KR20150080632A - Foaming agents containing fluorine substituted unsaturated olefins - Google Patents

Abstract

Various applications are disclosed, including the use of fluoroalkenes as blowing agents, including tetrafluoropropenes, especially (HFO-1234), in combination with one or more fluorinated ethers in various applications.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to foaming agents containing fluorine-substituted unsaturated olefins,

The present invention relates to compositions, methods and systems that can be used in many applications, including products made from foamed compositions, foams and foams, or from foams, in particular in heat transfer systems such as refrigeration systems and blowing agents.

Fluorocarbon based fluids are widely used in many commercial applications and industrial applications, including aerosol propellants and blowing agents. In particular, due to particularly suspicious environmental issues, including the relatively high global warming potential associated with the use of some of the compositions used in such applications, the possibility of ozone depletion such as hydrofluorocarbons ("HFCs & ) Is considered to be preferred. Thus, it is preferred to use fluids that do not contain substantial amounts of chlorofluorocarbons ("CFCs") or hydrochlorofluorocarbons ("HCFCs"). Moreover, some HFC fluids may have relatively high global warming potential associated therewith, and it is desirable to use hydrofluorocarbons or other fluorinated fluids that have as low a global warming potential as possible while maintaining the performance required for application characteristics.

As suggested above, there has been increased concern over the potential for damage to the environment and the climate of the earth in recent years, and certain chlorine-based compounds have been found to be particularly problematic in this regard. The use of chlorine-containing compositions (chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCF's), etc.) in many applications has been disadvantageous due to ozone-depleting properties associated with these many compounds. Thus, there is a growing need for new fluorocarbon and hydrofluorocarbon compounds and compositions that are attractive as substitutes for the above compositions used in these and other applications. For example, retrofitting a chlorine-containing system such as a blowing agent system or a cooling system by replacing the chlorine-containing compound with a non-chlorine-containing compound that does not deplete the ozone layer, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's) desirable. The general industry has continued to explore new fluorocarbon base mixtures which are environmentally safer alternatives and replacements for CFCs and HCFCs. In many cases, however, any possible substituents are of particular excellent thermal insulation properties when used as blowing agents, such as suitable chemical stability, low toxicity or non-toxicity, low-flammability or no-flammability, and It is believed that it is important to have such properties present in many of the most widely used fluids, such as imparting other desirable foam properties.

Moreover, effective CFC blowing agent alternatives are generally considered to be desirable without major engineering changes to conventional foam generation systems.

For example, methods and compositions for making conventional foamed materials such as thermoplastic materials and thermoset materials have long been known. These methods and compositions have typically employed chemical and / or physical blowing agents to form a foamed structure in the polymer matrix. Examples of such blowing agents include azo compounds, various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The chemical blowing agent typically undergoes some form of chemical change (typically at a predetermined temperature / pressure), including chemical reaction with the material forming the polymer matrix, thereby releasing gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide . One of the most commonly used chemical blowing agents is water. Physical blowing agents typically dissolve in the polymer or polymer precursor material and then contribute to the formation of a foam structure by volume expansion (again at a predetermined temperature / pressure). In thermoplastic foams, chemical blowing agents may be used instead of or in addition to physical blowing agents, but physical blowing agents are mainly used for thermoplastic blowing agents. For example, chemical blowing agents are known to be used in the formation of polyvinyl chloride-based foams. Chemical foaming agents and / or physical foaming agents are commonly used in thermosetting foams. Of course, it is possible for certain compounds and compositions containing them to simultaneously constitute chemical and physical blowing agents.

In the past, it was common that CFCs were used as standard blowing agents in the preparation of isocyanate-based foams such as rigid and flexible polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams. For example, CCl ₃ F (CFC-11) has become the standard blowing agent. However, the use of these substances was prohibited by international treaties because the ozone layer was damaged in the stratosphere due to the release of these substances into the atmosphere. As a result, the new CFC-11 is generally no longer used as a standard blowing agent in the formation of thermosetting foams such as isocyanate-based foams and phenolic foams.

The problems associated with CFCs lead to more frequent use of hydrogen-containing chlorofluoroalkanes (HCFCs). For example, CHCl ₂ CF ₃ (HCFC-123) and CH ₂ ClCHClF (HCFC-141b) have relatively short lifetimes in the atmosphere. However, while HCFCs are considered as environmentally friendly blowing agents compared to CFCs, HCFCs compounds still contain some chlorine and thus have "Ozone Depletion Potential" (ODP). Due to the non-zero ODP, the ultimate goal is to eliminate the use of HCFCs.

Another known class of blowing agents are non-chlorinated, partially hydrogenated fluorocarbons ("HFCs"). Certain HFCs currently used as blowing agents have at least one serious potential problem. That is, they generally have a relatively high intrinsic thermal conductivity (i.e., poor insulating properties). On the other _{hand, CF 3 CH 2 CF 2 H} ( "HFC-245fa") and more foam is made of a recent HFC blowing agents, and provide an improved insulating property, in part to a low thermal conductivity of HFC-245fa vapor and partially as The fine cell structure HFC-245fa is attributed to the foam. HFC-245fa has been used extensively in insulation applications, especially in coolers, freezers, coolers / freezers and spray blowing applications. Nevertheless, it is desirable to use hydrofluorocarbons or other fluorinated fluids with as low a global warming index as possible, with many HFC fluids having the disadvantage of a relatively high global warming index and maintaining the performance required in application characteristics. More recent HFCs such as HFC-245fa, HFC-134a and HFC-365 mfc are lower than other HFCs but higher than desired global warming index. Thus, the use of HFCs as blowing agents in foam insulation, particularly rigid foam insulation, makes HFCs an undesirable replacement for blowing agents in commercial foam insulation.

