passageways are usually green, the data center panel is required to have a particularly high light transmittance at a wavelength of 560 nm, which is green.

[0028] In one embodiment, the light transmittance of the data center panel at a wavelength of 470 nm is 80% or more, preferably 81% or more, more preferably 82% or more, even more preferably 83% or more, preferably 100% or less, and more preferably 99% or less.

[0029] In one embodiment, the light transmittance of the data center panel at a wavelength of 660 nm is 80% or more, preferably 83% or more, more preferably 86% or more, even more preferably 89% or more, preferably 100% or less, and more preferably 99% or less. Since red is usually used as the color to indicate an abnormal state in the operation lamps that show the operating status of IT equipment installed in passageways, the data center panel is required to have a particularly high light transmittance at a wavelength of 660 nm, which is red.

[0030] The light transmittance of data center panels at wavelengths of 560 nm, 470 nm, and 660 nm can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the type of fluororesin and the thickness of the panel.

[0031] The light transmittance of data center panels at wavelengths of 560 nm, 470 nm, and 660 nm can be measured using a spectrophotometer with the data center panel itself.

[0032] In one embodiment, the total light transmittance of the data center panel is 80% or more, preferably 81% or more, more preferably 83% or more, even more preferably 85% or more, preferably 100% or less, and more preferably 99% or less.

[0033] The total light transmittance of data center panels can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the type of fluororesin and the thickness of the panel.

[0034] The total light transmittance of a data center panel can be measured using a haze meter with the data center panel itself.

[0035] In one embodiment, the flammability grade of the data center panel according to the UL94 standard is V-0 or higher. By using a data center panel with flame retardancy of UL94V-0 or higher, the safety of the data center can be enhanced.

[0036] The flammability grade of data center panels can be determined by performing a vertical combustion test according to the safety standard UL94.

[0037] In one embodiment, a data center panel containing fluororesin has a low coefficient of friction and is less susceptible to a decrease in light transmittance due to scratches, thus enabling the panel to maintain its high light transmittance for a long period of time.

[0038] In one embodiment, the data center panel is resistant to flame propagation and has low smoke emission properties. Because the data center panel has low smoke emission properties, even if it burns, less smoke is generated, making it easier to detect a fire early and to identify the location of the fire early. This facilitates initial fire suppression and further enhances the safety of the data center. Because it has the characteristic of being resistant to flame propagation, even if it burns, the flame will not spread through the panel, further enhancing the safety of the data center.

[0039] In one embodiment, the thickness of the data center panel is 0.05 to 10 mm, and may be 0.05 mm or more, 0.1 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 0.8 mm or more, or 1.0 mm or more, and may be 8.0 mm or less, 7.0 mm or less, or 6.0 mm or less.

[0040] In one embodiment, the data center panel may be single-layer or multi-layer. In one embodiment, the data center panel may have a multi-layer structure comprising a layer containing a fluororesin and a layer containing a polymer different from the fluororesin. Preferred polymers different from the fluororesin are thermoplastic resins (excluding fluororesins), such as polyamide resins, ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymer resins, polyolefin resins, vinyl chloride resins, polyurethane resins, polyester resins, polyaramid resins, polyimide resins, polyamide-imide resins, polyphenylene oxide resins, polyacetal resins, polycarbonate resins, acrylic resins, styrene resins, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene resins [ABS], cellulose resins, polyetheretherketone resins [PEEK], polysulfone resins, polyethersulfone resins [PES], polyetherimide resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polybutylene naphthalate resins, polybutylene terephthalate resins, and polyphthalamide [PPA].

[0041] In one embodiment, the data center panel may contain other components besides fluororesin, as long as they do not impair the purpose of this disclosure. Examples of other components include reinforcing agents, fillers, ultraviolet absorbers, and pigments.

[0042] In one embodiment, the content of fluororesin in the data center panel is preferably 90% by weight or more, more preferably 95% by weight or more, even more preferably 98% by weight or more, particularly preferably 99% by weight or more, and most preferably 100% by weight, relative to the mass of the data center panel. That is, it is most preferable that the data center panel is composed substantially only of fluororesin. In this case, it may contain trace amounts of impurities that are inevitably present.

