Azeotrope-like Blowing Agent Composition for Thermoplastic Foams
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in identifying new, environmentally-safe fluorocarbon-based fluids with low global warming potentials that do not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), while maintaining performance properties such as stability, low toxicity, and non-flammability, particularly in the formation of azeotrope-like mixtures which are difficult to predict.
Innovation Solution
The development of azeotrope-like compositions comprising at least 5% by weight of trans-1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (trans-HFO-1234ze) combined with hydrocarbons like propane, n-butane, or isobutane, which form stable, constant-boiling mixtures with low global warming potentials, serving as effective blowing agents for thermoplastic foams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fluorocarbon-based fluids are used to replace CFCs and HCFCs, then environmental safety is improved, but global warming potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using specific ratios of HFO-1234ze (at least 50 wt%) combined with HFC-134a and HFC-125, achieving a balance where the mixture's global warming potential is reduced compared to conventional HFCs while maintaining zero ozone depletion potential. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between environmental safety and global warming concerns.
2Device complexity
If single component fluids are used, then simplicity is improved, but performance properties such as stability and non-flammability cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite fluid system consisting of HFO-1234ze combined with HFC-134a and HFC-125 in specific proportions. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each component: HFO-1234ze provides environmental safety and low GWP, while the HFC components contribute to stability and non-flammability, achieving reliable performance that single-component fluids cannot provide.
3Stability of the object's composition
If azeotrope-like mixtures are used, then non-fractionation on boiling is improved, but predictability of azeotrope formation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary formulation work by pre-determining the optimal composition ratios of HFO-1234ze, HFC-134a, and HFC-125 that will form azeotrope-like mixtures with desired properties. By establishing these specific formulations in advance (at least 50 wt% HFO-1234ze with controlled amounts of HFC-134a and HFC-125), the patent makes the azeotrope formation predictable and reproducible, resolving the contradiction between composition stability and predictability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These compositions exhibit desirable properties for various applications, including low global warming potentials, stability, and non-flammability, making them suitable replacements for CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs, with predictable azeotrope formation, ensuring consistent performance and environmental safety.
Implementation Method 1
azeotrope-like compositions comprising trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and particularly to trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluorpropene and uses thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Use as a blowing agent of azeotrope-like compositions comprising tetrafluoropropene and one or more selected hydrorocarbons in the production of thermoplastic foams