Hydrocarbon blowing agents are also known. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,182,309 to Hutzen teaches the use of iso- and n-pentane in various emulsion mixtures. Another example of a hydrocarbon blowing agent is the cyclopentane taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,096,933-Volkert. Many hydrocarbon blowing agents, such as isomers of cyclopentane and pentane, are zero ozone depleting agents and exhibit a very low global warming index, but such materials are not suitable for foams produced from these blowing agents, for example, foams made of blowing agents of HFC-245fa Is less than the same thermal insulation efficiency, and thus is not completely desirable. Furthermore, the hydrocarbon blowing agent is very flammable, which is undesirable. In addition, certain hydrocarbon blowing agents do not have sufficient miscibility in certain circumstances with the material from which the foam is formed, such as many polyester polyols commonly used in polyisocyanurate modified polyurethane foams. The use of these alkanes often requires a chemical surfactant to obtain a suitable mixture.

Thus, there is a growing need for new compounds and compositions that are attractive substitutes for compositions that have hitherto been used as blowing agents in these and other applications. Thus, the Applicant has become aware of the need for new fluorocarbons based compounds and compositions which are more effective alternatives to CFCs and HCFCs and are considered as environmentally safer alternatives. However, any potential substitute has at least the same properties as those associated with the most widely used blowing agents, such as vapor phase thermal conductivity (low k-factor), low-toxicity or non-toxic, It is generally considered to be very desirable to impart the properties to the foam.

One of the other potentially important traits in many applications is flammability. That is, it is believed that the use of low-flammability or non-flammable compositions is important or necessary in many applications, particularly including foaming applications. As used herein, "non-flammable" refers to a compound or composition that is determined to be nonflammable as measured according to ASTM standard E-681, 2002, incorporated herein by reference. It says. Unfortunately, many non-flammable HFC's that are desirable for use in foam blowing compositions are non-flammable. For example, fluoroalkane difluoroethane (HFC-152a) and fluoroalkene 1,1,1-trifluoropropene (HFO-1243zf) are each flammable and therefore can not be used for many applications.

Another example of a relatively combustible material is a fluorinated ether 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether (referred to as HFE-254pc or often HFE-254cb), which is present in an amount of from about 5.4% to about 24.4% (Vol%). ≪ / RTI > Such generic types of fluorinated ethers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,137,932 to Beheme et al. For use as blowing agents, which are incorporated herein by reference.

No. 5,900,185-Tapscott to use bromine-containing halocarbon additives to reduce flammability of certain materials including foam blowing agents. The additives in the patent feature high efficacy and short atmospheric lifetime, i.e. low ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP).

The brominated olefins described in Tapscott may have a certain level of effectiveness as anti-flammability agents in connection with certain materials, but do not disclose the use of such materials as blowing agents. Moreover, such compounds are also believed to have certain disadvantages. For example, many of the compounds disclosed in Tapscott are believed to be relatively low as a blowing agent due to the relatively high molecular weight of these compounds. Moreover, many of the compounds disclosed in Tapscott are believed to be problematic when used as a blowing agent due to the relatively high boiling point of such compounds. Moreover, it is believed that many compounds available as substitutes can have other undesirable properties such as undesirable toxicity and / or bioaccumulation, which is potentially undesirable to the environment.

Tapscott has also suggested that bromine-containing alkenes having 2-6 carbon atoms can also include certain fluoro substituents, but the patent states that "non-fluorine-containing bromoalkanes are hydroxyl free Radicals) "(Col.8, I. 34-39), which suggests that it is not entirely desirable in terms of environmental stability.

Furthermore, it is generally considered desirable as a foam substitute to be effective without altering the main engineering of the conventional apparatus and systems used for foam production and formation.

Thus, applicants have come to recognize the need for compositions and foams, foamable compositions, foamed articles and foam forming methods and systems that provide beneficial properties and / or prevent one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Applicants have therefore become aware of the need for compositions and, in particular, foaming agents, which avoid one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above and are useful in many applications.

The present invention relates to compositions, methods and systems that are useful in many applications, particularly including compositions, methods, systems and blowing agents associated with polymeric foams.

Applicants of the present invention have found that the above needs and other needs are met by one or more C2 to C6 fluoroalkenes, more preferably one or more C3 to C5 fluoroalkenes, and still more preferably one having the formula Foamable compositions, foamed compositions, foams and / or foamed articles comprising at least one of the compounds described herein.

Wherein, X is a C _1, C _2, C _3, C ₄ or C ₅ unsaturated, and substituted or unsubstituted, radical, each R is independently Cl, F, Br, I or H, z is 1 To 3, and the fluoroalkenes of the present invention have at least four (4) halogen substituents, of which at least three are F and still more preferably none of them is Br.

In embodiments where at least one Br substituent is present, it is preferred that said compound does not comprise hydrogen. In this embodiment it is also preferred that the Br substituent is located on the unsaturated carbon, and even more preferably the Br substituent is located on the non-terminal unsaturated carbon. Particularly preferred compounds in this class are CF ₃ CBr = CF ₂ and also include all isomers thereof.

In certain embodiments, it is highly desirable that the compound of formula I has 3 to 5 fluoro substituents and the other substituents are propene, butene, pentene, and hexene, either present or absent. In certain preferred embodiments, R is not Br, and preferably the unsaturated radical does not comprise a Br substituent. Among these propenes, tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234) and fluorochloropropene (such as trifluoro, monochloropropene (HFCO-1233)) and even more preferably CF ₃ CCl = CH ₂ HFO-1233xf) and CF is in particular preferred in certain implementations _{3 CH = CHCl (HFO-1233zd} )).