[0043] Next, we will explain in detail the fluororesin used to form data center panels.

[0044] Fluororesins are partially crystalline fluoropolymers, not fluororubbers, but fluoroplastics. Fluororesins have a melting point and are thermoplastic. Fluororesins may be melt-processable or non-melt-processable, but melt-processable fluororesins are preferred because they allow for high productivity in sheet production through melt extrusion molding.

[0045] In this disclosure, melt processability means that the polymer can be melted and processed using conventional processing equipment such as extruders and injection molding machines. Therefore, melt processable fluororesins typically have a melt flow rate of 0.01 g / 10 min or more and 500 g / 10 min or less.

[0046] In one embodiment, the halogen content of the fluororesin is more than 40%, preferably 42% or more, more preferably 44% or more, even more preferably 46% or more, and still more preferably 48% or more, with no particular upper limit, and may be 100% or less.

[0047] The halogen content of fluororesins is 19Based on the structural formula of the fluororesin (polymer molecule) identified by analytical methods such as F-NMR analysis and elemental analysis, the halogen content is the ratio of halogen atoms to the total number of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms in the fluororesin, and can be calculated from the monomer composition of the fluororesin. The halogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms in the fluororesin may be fluorine atoms or chlorine atoms, or may be fluorine atoms. The halogen content of the fluororesin may be the total content of fluorine atoms and chlorine atoms, or may be the fluorine atom content.

[0048] In one embodiment, the melting point of the fluororesin is 100 to 320°C, preferably 110°C or higher, preferably 300°C or lower, more preferably 280°C or lower, and even more preferably 260°C or lower.

[0049] The melting point is the temperature corresponding to the maximum value in the heat of fusion curve when the temperature is increased at a rate of 10°C / min using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).

[0050] In one embodiment, the melt flow rate (MFR) of the fluororesin at any temperature in the range of 230 to 350°C (for example, 265°C or 297°C) is preferably 0.1 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 0.5 g / 10 min or more, even more preferably 1.0 g / 10 min or more, preferably 100 g / 10 min or less, more preferably 90 g / 10 min or less, even more preferably 80 g / 10 min or less, particularly preferably 70 g / 10 min or less, and most preferably 60 g / 10 min or less. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, the melt flow rate (MFR) of the fluororesin is preferably 0.5 to 20 g / 10 min, more preferably 1 to 10 g / 10 min.

[0051] The melt flow rate can be determined, for example, by using a melt indexer to measure the mass (g) of fluororesin flowing out of a nozzle with an inner diameter of 2 mm and a length of 8 mm per unit time (10 minutes) at any temperature (e.g., 265°C or 297°C) and any load (e.g., 21.2 N or 49 N).

[0052] In one embodiment, the fluororesin is selected from the group consisting of ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene [TFE] / hexafluoropropylene [HFP] copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene [TFE] / perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) [PAVE] copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene [TFE] / hexafluoropropylene [HFP] copolymer, ethylene / chlorotrifluoroethylene [CTFE] copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene [TFE] / hexafluoropropylene [HFP] / vinylidene fluoride [VdF] copolymer, vinylidene fluoride [VdF] / tetrafluoroethylene [TFE] copolymer, ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene [TFE] copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene [PCTFE], and chlorotrifluoroethylene [CTFE] / tetrafluoroethylene [TFE] / perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) [PAVE] copolymer.

[0053] In one embodiment, the fluororesin is selected from the group consisting of ethylene / TFE / HFP copolymer, ethylene / CTFE copolymer, TFE / HFP / VdF copolymer, VdF / TFE copolymer, and ethylene / TFE copolymer.

[0054] In one embodiment, the fluororesin used to form the data center panel has a light transmittance of 80% or more at a wavelength of 560 nm, and a flammability grade of V-0 or higher according to the UL94 flammability standard. The fluororesin described above typically possesses these physical properties.

