The Use of Pentanes As Blowing Agent in Rigid Polyurethane Foam

The overall performance of pentane blown rigid polyurethane foams in terms of insulation value and mechanical properties is demonstrated. The low vapor pressure of both normal-pentane and cyclopentane is shown to induce condensation effects. The consequences of condensation in terms of thermal conductivity and dimensional stability are discussed. The effects on the cell gas pressure of the pentane solubility in the polymer matrix are demonstrated and compared with sorption measurements. The solubility is shown not to deteriorate the foam mechanical properties as a function of time. The ageing characteristics of normal- and cyclopentane blown laminates in terms of the thermal insulation value are discussed. Mixtures of normal- and cyclopentane are suggested to be advantageous in view of their ageing profile.