In particular embodiments, pentafluoropropene comprising pentafluoropropene with a hydrogen substituent at the terminal unsaturated carbon, such as CF ₃ CF = CFH (HFO-1225yez), is particularly preferred, Was found to be relatively less toxic than the compound CF ₃ CH = CF ₂ (HFO-1225zc).

Of the butenes, fluorochlorobutene is particularly preferred in certain implementations.

The term "HFO-1234" as used herein refers to all tetrafluoropropenes. Among these tetrafluoropropenes, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) and cis- and trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) . As used herein, the term HFO-1234ze is used to refer generally to 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, regardless of the cis- or trans- form. The terms "cis HFO-1234ze" and "trans HFO-1234ze" are used herein to describe the cis- and trans- forms of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, respectively. Thus, the term "HFO-1234ze" is used to include those within cis HFO-1234ze, trans HFO-1234ze and all combinations and mixtures thereof.

As used herein, the term "HFO-1233" refers to all trifluoro, monochloropropene. Trifluoro-2-chloropropene (HFCO-1233xf) and cis- and trans-1,1,1-trifluoro-3-chloropropene (HFCO-1233zd). The term HFCO-1233zd is used herein to refer to 1,1,1-trifluoro-3-chloropropene, regardless of whether it is in the cis- or trans-form. The terms "cis HFCO-1233zd" and "trans HFCO-1233zd" are used herein to describe the cis- and trans- forms of 1,1,1-trifluoro-3-chloropropene, respectively. Thus, the term "HFCO-1233zd" is used to include those within cis HFCO-1233zd, trans HFCO-1233zd, and combinations and mixtures thereof.

The term "HFO-1225" is used herein to refer to all pentafluoropropenes. Among these molecules are 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225yez), including both cis- and trans-forms thereof. Thus, the term HFO-1225yez is used herein to refer to 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene, regardless of whether it is in the cis- or trans-form. Thus, the term "HFO-1225yez" includes cis HFO-1225yez, trans HFO-1225yez and all combinations and mixtures thereof.

In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to a composition comprising one or more C2 to C6 fluorinated alkenes, more preferably C3 to C4 fluorinated alkenes, wherein the preferred groups mentioned herein and / or the preferred respective fluorinated alkene compounds And one or more fluorinated ethers, more preferably one or more hydro-fluorinated ethers, and more preferably one or more C3 to C5 hydro-fluorinated ethers. A foaming agent composition, a foamable composition, a foam and / or a foamed article. In certain highly preferred embodiments, the fluorinated ether (s) used according to the aspects of the present invention are represented by the formula (III)

C _a H _b F _{c -} O - C _d H _e F _f (III)

In the above formula

a = 1-6, preferably 2-5, and more preferably 3-5

b = 1-12, preferably 1-6. And more preferably 3-6

c = 1-12, preferably 1-6, and more preferably 2-6,

d = 1-2

e = 0-5, preferably 1-3

f = 0-5, preferably 0-2

And one of the C _a may form a cycloalkyl ether with fluoro in combination with one of the C _d.

The present invention also provides a method and system for using the compositions of the present invention and includes methods and systems for foam blowing.

Composition ( The Compositions )

The compositions of the present invention may generally be in the form of a foamable composition or a foamable composition. In each case, the invention requires at least one fluoroalkene compound, as described herein, and any other ingredients, some of which are discussed in more detail below.

A. Fluoroalkene

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a composition comprising 2 to 6, preferably 3 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 4 carbon atoms, in a particular embodiment most preferably 3 carbon atoms and at least one carbon At least one fluoroalkene comprising a carbon-carbon double bond. The fluoroalkene compounds of the present invention are sometimes referred to herein as hydrofluoro-olefins or "HFOs" for convenience when they comprise at least one hydrogen. Although the HFOs of the present invention may comprise two carbon-carbon double bonds, such compounds are not considered to be preferred in the present invention. Also, for HFOs containing at least one chlorine atom, they are often referred to herein as HFCO.

As noted above, the compositions of the present invention comprise one or more compounds of formula (I) In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises one or more compounds of the formula II:

Wherein each R is independently Cl, F, Br, I or H,

R 'is (CR ₂ ) _n Y,

Y is CRF ₂ ,

And n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, preferably 0 or 1. However, it is generally preferred that no hydrogen is present in the compound when Br is absent or Br is present in the compound.

Than in the preferred embodiment, Y is CF _3, n is O or 1 (most preferably O) and at least one of the remaining R is F, and preferably no R is also not a Br or the chemical if Br is present There is no hydrogen in water. In certain cases, it is preferred that none of R in formula (II) is Br.

It is believed that the compounds of formula I and II defined above are effective and useful in blowing agent compositions as disclosed herein. However, applicants of the present invention have surprisingly and unexpectedly found that certain compounds having a structure of the above formula, compared to other such compounds, have a very desirable low level of toxicity. As can be readily appreciated, this finding has many potential advantages and advantages in the formulation of the blowing agent composition. In particular, the Applicant believes that relatively low levels of toxicity are associated with compounds of formula I and II (preferably Y is CF ₃ and n is O or 1), wherein at least one R on the unsaturated terminal carbon is H , And at least one of the remaining R's is F or Cl. It is also believed that all structural isomers, geometric isomers and stereoisomers of these compounds are effective and beneficial low toxicity.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are C ₃ Or C ₄ HFO or HFCO, preferably C ₃ A C ₃ is HFO, and more preferably, X a halogen-substituted Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > I < / RTI > In this embodiment, X is a fluoro and / or chlorine substituted C < ₃ > Alkylene, and the following C ₃ Alkylene radicals are preferred in certain embodiments:

-CH = CF-CH ₃

-CF = CH-CH ₃

-CH ₂ -CF = CH ₂

-CH ₂ -CH = CFH.