[0055] The ethylene / TFE / HFP copolymer is a copolymer containing ethylene units, TFE units and HFP units. The above ethylene / TFE / HFP copolymer preferably contains 30 to 70 mol% of ethylene units, 20 to 55 mol% of TFE units and 1 to 30 mol% of HFP units, more preferably contains 33 to 60 mol% of ethylene units, 25 to 52 mol% of TFE units and 4 to 25 mol% of HFP units, and even more preferably contains 35 to 55 mol% of ethylene units, 30 to 47 mol% of TFE units and 8 to 20 mol% of HFP units.

[0056] In addition, the above ethylene / TFE / HFP copolymer preferably further contains polymerization units of ethylenically unsaturated monomers (excluding ethylene, TFE and HFP). The content of the polymerization units of the above ethylenically unsaturated monomers may be 0.1 to 10 mol%, 0.1 to 5 mol%, 0.2 to 1 mol%, or 0.3 to 0.8 mol% based on all the polymerization units.

[0057] The above ethylenically unsaturated monomers are not particularly limited as long as they are monomers copolymerizable with ethylene, TFE and HFP, but are preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated monomers represented by the following formulas (1) and (2) (excluding TFE and HFP).

[0058] Formula (1): CX 1 X 2 =CX 3 (CF2) n X 4 (wherein X 1 , X 2 , X 3 and X 4 are the same or different and represent H, F or Cl, and n represents an integer of 0 to 8.)

[0059] Formula (2): CF2=CF-ORf 1 (wherein Rf 1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.)

[0060] The ethylenically unsaturated monomer represented by formula (1) is CF2 = CFCl, as shown in formula (3): CH2 = CF - (CF2) n X 4 (3) (In the formula, X 4 And n is the same as above. ), and the following equation (4): CH2=CH-(CF2) n X 4 (4) (In the formula, X 4 (and n are the same as above.) Preferably, it is at least one selected from the group consisting of CF2=CFCl, CH2=CFCF3, CH2=CH-C4F9, and CH2=CH-C6F 13 It is more preferable that it be at least one selected from the group consisting of CF2=CFCl and CH2=CH-C6H 13 It is more preferably at least one selected from CH2=CFCF3 and CH2=CF-C3F6H, with CH2=CF-C3F6H (i.e., 2,3,3,4,4,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene (CH2=CFCF2CF2CF2H)) being particularly preferred.

[0061] The ethylenically unsaturated monomer represented by formula (2) is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of CF2=CF-OCF3, CF2=CF-OCF2CF3, and CF2=CF-OCF2CF2CF3.

[0062] The melting point of the ethylene / TFE / HFP copolymer is preferably 100°C or higher, more preferably 110°C or higher, preferably 250°C or lower, even more preferably 240°C or lower, particularly preferably 230°C or lower, and most preferably 220°C or lower.

[0063] The MFR (at 265°C) of the ethylene / TFE / HFP copolymer is preferably 0.1 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 0.5 g / 10 min or more, even more preferably 1.0 g / 10 min or more, preferably 100 g / 10 min or less, more preferably 90 g / 10 min or less, even more preferably 80 g / 10 min or less, particularly preferably 70 g / 10 min or less, and most preferably 60 g / 10 min or less. The MFR of the ethylene / TFE / HFP copolymer is measured at a temperature of 265°C and a load of 49 N.

[0064] Ethylene / CTFE copolymer (ECTFE) is a copolymer containing ethylene units and CTFE units. Preferably, the ECTFE is a copolymer with a molar ratio of ethylene units to CTFE units (ethylene units / CTFE units) of 30 / 70 or more and 70 / 30 or less. A more preferred molar ratio is 40 / 60 or more and 60 / 40 or less, and an even more preferred molar ratio is 46 / 54 or more and 52 / 48 or less. ECTFE may be a binary copolymer consisting only of ethylene units and CTFE units, or it may further contain polymerization units based on monomers copolymerizable with ethylene and CTFE (e.g., fluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PAVE) derivatives).

[0065] The content of polymerization units based on monomers copolymerizable with ethylene and CTFE is preferably 0.01 mol% or more, and preferably 5 mol% or less, relative to the total of ethylene units, CTFE units, and polymerization units based on the copolymerizable monomers.

