Eco‐friendly blowing agent, HCFO‐1233zd, for the synthesis of polyurethane foam as cryogenic insulation

Abstract

AbstractPolyurethane foam is an insulating material, which is adopted in various industrial fields owing to its high compressive strength, low thermal conductivity, and excellent impact resistance. The most important additive in the synthesis process of the polyurethane foam is the blowing agent because it significantly affects the cell structure and density. HFC‐245fa, the most widely used blowing agent, is expected to be terminated under strict environmental regulations owing to its high global warming potential. This study synthesizes a new eco‐friendly polyurethane foam with HCFO‐1223zd in the density range of 90 to 190 kg/m3. After the synthesis process, the microstructural morphology of the HCFO‐1223zd blown polyurethane foam was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the insulation performance was compared to conventional polyurethane foam. Furthermore, mechanical characteristics were investigated at 20 and −163°C temperatures. The results show that the HCFO‐1233zd blown polyurethane foam has superior mechanical and thermal properties compared to the conventional blowing agents.