Accordingly, such implementations include the preferred compounds of the _{following: CF 3 -CH = CF-CH} 3; _{CF 3 -CF = CH-CH 3} ; _{CF 3 -CH 2 -CF = CH 2} ; CF ₃ -CH ₂ -CH = CFH; And combinations of these and / or these with other compounds of formula (I) and (II).

In certain preferred embodiments, the compounds of the invention are selected from the group consisting of C ₃ Or C ₄ HFCO, preferably C ₃ HFCO, and more preferably Y is a compound of CF _3, n is 0, and R on the unsaturated terminal carbon at least one of the H, the formula Ⅱ least one of the remaining R is Cl. HFCO-1233 is an example of such a preferred compound.

In a more preferred embodiment, a particularly preferred embodiment comprises the aforementioned low toxic compounds wherein n is O. In a more preferred specific embodiment, the compositions of the present invention comprise one or more tetrafluoropropenes comprising HFO-1234yf, (cis) HFO-1234ze and (trans) HFO-1234ze, And trans HFO-1234ze is preferred over certain implementations. Although at least in some respects the properties of (cis) HFO-1234ze and (trans) HFO-1234ze are different, each of these compounds may be used alone or in combination with other compounds, including their stereoisomers, for each of the applications, Are understood to be suitable for use with other compounds. For example, (trans) HFO-1234ze is preferred for use in certain systems due to its relatively low boiling point (-19 ° C), while (cis) HFO-1234ze with a boiling point of + 9 ° C is preferred for other applications . Of course, the combination of cis- and trnas-isomers may be acceptable and / or desirable in many implementations. Thus, the terms "HFO-1234 ze" and 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene are understood to refer to both stereoisomers and the use of these terms encompasses both cis- and trans - indicates that each of the forms is applicable to the above purpose and / or is useful for the above purposes.

The HFO-1234 compound is a known substance and is described in the Chemical Abstracts database. U.S. Patent No. 2,889,379, the preparation of fluoropropenes such as CF ₃ CH = CH ₂ by catalytic gas phase fluorination of various saturated and unsaturated halogen-containing C ₃ compounds, are incorporated herein by reference; 4,798,818 and 4,465,786. Also, EP 974,571, incorporated herein by reference, discloses that 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa) can be reacted in a gaseous phase with a chromium-based catalyst at elevated temperatures, or with KOH, NaOH , Ca (OH) ₂ or Mg (OH) ₂ , to produce 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. Moreover, the process for preparing the compounds according to the invention is also described in the pending U.S. patent application entitled " Process for Producing Fluoropropenes ", which is also incorporated herein by reference (H0003789 (26267)) Are generally described.

Other preferred compounds for use in the present invention include pentafluoropropene (e.g., HFO-1225) including all isomers, tetra- and penta-fluorobutenes including all isomers (e.g., HFO-1354 And HFO-1345). Of course, the composition of the present invention may include any combination of two or more compounds included in the scope of the present invention or included in any desirable aspect of the present invention.

Compositions of the present invention, particularly those comprising HFO-1234 (including HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf), are believed to have beneficial properties for a number of important reasons. For example, based at least in part on mathematical modeling, the fluoroolefins of the present invention have no substantially negative impact on atmospheric chemistry, which neglects the contribution to ozone depletion over some other halogenated species It is believed to be possible. Thus, the preferred compositions of the present invention have the advantage of not contributing substantially to ozone depletion. The preferred compositions also do not substantially contribute to global warming as compared to many hydrofluoroalkanes currently in use.

In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present invention have a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than or equal to about 1000, more preferably less than about 500, and even more preferably less than about 150 GWP. In certain embodiments, the GWP of the composition according to the present invention is less than or equal to about 100, more preferably less than or equal to about 75. As used herein, the term "GWP" is used herein to refer to the World Meteorological Association's Global Ozone Research and Monitering Project report, (The Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion), 2002 ", is measured relative to 100 years for carbon dioxide.

In certain preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present invention also have an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), preferably no greater than 0.05, more preferably no greater than 0.02, and still more preferably no greater than about zero. As used herein, the term "ODP" refers to the World Meteorological Association's Global Ozone Research and Monitering Project report, Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion (The Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion, 2002 ".

The amount of the compound of Formula I, particularly HFO-1234 and more preferably HFO-1234ze, included in the composition of the present invention can vary widely depending on the particular application and can be any compound that is more than a trace amount In an amount of less than 100% by weight, falls within the broad scope of the present invention. Moreover, the compositions of the present invention may be azeotropic, azeotropic-like or non-azeotropic. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention, especially the blowing agent composition, comprises from about 1% to about 10% by weight of a compound of formula I and / or II, preferably HFO-1234 and more preferably HFO-1234ze and / To about 99 wt%, more preferably from about 5 wt% to about 95 wt%, and even more preferably from about 40 wt% to about 90 wt%.

B. Fluoroether

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise at least one fluoroalkene and at least one fluoro-ether, more preferably 2-8, preferably 2-7, and even more preferably 2 At least one hydrofluoroether containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and most preferably from 3 to 6 carbon atoms in a particular globular form. When the hydro-fluoroether of the present invention comprises at least one hydrogen, it is often referred to herein as hydrofluoro-ether or "HFEs" for convenience.

Applicants generally believe that the fluoroethers according to the present specification and in particular those defined by the above formula (III) are generally effective and useful in combination with the fluoroalkene compounds disclosed herein. However, the Applicant has found that the use in certain of the above fluoroethers, particularly those associated with foaming agent compositions and foams and methods of foaming, results in at least difluorination, more preferably at least tripleurization, It has been found that it is preferable to use at least tetra-fluorinated hydrofluoroether. Particularly preferred in certain embodiments are tetrafluorinated fluoroethers having 3-5 carbon atoms, more preferably 3-4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 3 carbon atoms.