[0066] The MFR (at 275°C) of ECTFE is preferably 0.1 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 0.5 g / 10 min or more, even more preferably 1.0 g / 10 min or more, preferably 100 g / 10 min or less, more preferably 90 g / 10 min or less, even more preferably 80 g / 10 min or less, particularly preferably 70 g / 10 min or less, and most preferably 60 g / 10 min or less. The MFR of ECTFE is measured at a temperature of 275°C and a load of 21.2 N.

[0067] Ethylene / TFE copolymer (ETFE) is a copolymer containing ethylene units and TFE units. The lower limit of the ethylene unit content in ETFE is preferably 10 mol%, 20 mol%, or 30 mol%. The upper limit of the ethylene unit content in ETFE is preferably 90 mol%, 80 mol%, 70 mol%, 60 mol%, or 50 mol%. The lower limit of TFE units in ETFE is preferably 10 mol%, 20 mol%, 30 mol%, 40 mol%, or 50 mol%. The upper limit of TFE units in ETFE is 90 mol%, 80 mol%, or 70 mol%. The above ETFE may be a copolymer consisting of TFE, ethylene, and monomers copolymerizable with TFE and ethylene. Examples of copolymerizable monomers include those specified in the following formula: CH2=CX 5 Rf 3 CF2=CFRf 3 CF2 = CFORf 3 CH2=C(Rf 3 )2 (In the formula, X 5 is H or F, Rf 3 represents a fluoroalkyl group which may contain an ether bond. Examples of monomers represented by ) include, among them, CF2=CFRf 3 CF2 = CFORf 3 and CH2=CX 5 Rf 3 Preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of fluorine-containing vinyl monomers represented by HFP, CF2=CF-ORf 4 (In the formula, Rf 4 represents a perfluoroalkyl group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms. ) represents perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) and Rf 3 CH2=CX is a fluoroalkyl group with 1 to 8 carbon atoms. 5 Rf 3 More preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of fluorine-containing vinyl monomers represented by is preferred. Examples of fluorine-containing vinyl monomers include CH2=CH-C4F9, CH2=CF-CF2-CF2-CF2H, and CH2=CH-C6F 13Examples include CH2=CF-OC3F7, etc. Furthermore, monomers copolymerizable with TFE and ethylene may be aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acids such as itaconic acid and itaconic anhydride. ETFE may contain monomer units copolymerizable with TFE and ethylene in amounts of 0.1 mol% or more, 0.2 mol% or more, 0.5 mol% or more, 1.0 mol% or more, 2.0 mol% or more, or 3.0 mol% or more, and may be 10 mol% or less or 5 mol% or less.

[0068] The melting point of ETFE is preferably 180°C or higher, more preferably 190°C or higher, even more preferably 200°C or higher, preferably 320°C or lower, more preferably 300°C or lower, even more preferably 280°C or lower, and still more preferably 270°C or lower.

[0069] The MFR (at 297°C) of ETFE is preferably 0.1 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 0.5 g / 10 min or more, even more preferably 1.0 g / 10 min or more, preferably 100 g / 10 min or less, more preferably 90 g / 10 min or less, even more preferably 80 g / 10 min or less, particularly preferably 70 g / 10 min or less, and most preferably 60 g / 10 min or less. The MFR of ETFE is measured at a temperature of 297°C and a load of 49 N.

[0070] A TFE / HFP / VdF copolymer is a copolymer containing TFE units, HFP units, and VdF units. In a TFE / HFP / VdF copolymer, the copolymerization ratio (mol% ratio) of TFE / HFP / VdF is preferably 25-75 mol% of TFE units, 1-15 mol% of HFP units, and 24-70 mol% of VdF units. The TFE / HFP / VdF copolymer may also contain 0-20 mol% of other monomers.

