Cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-Hexafluoro-2-butene Blowing Agent for Polyurethane Foams
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a blowing agent that provides low flammability, good thermal insulation, and high dimensional stability for polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams with minimal ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential, as existing halocarbon and hydrocarbon blowing agents face environmental concerns and regulatory scrutiny.
Innovation Solution
The use of cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene as a blowing agent in combination with poorly and highly compatible active hydrogen-containing compounds, such as polyether and polyester polyols, to produce polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams, optimizing solubility and reaction ratios to enhance foam properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If HFCs are used as blowing agents, then ozone depletion is prevented, but global warming potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic HFC blowing agent from the foam formulation and replaces it with cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, which provides the necessary blowing function without contributing to global warming, thereby eliminating both ozone depletion and global warming potentials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the blowing agent from HFC to cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, which has different environmental properties - specifically zero ODP and zero or very low GWP, while maintaining the required foam-forming capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrocarbon blowing agents are used, then ozone depletion potential is eliminated, but flammability and photochemical reactivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes flammable hydrocarbon blowing agents from the formulation and substitutes them with cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, which provides the same foam-blowning function without flammability or photochemical reactivity issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a blowing agent that serves its purpose effectively during the foam expansion process and then dissipates harmlessly, unlike hydrocarbons that persist as flammable or photochemically reactive contaminants in the environment
3Temperature
If CFCs and HCFCs are used as blowing agents, then good thermal insulation is achieved, but ozone depletion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts ozone-depleting CFC and HCFC blowing agents from the foam system and replaces them with cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, which maintains the low thermal conductivity required for good insulation without any ozone depletion potential
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a substitute blowing agent system that copies the beneficial thermal insulation properties of CFCs and HCFCs while eliminating their harmful ozone-depleting characteristics through the use of cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
4Productivity
If poorly compatible active hydrogen-containing compounds are used with cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, then foam formation is achieved, but solubility compatibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compatibility modifier or surfactant as an intermediary substance that bridges the poorly compatible active hydrogen-containing compound and cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, enabling proper mixing and homogeneous foam formation despite their inherent incompatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite foam formulation that combines cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene with poorly compatible active hydrogen-containing compounds, using additional additives or modifiers to achieve a stable, homogeneous final product that overcomes the solubility mismatch
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
The solution achieves improved thermal insulation (R-value) and dimensional stability in polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams while minimizing environmental impact, as demonstrated by increased R-values and compatibility tests, indicating effective foam formation and reduced environmental concerns.
Implementation Method 1
foam-forming compositions comprising cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, a poorly compatible active hydrogen-containing compound having two or more active hydrogens
Implementation Method 2
All of these various types of polyurethane/polyisocyanurate foams require blowing agents for their manufacture
Data Source
AI summary
A foam-forming composition is disclosed which includes both cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene and a poorly compatible active hydrogen-containing compound having two or more active hydrogens. Also disclosed is a closed-cell polyurethane or polyisocyanurate polymer foam prepared from reaction of effective amounts of the foam-forming composition and a suitable polyisocyanate. Also disclosed is a process for producing a closed-cell polyurethane or polyisocyanurate polymer foam by reacting an effective amount of the foam-forming composition with a suitable polyisocyanate.