In certain preferred embodiments, the compounds of the present invention comprise 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether (sometimes referred to herein as HFE-245pc or HFE-245cb2) comprising any and all isomers thereof .

The amount of the compound of formula (III), particularly 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether, contained in the composition of the present invention may vary widely depending on the particular application, and may range from an amount exceeding the trace amount of the compound % ≪ / RTI > are within the broad scope of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention, particularly the blowing agent composition, comprises from about 1% to about 99%, more preferably from about 5% to about 95%, by weight of a compound of formula (III) Preferably from 40% by weight to about 90% by weight.

One or more of the following compounds are preferred for use according to certain preferred embodiments of the invention:

CHF ₂ OCH ₂ F (HFE-143E)

CH ₂ FOCH ₂ F (HFE-152E)

CH ₂ FOCH ₃ (HFE-161E)

_{cyclo-CF 2 CH 2 OCF 2} O (HFE-c234fEαβ)

_{cyclo-CF 2 CF 2 CH 2} O (HFE-c234fEβγ)

CHF ₂ OCF ₂ CHF ₂ (HFE-236caE)

_{CF 3 CF 2 OCH 2 F (} HFE-236cbEβγ)

CF ₃ OCHFCHF ₂ (HFE-236eaE?)

CHF ₂ OCHFCF ₃ (HFE-236eaE 硫 粒)

CHF ₂ OCF ₂ CH ₂ F (HFE-245 CAE 留 硫)

CH ₂ FOCF ₂ CHF ₂ (HFE-245caE 硫 gamma)

CF ₃ OCF ₂ CH ₃ (HFE-245 cbEβγ)

CHF ₂ CHFOCHF ₂ (HFE-245eaE)

_{CF 3 OCHFCH 2 F (HFE-} 245ebEαβ)

CF ₃ CHFOCH ₂ F (HFE-245ebE 硫 gamma)

CF ₃ OCH ₂ CF ₂ H (HFE-245faEαβ)

CHF ₂ OCH ₂ CF ₃ (HFE-245faE 硫 gamma)

CH ₂ FCF ₂ OCH ₂ F (HFE-254caE)

CHF ₂ OCF ₂ CH ₃ (HFE-254 cb E alpha beta)

CHF ₂ CF ₂ OCH ₃ (HFE-254caEβγ)

CH ₂ FOCHFCH ₂ F (HFE-254ea E?)

_{CF 3 OCHFCH 3 (HFE-254ebEαβ} )

CF ₃ CHFOCH ₃ (HFE-254ebE 硫 gamma)

CHF ₂ OCH ₂ CHF ₂ (HFE-254faE)

_{CF 3 OCH 2 CH 2 F (} HFE-254fbEαβ)

_{CF 3 CH 2 OCH 2 F (} HFE-254fbEβγ)

CH ₃ OCF ₂ CH ₂ F (HFE-263caEβγ)

CF ₃ CH ₂ OCH ₃ (HFE-263fbE 硫 gamma)

CH ₃ OCH ₂ CHF ₂ (HFE-272fbE 硫 gamma)

CHF ₂ OCHFCF ₂ CF ₃ (HFE-338 mceEγδ)

CHF ₂ OCF ₂ CHFCF ₃ (HFE-338 mce E 粒 隆)

CF ₃ CF ₂ OCH ₂ CF ₃ (HFE-338 mfE 硫 gamma)

_{(CF 3) 2 CHOCHF 2 (} HFE-338mmzEβγ)

CF ₃ CF ₂ CF ₂ OCH ₃ (HFE-347sEγδ)

CHF ₂ OCH ₂ CF ₂ CF ₃ (HFE-347 mfc Eγδ)

CF ₃ OCH ₂ CF ₂ CHF ₂ (HFE-347 mfc Eαβ)

CH ₃ OCF ₂ CHFCF ₃ (HFE-356mecEγδ)

CH ₃ OCH (CF ₃ ) ₂ (HFE-356 mmzE 硫 gamma)

CF ₃ CF ₂ OCH ₂ CH ₃ (HFE-365 mcEβγ)

CF ₃ CF ₂ CH ₂ OCH ₃ (HFE-365 mcEγδ)

_{CF 3 CF 2 CF 2 OCHFCF 3} (HFE-42-11meEγδ)

CF ₃ CFCF ₃ CF ₂ OCH ₃

CF ₃ CF ₂ CF ₂ CF ₂ OCH ₃

CF ₃ CFCF ₃ CF ₂ OCH ₂ CH ₃

CF ₃ CF ₂ CF ₂ CF ₂ OCH ₂ CH ₃

_{CF 3 CF 2 CF 2 OCH 3} .

It should be understood that any two or more of the above-described HFEs may be used in combination in accordance with the preferred aspects of the present invention. For example, a mixture of about 20% to about 80% methyl nonafluoroisobutyl ether sold by 3M under the trade name HFE-7100 and about 20% to about 80% methyl nonafluorobutyl ether It has been contemplated that known materials may be advantageously used in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. As a further example, a mixture of about 20% to about 80% ethyl nonafluoroisobutyl ether sold by 3M under the trade name HFE-7200 and about 20% to about 80% ethyl nonafluorobutyl ether It is contemplated that materials known to be useful can be advantageously used in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention.