[0071] Other monomers include, Formula (5):CX 11 X 12 =CX 13 (CF2) q X 14 (In the formula, X11 , X 12 , X 13 and X 14 ) represents ethylenically unsaturated monomers (excluding TFE, HFP, and VdF), which are identical or different, and q represents an integer from 0 to 8. Equation (6): CF2 = CF - ORf 4 (In the formula, Rf 4 ) represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. ) Ethylene unsaturated monomers represented by (excluding TFE, HFP, and VdF). It is preferable that it be at least one selected from the group consisting of the following:

[0072] Furthermore, other monomers that are more preferably selected from the group consisting of perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), perfluoro(ethyl vinyl ether), perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether), chlorotrifluoroethylene, 2-chloropentafluoropropene, perfluorinated vinyl ethers (e.g., perfluoroalkoxy vinyl ethers such as CF3OCF2CF2CF2OCF=CF2), perfluoroalkyl vinyl ethers, perfluoro-1,3-butadiene, trifluoroethylene, hexafluoroisobutene, vinyl fluoride, ethylene, propylene, and alkyl vinyl ethers are at least one monomer, with perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), perfluoro(ethyl vinyl ether), and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) being the most preferred.

[0073] The melting point of the TFE / HFP / VdF copolymer is preferably 100°C or higher, more preferably 110°C or higher, preferably 250°C or lower, even more preferably 240°C or lower, particularly preferably 230°C or lower, and most preferably 220°C or lower.

[0074] The MFR (at 265°C) of the TFE / HFP / VdF copolymer is preferably 0.1 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 0.5 g / 10 min or more, even more preferably 1.0 g / 10 min or more, preferably 100 g / 10 min or less, more preferably 90 g / 10 min or less, even more preferably 80 g / 10 min or less, particularly preferably 70 g / 10 min or less, and most preferably 60 g / 10 min or less. The MFR of the TFE / HFP / VdF copolymer is measured at a temperature of 265°C and a load of 49 N.

[0075] The VdF / TFE copolymer is a copolymer containing VdF units and TFE units. In the above copolymer, the content ratio of VdF units to TFE units is preferably 50 / 50 to 99 / 1 in molar ratio of VdF units to TFE units, more preferably 60 / 40 to 98 / 2, even more preferably 70 / 30 to 97 / 3, particularly preferably 74 / 26 to 96 / 4, and most preferably 78 / 22 to 96 / 4.

[0076] The above VdF / TFE copolymer preferably further contains polymerization units of ethylenically unsaturated monomers (excluding VdF and TFE). The content of the polymerization units of the ethylenically unsaturated monomers may be 0 to 50 mol%, 0 to 40 mol%, 0 to 30 mol%, 0 to 15 mol%, or 0 to 5 mol% relative to the total polymerization units.

[0077] The ethylenically unsaturated monomer is not particularly limited as long as it is a monomer that can copolymerize with VdF and TFE, but it is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated monomers represented by formulas (1) and (2) above (excluding VdF and TFE), and the compounds exemplified as preferred compounds above can be suitably used.

[0078] The data center panels disclosed herein can be installed, for example, on the walls or ceilings of a data center, or on the top or sides of racks, using fasteners or rail members. Furthermore, to enhance the panel's strength, the data center panels may include a panel containing fluororesin and a metal frame provided around the outer perimeter of the panel.

[0079] Although embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0080] <1> According to the first aspect of this disclosure, It contains fluororesin, The light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 560 nm is 80% or more. The flammability grade of the aforementioned fluororesin according to the UL94 standard is V-0 or higher. A panel for data centers will be provided. <2> According to the second aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided that is used to separate cold air passages from warm air passages, from a first perspective. <3> According to the third aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided, in which the light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 660 nm is 80% or more, according to a first or second viewpoint. <4> According to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided, wherein the light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 470 nm is 80% or more, according to any one of the first to third aspects. <5> According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided, wherein the total light transmittance of the fluororesin is 80% or more, according to any of the first to fourth viewpoints. <6> According to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided in which the halogen content of the fluororesin exceeds 40% according to any of the first to fifth viewpoints. <7> According to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided in any of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the fluororesin is selected from the group consisting of ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, ethylene / chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene / vinylidene fluoride copolymer, vinylidene fluoride / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and chlorotrifluoroethylene / tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer. <8> According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, It contains fluororesin, The light transmittance at a wavelength of 660 nm is 80% or more. The flammability grade according to the UL94 standard is V-0 or higher. A panel for data centers will be provided. <9> According to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided that is used to separate cold air passages from warm air passages, representing an eighth perspective. <10> According to the tenth aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel according to the 8th or 9th aspect, having a light transmittance of 80% or more at a wavelength of 560 nm. <11> According to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided that has a light transmittance of 80% or more at a wavelength of 470 nm, according to any of the eighth to tenth criteria. <12> According to the 12th aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided that has a total light transmittance of 80% or more from any of the 8th to 11th viewpoints. <13> According to the 13th aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided in which the halogen content of the fluororesin exceeds 40% according to any of the eighth to twelfth views. <14> According to the fourteenth aspect of this disclosure, A data center panel is provided in which the fluororesin is selected from the group consisting of ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, ethylene / chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene / vinylidene fluoride copolymer, vinylidene fluoride / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and chlorotrifluoroethylene / tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, according to any eighth to thirteenth aspect. [Examples]

