Closed-Cell Polyurethane Foam with Pyrethroid for Insect Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for protecting wood structures from insect infestations, such as termite and ant damage, are ineffective as they require frequent reapplication, pose environmental hazards, and are difficult to apply uniformly, especially after construction is complete, due to the degradation of pesticides over time and the need for invasive treatment methods.
Innovation Solution
A two-component, essentially closed-cell polyurethane foam containing a pyrethroid pesticide is developed, which is non-water blown and dispensed from pressurized cylinders, providing a lasting barrier to insect infestation with a density greater than 2.0 lb/ft3 and a closed cell percentage of at least 90%, ensuring immediate and sustained protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional pesticide methods are used to protect wood structures from insect infestation, then immediate protection is achieved, but the protection duration is short requiring frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The pesticide is incorporated into the polyurethane foam formulation before application, allowing the protective agent to be delivered and retained in situ during the foam expansion and curing process, thereby achieving long-lasting protection without frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines pesticide with polyurethane foam to create a composite protective material that provides both structural filling and sustained chemical protection, extending the duration of insect infestation protection
2Duration of action of moving object
If large quantities of pesticides are applied to ensure long-term effectiveness, then protection duration is extended, but environmental hazards and health concerns are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The foam expanding in situ within the building structure serves itself by retaining the pesticide locally, eliminating the need for continuous external applications and reducing overall chemical usage while maintaining long-term protection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the delivery parameter from repeated liquid applications to a single foam expansion event, which distributes and retains the pesticide more efficiently, reducing the total quantity needed while extending protection duration
3Reliability
If post-construction treatment is performed to address insect infestation, then protection is provided, but the treatment complexity and cost increase due to invasive drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The foam is applied and expands to fill cavities and crevices during installation, delivering pesticide to hidden areas without requiring subsequent invasive drilling or probing, thereby simplifying the treatment process while ensuring comprehensive protection
Solution Approach 2:
The expanding foam acts as an intermediary carrier that penetrates and fills difficult-to-reach areas during application, delivering the pesticide uniformly without requiring mechanical drilling or invasive access methods
4Ease of operation
If water-blown polyurethane foam is used, then ease of application is improved, but the foam provides poor barrier properties against insect infestation due to open cell structure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the blowing agent parameter from water to hydrocarbon-based agents, which produce a closed-cell foam structure that maintains both ease of application and superior barrier properties against insect infestation
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 polyurethane foam effectively acts as a long-lasting barrier to insect infestation, maintaining structural integrity and reducing the need for frequent reapplication, while minimizing environmental impact through the use of a non-water blown, closed-cell formulation.
Implementation Method 1
provides a barrier to insect infestation
Implementation Method 2
containing a pyrethroid pesticide
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein relates to an essentially closed-cell two-component polyurethane foam containing an pesticide, which upon curing provides a barrier to insect infestation.