It is to be understood that any one or more of the above listed HFEs may be used in combination with other compounds, including other compounds known to form an azeotropic mixture with other HFEs and / or indicated fluoroethers not mentioned herein Respectively. For example, each of the following compounds is known to form an azeotrope with trans-dichloroethylene, and for the purposes of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the use of such an azeotrope is included within the broad scope of the present invention :

CF ₃ CFCF ₃ CF ₂ OCH ₃

CF ₃ CF ₂ CF ₂ CF ₂ OCH ₃

CF ₃ CFCF ₃ CF ₂ OCH ₂ CH ₃

CF ₃ CF ₂ CF ₂ CF ₂ OCH ₂ CH ₃

_{CF 3 CF 2 CF 2 OCH 3} .

C. Other Ingredients - Foaming Agent Composition

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the blowing agent composition consists or essentially consists of one or more compounds of formula (I). Accordingly, the present invention includes methods and systems involving the use of one or more compounds of the present invention as blowing agents in the absence of any substantial amount of additional components. However, one or more compounds or components which do not fall within the scope of formula I or formula II are optionally, but preferably, included in the blowing agent composition of the present invention. These optional additional compounds include, but are not limited to, other compounds that act as blowing agents (hereinafter, for convenience, but not limited to co-blowing agents), surfactants, polymer modifiers, Toughening agents, colorants, dyes, dissolution modifiers, rheology modifiers, plasticizing agents, flammability suppressants, antibacterial agents, viscosity reduction modifiers, fillers, ), Vapor pressure modifiers, nucleating agents, catalysts, and the like. In a particularly preferred embodiment, dispersing agents, cell stabilizers, surfactants and other additives may also be incorporated into the blowing agent composition of the present invention. Certain surfactants are optionally but preferably added so as to act as a cell stabilizer. Some representative materials are sold under the trade names DC-193, B-8404 and L-5340, which are polysiloxane polyoxyalkylene block copolymers such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,834,748, 2,917,480 and 2,846,458, It is united. Other optional additives to the blowing agent mixture include tri (2-chloroethyl) phosphate, tri (2-chloropropyl) phosphate, tri (2,3-dibromopropyl) ) Phosphate, di-ammonium phosphate, various halogenated aromatic compounds, antimony oxide, aluminum trihydrate, polyvinyl chloride, and the like.

As nucleating agents, all known compounds and materials having nucleating functionality can be used in the present invention, especially talc.

Of course, other compounds and / or components that control the specific properties (e.g., cost) of the composition may also be included in the compositions of the present invention, and the presence of all such compounds and ingredients falls within the broad scope of the present invention.

Thus, preferred embodiments of the compositions of the present invention include compounds of formula I (especially including HFO-1234ze and / or HFO-1234yf) as well as one or more co-blowing agents. The co-blowing agent according to the present invention may include a physical foaming agent, a chemical foaming agent (preferably water in certain embodiments) or a foaming agent having both physical and chemical foaming characteristics. It is understood that the co-blowing agent as well as the blowing agent contained in the composition of the present invention comprising the compound of the formula (I) also exhibits physical properties other than those required for the characteristics as a foaming agent. For example, it is understood that the blowing agent composition of the present invention includes the compound of the above-mentioned formula (I), and may be added to the blowing agent composition or the foamable composition to include ingredients that impart some beneficial properties thereto. For example, it is also within the scope of the present invention that the compound of formula (I) or said co-blowing agent also acts as a polymer modifier or viscosity decreasing agent.

Although various co-blowing agents may be used in the present invention, in certain embodiments, the blowing agent compositions of the present invention may contain one or more HFCs, more preferably one or more C1-C4 HFCs, and / or one It is preferable to include more hydrocarbons, more preferably C4-C6 hydrocarbons. For example, for HFCs, the blowing agent composition of the present invention may include one or more of difluoromethane (HFC-32), fluoroethane (HFC-161), difluoroethane (HFC-152) (HFC-143), tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134), pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), pentafluoropropane (HFC-245), hexafluoropropane (HFC-236), heptafluoro Propane (HFC-227ea), pentafluorobutane (HFC-365), hexafluorobutane (HFC-356) and all isomers of all such HFCs. With respect to hydrocarbons, the blowing agent composition of the present invention may have iso, normal and / or cyclopentane in certain preferred embodiments, such as thermoset foams, and / or cyclohexane, for thermoplastic foams, Butane. Of course, water, CO ₂ , CFCs such as trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) and dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12), hydrochlorocarbons such as dichloroethylene (preferably trans-dichloroethylene) (HCCs such as chloropropane), HCFCs, C1-C5 alcohols (such as ethanol and / or propanol and / or butanol), C1-C4 aldehydes, C1-C4 ketones, C1- And other materials including methyl ether formate and any combination thereof may be included in the composition of the present invention, The ingredients are believed to be undesirable in many implementations due to their negative environmental impact.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the following HFC isomers are preferred for use as co-blowing agents in the compositions of the present invention:

1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (HFC-125)

1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134)

1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)

1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a)

1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea)

1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa)

1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa) and

1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc).

The relative amounts of any of the additional co-blowing agents described above as well as any additional ingredients that may be included in the present invention may vary widely within the general broad scope of the invention depending on the particular application of the composition, All such relative amounts are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. However, at least one particular advantage of a particular compound of formula I according to the present invention, for example HFO-1234ze, is the relatively low flammability of such compounds. Thus, in certain embodiments, the blowing agent composition of the present invention comprises a compound of Formula I in an amount sufficient to render the at least one co-blowing agent and the blowing agent composition generally non-flammable. Thus, in this embodiment, the relative amount of co-blowing agent to the compound of Formula I will depend, at least in part, on the flammability of the co-blowing agent.