[0081] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments.

[0082] Each value in the examples was measured by the following method.

[0083] (Monomer composition of fluororesin) Using the AC300 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (manufactured by Bruker-Biospin), 19 1F-NMR measurements were performed, and the monomer composition of the fluororesin (the content of each monomer unit of the polymer) was determined from the integrated values ​​of each peak. Depending on the type of monomer, the monomer composition of the fluororesin was determined by appropriately combining the results of elemental analysis.

[0084] (Halogen content) It was calculated from the monomer composition of the fluororesin. 19Based on the structural formula of the fluororesin (polymer molecule) identified by F-NMR analysis, the ratio of halogen atoms to the total number of hydrogen atoms and halogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms was determined.

[0085] (Melting point of fluororesin) Using a differential scanning calorimeter RDC220 (manufactured by Seiko Instruments), thermal measurements were performed at a heating rate of 10°C / min according to ASTM D 4591, and the melting point of the fluororesin was determined from the peak of the resulting endothermic curve.

[0086] (Melt flow rate (MFR) of fluoropolymers) According to ASTM D1238, the mass (g / 10 min) of copolymer flowing out of a nozzle with an inner diameter of 2.1 mm and a length of 8 mm per 10 minutes was determined using a melt indexer (manufactured by Yasuda Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) under a load of 5 kg.

[0087] (Light transmittance of fluororesin at specific wavelengths of light) The light transmittance of fluororesin at wavelengths of 470 nm, 560 nm, or 660 nm was determined by the following method. Using a U-4000 spectrophotometer (manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.), a 0.1 mm thick sheet was irradiated with light at wavelengths of 470 nm, 560 nm, or 660 nm, and the transmittance was measured.

[0088] (Light transmittance of data center panels for specific wavelengths of light) The light transmittance of data center panels at wavelengths of 560 nm or 660 nm was determined by the following methods. In Experimental Example 4, a U-4000 spectrophotometer (manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.) was used to measure the transmittance of a 2.0 mm thick sheet irradiated with light at wavelengths of 560 nm or 660 nm, and this was used as the light transmittance of the data center panel. In Experimental Examples 5 to 7, a 0.1 mm thick sheet reinforced with a metal outer frame was irradiated with light at wavelengths of 470 nm, 560 nm, or 660 nm, and the transmittance was measured, and this was used as the light transmittance of the data center panel.

[0089] (Total light transmittance of fluororesin) The total light transmittance of fluororesin was determined by the following method: Using a HZ-V3 haze meter manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd., a 0.1 mm thick sheet was irradiated with all rays, and the total light transmittance was measured.

[0090] (Flame retardancy test) Based on the UL94 vertical combustion test procedure developed by Underwriters Laboratory, a gas burner flame was applied to the lower end of a vertically held sample for 10 seconds. If combustion stopped within 30 seconds, the flame was applied for another 10 seconds, and the combustion test was performed with n=5 samples. Based on the UL94 vertical combustion test (UL94V) criteria, samples were judged as V-0, V-1, or V-2.

[0091] (Smoke emission evaluation) During the flame retardancy test, the presence or absence of smoke was visually observed and evaluated according to the following criteria. Good: No smoke is detected, or very little smoke is detected. Poor: Smoke is observed.

