DuPont Fluorochemicals is touting a newly developed polyurethane foaming agent that improves thermal insulation efficiency and lowers global warming potential.
Formacel 1100 is primarily aimed at rigid PUR where insulation properties are key. It should also be a viable foaming alternative in flexible PUR, a spokeswoman stated. The company says the new product can compete against hydrocarbon blowing agents and conventional hydrofluorocarbons.
DuPont says that in appliance trials, Formacel 1100 decreased energy consumption by up to 12 percent. As well, Formacel 1100 has 99 percent lower global warming potential than HFCs now used in rigid polyurethane insulating foam and has zero ozone depleting potential, DuPont claims.
The foaming agent will help customers operate more sustainably, notes Thierry F.J. Vanlancker, president of DuPont Chemicals & Fluorochemicals.
DuPont Fluorochemicals global business director Kathryn K. McCord says DuPont will invest in large-scale and lower-cost production of Formacel 1100. The company states it will start up small-scale production of the foaming agent this year and is forming plans for world-class capacity for long-term market needs.
DuPont refers to Formacel 1100 as HFO-1336mzz. Its chemical name is 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene, a spokeswoman elaborated in an email.
The new agent joins several other Formacel foaming chemicals DuPont supplies for PUR and in extruded polystyrene foam. DuPont also is looking at the use of HFO-1336mzz as a refrigerant.
DuPont's headquarters are in Wilmington, Del.
Tel. 800-969-4758 or 302-774-1160.