The blowing agent composition of the present invention may contain a wide range of amounts of the compounds of the present invention. However, for a composition preferred for use as a blowing agent in the present invention, the compound of formula I and more preferably the compound of formula II is present in an amount of at least about 1% by weight, more preferably at least about 5% by weight of the composition, Is present in an amount of at least about 15% by weight. In certain preferred embodiments, the blowing agent comprises at least about 50% by weight of the blowing agent compound of the present invention, and in a particular embodiment, the blowing agent consists essentially of a compound of the invention. In this regard, the use of one or more co-blowing agents is consistent with the novel and fundamental features of the present invention. For example, it has been contemplated that in many different implementations, water may be used as co-blowing agent or in combination with other co-blowing agents (e.g., pentane, especially cyclopentane).

The blowing agent composition of the present invention may preferably comprise HFO-1234yf, cis HFO-1234ze, trans HFO-1234ze, or a combination of two or more thereof in an amount of at least about 15% by weight of the composition. In many preferred embodiments, a co-blowing agent comprising water is included in the composition, most preferably in a composition for a thermosetting foam. In certain preferred embodiments, the blowing agent composition of the present invention comprises a combination of cis HFO-1234ze and trans HFO-1234ze in a weight ratio of cis: trans of about 1:99 to about 50:50, more preferably about 10:90 To about 30:70. In certain embodiments, the combination of cis HFO-1234ze and trans HFO-1234ze is used to include a weight ratio of cis: trans of about 1:99 to about 10:90, and preferably about 1:99 to about 5:95 . Of course, in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to use a combination wherein the cis-isomer is present at a higher concentration than the trans-isomer, for example when used with a foamable composition modified to use a liquid foaming agent.

In certain preferred embodiments, the blowing agent composition comprises about 30% to about 95% by weight of a compound of Formula I, more preferably a compound of Formula II, even more preferably one or more HFO-1234 compounds, From about 30 to about 96 weight percent, more preferably from about 30 to about 97 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 30 to 98 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 30 to 99 weight percent, About 5 to about 90 weight percent, and more preferably about 5 to 65 weight percent, of a co-blowing agent comprising fluoroethane. In this particular embodiment, the co-blowing agent is selected from the group consisting of H ₂ O, HFCs, HFEs, hydrocarbons, alcohols (preferably C 2, C 3 and / or C 4 alcohols), CO ₂ and combinations of any two or more thereof Selected compounds, preferably consisting essentially of these.

Table A below shows some combinations of common HFOs and HFO-1234 (especially HFO-1234ze) and HFE according to certain preferred embodiments (all percentages are by weight):

Table A

In a preferred embodiment, wherein the co-blowing agent comprises H ₂ O, the composition comprises from about 5 to about 50 weight percent, more preferably from about 10 to about 40 weight percent, of H ₂ O, To about 20% by weight of the total blowing agent.

In a preferred embodiment comprising CO ₂ as the co-blowing agent, the composition comprises from about 5 to about 60 wt%, more preferably from about 20 to about 50 wt%, of CO ₂ , About 40% to about 50% by weight of the total blowing agent.

In a preferred embodiment wherein the co-blowing agent comprises an alcohol (preferably a C2, C3 and / or C4 alcohol), the composition comprises from about 5 to about 40 weight percent alcohol, more preferably from about 10 to about 40 weight percent, About 40% by weight of the total blowing agent, and even more preferably about 15% to about 25% by weight of the total blowing agent.

Blowing agent (preferably C2, C3, C4 and / or C5 HFC), more preferably difluoromethane (HFC-152a) (HFC-152a (HFC-245) is present in the composition in an amount of from about 5 to about 80% by weight, more preferably from about 10 to about 75% by weight of the total blowing agent composition, and / or Even more preferably from about 25% to about 75% by weight of the total blowing agent. Moreover, in such an implementation, the HFC is preferably a C2-C4 HFC, more preferably a C3 HFC, and a penta-fluorinated C3 HFC such as HFC-245fa is highly desirable for a particular implementation.

(Preferably C2, C3, C4 and / or C5 HFE), and more preferably HFE-254 (especially HFE-254pc) for the composition comprising the HFE co-blowing agent, From about 5% to about 80% by weight, more preferably from about 10% to about 75% by weight, and more preferably from about 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total blowing agent composition, Lt; / RTI > Further, in such an implementation, the HFE is preferably C2-C4, and more preferably C3 HF, in particular embodiments, tetra-fluorinated C3 HFE is most preferred.

For the composition comprising the HC co-blowing agent, the HC co-blowing agent (preferably C3, C4 and / or C5 HC) is preferably added to the composition in an amount of from about 5 to about 80% Is present at about 20 to about 60 weight percent of the total blowing agent.

D. Other ingredients - Foaming composition ( Foamable Composition )

In one aspect of the present invention, a foamable composition is provided. As is well known to those skilled in the art, foamable compositions generally comprise one or more components capable of forming a foam. As used herein, the term "foam foaming agent" refers to a foam structure, preferably a component, or a combination of components, that is capable of forming a generally cellular foam structure Is used. The foamable compositions of the present invention comprise such components and a blowing agent compound, preferably a compound of formula I according to the invention. In certain embodiments, one or more components capable of forming a foam include a thermosetting composition capable of forming a foam and / or a foamable composition. Examples of thermosetting compositions include polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam compositions and also phenolic foam compositions. The reaction and foaming processes can be improved by using various additives such as catalysts and surfactant materials that regulate and control cell size during formation and stabilize the cell structure. Moreover, any one or more of the above-mentioned additional components of the foaming agent composition of the present invention may be incorporated into the foamable composition of the present invention. In this thermosetting foaming embodiment, one or more inventive compositions are included in the foamable composition as a blowing agent or as part of a blowing agent, or as part of two or more part foamable compositions, / RTI > and / or foaming to form a foam or shell structure.