[0092] Experimental Examples 1-3 The following materials were used in Experimental Example 1. Fluororesin A: Ethylene / TFE / HFP / CH2=CFCF2CF2CF2H copolymer Ethylene / TFE / HFP / CH2 = CFCF2CF2CF2H = 40.5 / 44.5 / 14.5 / 0.5 (mol%) Melting point 155℃ Halogen content: 59% MFR 40g / 10 minutes (measurement temperature 265℃)

[0093] The following materials were used in Experimental Example 2. Fluororesin C: TFE / HFP / VdF copolymer TFE / HFP / VdF = 54.2 / 11.7 / 34.1 (mol%) Melting point: 163°C Halogen content: 83% MFR 9.4g / 10min (measurement temperature 265℃)

[0094] The following materials were used in Experiment Example 3. Fluororesin D: Ethylene / TFE / CH2=CFCF2CF2CF2H copolymer Ethylene / TFE / CH2 = CFCF2CF2CF2H = 33.8 / 62.7 / 3.5 (mol%) Melting point 217℃ Halogen content: 65% MFR 2.1g / 10 minutes (measurement temperature 297℃)

[0095] Fluororesin pellets were placed in a mold with a diameter of 120 mm, set in a press heated to the melting point of the resin + 60°C, and melt-pressed at a pressure of approximately 2.9 MPa to obtain a fluororesin sheet with a thickness of 0.1 mm.

[0096] Comparative Experiment Example 1 The following materials will be used. Polycarbonate Polycarbonate sheet (Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Ltd., Yupiron FE-2000, 0.1mm thick)

[0097] The results are shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0098] Experimental Example 4 Pellets of fluororesin A were placed in a mold with a diameter of 120 mm, set in a press machine heated to the melting point of the resin + 60°C, and melt-pressed at a pressure of approximately 2.9 MPa to obtain a fluororesin sheet with a thickness of 2.0 mm.

[0099] Comparative Experiment Example 2 The following materials will be used. Flame-retardant polycarbonate Polycarbonate sheet (Takiron CI PCMU PZ620, 2.0mm thick)

[0100] The results are shown in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0101] Using fluororesin pellets, a 450mm wide T-die was attached to the tip of an extruder to obtain a fluororesin sheet with a thickness of 0.1mm.

[0102] Experimental Example 5 A 300mm square sheet with a thickness of 0.1mm was cut from a fluororesin A sheet, and a panel was created by sandwiching it between aluminum frames with outer dimensions of 300mm square and inner dimensions of 280mm square.

[0103] Experimental Example 6 The panel was prepared in the same manner as in Experimental Example 5, except that the resin used was changed to fluororesin C.

[0104] Experimental Example 7 The panel was prepared in the same manner as in Experimental Example 5, except that the resin used was changed to fluororesin D.

[0105] [Table 3]

Claims

1. It contains fluororesin, The light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 560 nm is 80% or more. The flammability grade of the aforementioned fluororesin according to the UL94 standard is V-0 or higher. Panel for data centers.

2. A data center panel according to claim 1, used to separate a cold air passage from a warm air passage.

3. The data center panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 660 nm is 80% or more.

4. The data center panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light transmittance of the fluororesin at a wavelength of 470 nm is 80% or more.

5. The data center panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the total light transmittance of the fluororesin is 80% or more.

6. The data center panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the halogen content of the fluororesin exceeds 40%.

7. The data center panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluororesin is selected from the group consisting of ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, ethylene / chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene / vinylidene fluoride copolymer, vinylidene fluoride / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and chlorotrifluoroethylene / tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer.

8. It contains fluororesin, The light transmittance at a wavelength of 660 nm is 80% or more. The flammability grade according to the UL94 standard is V-0 or higher. Panel for data centers.

9. A data center panel according to claim 8, used to separate a cold air passage from a warm air passage.

10. A data center panel according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the light transmittance at a wavelength of 560 nm is 80% or more.

11. A data center panel according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the light transmittance at a wavelength of 470 nm is 80% or more.

12. A data center panel according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the total light transmittance is 80% or more.

13. The data center panel according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the halogen content of the fluororesin exceeds 40%.

14. The data center panel according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the fluororesin is selected from the group consisting of ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, ethylene / chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene / vinylidene fluoride copolymer, vinylidene fluoride / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, and chlorotrifluoroethylene / tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer.

Images