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7971357 
Journal Article 
PENTANE BLOWN POLYURETHANE RIGID FOAMS FOR CONSTRUCTION 
Heilig, G; Wiedermann, RE 
1994 
Yes 
Journal of Cellular Plastics
ISSN: 0021-955X
EISSN: 1530-7999 
30 
6 
509-521 
WOS:A1994PX49400002 
Pentane as a blowing agent for polyurethane rigid foam has gained easy access to the European market. Initially introduced in the Double Conveyor Belt (DCB) production of laminate boards, its use spread to the introduction of metal sandwich panels and slabstock foam. Recently cyclopentane has been introduced as a blowing agent in the production of polyurethane foam for home appliances and construction. Today several plants run a full scale production of pentane blown polyurethane rigid foam. Pentane combines advantageous physical and technical properties with good environmental data. Being halogen free, pentane is safe for the ozone layer, and its contribution to the Global Warming Potential (GWP) is negligible. The processing of pentane blown polyurethane rigid foam systems is determined by the inflammability of the blowing agent and its limited solubility in the raw materials. Even though the fire risk can be controlled by safety measures and devices, pentane is not a simple replacement for CFC-11 as a polyurethane blowing agent. Its use requires major development work. The physical properties of pentane blown foams match those of CFC-11 blown ones. The initial thermal conductivity is higher. Nevertheless, the aging characteristics of the foams are excellent and at least equivalent to those of CFC-11 blown foams. Aging tests indicate that pentane remains in the cell gas as long as CFC-11. The production of highly flame retarded pentane blown PUR and PIR foams is possible. Small and large scale fire tests of pentane blown foams gave no indication of a higher fire risk than CFC-11 blown foams. The paper deals with the development, production and properties of pentane blown polyurethane rigid foam for construction.