Development of procedures for testing and assessing utility parameters of ecological inflammable polyurethane foam for the industry

Project manager: Wojciech Zatorski M.Sc. (Eng.)

Project summary:

Criteria for selecting a foaming agent for manufacturing rigid polyurethane foam were developed. To synthesize PUR foam, foaming agents that have a zero coefficient of destroying the ozone layer were selected: water, pentane isomers and a third-generation foaming agent HFC 365/227, which is a mixture of two third-generation porophors.A synthesis and tests of the utility properties of polyurethane foam with decrease flammability were conducted. The process of the flammability of rigid polyurethane foam was discussed and methods of reducing flammability were focussed on. This was done taking advantage of the possibilities of the production of isocyanate, a substrate. An attempt was made at introducing new inflammable elements - carbodiimide groups - into the structure of foam.The Polish market of rigid polyurethane foam was described and the current use of foam. The amount of polyurethane materials manufactured in Poland was determined. Work was continued on increasing the inflammability of the rigid polyurethane-isocyanurarate foam, modified with carbodiimide bonds, with the use of reactive flame retardants. Their utility properties were improved so that practical use can be found for them.

Unit: Department of Chemical and Aerosol Hazards

Duration: 01.12.2003 – 31.12.2004