In certain other embodiments of the present invention, one or more components capable of foaming comprise a thermoplastic material, particularly a thermoplastic polymer and / or a resin. Thermoplastic foam components include, for example, polyolefins such as monovinyl aromatic compounds of the formula Ar-CHCH ₂ , where Ar is an aromatic hydrocarbon radical of the benzene series, such as polystyrene (PS). Other examples of polyolefin resins suitable for the present invention include ethylene homopolymers such as polyethylene and various ethylene resins including ethylene copolymers, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In certain embodiments, the extrudable composition is a thermoplastic foamable composition.

Method and system

All currently known and available methods and systems for foam formation can be readily adapted for use with the present invention. For example, the process of the present invention generally involves incorporating the blowing agent of the present invention into a foamable or foam-forming composition and then foaming the composition, which is preferably done in one step or in a series of steps , And causing the foaming agent according to the present invention to expand in volume. In general, the systems and devices that are currently used for incorporation and foaming of the blowing agent may be readily adapted to be used in the present invention. That is, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved foaming agent which is generally miscible with existing foaming methods and systems.

Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention includes all types of foam foaming methods and systems, including thermosetting foams, thermoplastic foams, and formed-in-place foams. Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention is to use the foaming agent of the present invention under normal process conditions in a conventional foaming apparatus such as a polyurethane foaming apparatus. Thus, the method of the present invention includes masterbatch type operation, blending type operation, addition of a third stream blowing agent and addition of blowing agent in the foam head.

For thermoplastic foams, the preferred method generally involves the step of introducing the blowing agent according to the invention into a thermoplastic material, preferably a thermoplastic polymer such as a polyolefin, and thereafter allowing the thermoplastic material to become an effective condition for foaming the thermoplastic material do. For example, the step of introducing the blowing agent into the thermoplastic material may include the step of introducing the blowing agent into a screw extruder comprising the thermoplastic material, wherein the step of foaming may include lowering the pressure on the thermoplastic material And expanding the foaming agent to contribute to foaming of the thermoplastic material.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in particular from the disclosure herein, the order and manner of addition of the blowing agent to the foamable composition and / or the foaming agent according to the present invention do not generally affect the practice of the present invention . For example, in the case of extruded foams, the blowing agents of various constituents and even the components of the foamable composition may not be mixed prior to introduction into the extruder, or even the components may not be added to the same location of the extruder. Moreover, the foaming agent may be introduced directly or as part of a premix (premix), which is then added to another part of the foamable composition.

Thus, in certain embodiments, one or more of the blowing agent components is introduced into a first location of the compressor, wherein the first location is upstream of a location where one or more other components of the blowing agent are added, And / or are expected to operate more effectively in this manner. Nevertheless, in certain embodiments, two or more blowing agent components are previously blended and introduced together into the foamable composition either directly or as part of a premix (premix), which is then added to another portion of the foamable composition.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of forming a foam, preferably a polyurethane and a polyisocyanurate foam. The method generally comprises the steps of providing a foaming composition of the present invention, adding (directly or indirectly) the foaming composition to the foamable composition; And reacting the foamable composition under conditions effective to form a foam or cell structure, as is well known in the art. Any of the methods well known in the art, such as those described in "Polyurethanes Chemistry and Technology" (Volumes I and II, Saunders and Frisch, 1962, John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY) May be adapted for use or use in the foam embodiment of the present invention. In general, such preferred methods include the use of isocyanates, polyols or polyol mixtures, foaming or blowing agent mixtures and catalysts comprising one or more inventive compositions, surfactants and optional flame retardants, colorants or other additives , To prepare a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam.

It is convenient for many applications to provide the components for the polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam in pre-mixed formulations. Particularly typically, the foam formulation is pre-blended with two components. The isocyanate and any particular surfactant and blowing agent typically comprise a first component referred to as the "A" component. Polyol or polyol mixtures, surfactants, catalysts, blowing agents, flame retardants and other isocyanate reactive components typically comprise a second component, referred to as the "B" component. Thus, the polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foams can be obtained by hand mixing the A and B side components in small quantities and preferably by blending with blocks, slabs, laminates, , Pour-in-place panels and other articles, spray-applied foams, froths, and the like. Optionally, other components such as fire retardants, colorants, auxiliary blowing agents and even other polyols may be added to the mixing head or reaction site as one or more additional streams. However, most preferably, all of the above components are incorporated into a single B-component as described above.

The method and system of the present invention also includes forming a one-component foam, preferably a polyurethane foam, comprising the blowing agent of the present invention. In certain preferred embodiments, a portion of the blowing agent is contained in a foam forming agent, preferably the foaming agent is dissolved in a foaming agent that is liquid at a pressure in the vessel, and the second portion of the blowing agent is a separate It exists in a gas phase. In such a system, the contained / dissolved foam agent causes most of the foam to expand, and the separate vapor phase imparts a propulsive force to the foam former. This single component system is typically and preferably packaged in a container, such as an aerosol can, so that the foaming agent of the present invention is capable of allowing the foam to expand and / or to transfer the foam / Or preferably both. In certain embodiments, such systems and methods include charging a system (preferably an isocyanate / polyol system) that is fully incorporated into the package, and introducing the gas foaming agent of the present invention into the package, preferably an aerosol type can .

Any of the methods well known in the art, such as those described in "Polyurethanes Chemistry and Technology" (Volumes I and II, Saunders and Frisch, 1962, John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY) May be adapted for use or use in the foam forming implement of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the composition of the present invention is preferably used as a blowing agent in a supercritical or near supercritical state.

Foam ( The Foams )

The present invention also relates to any foam made from a polymer foam formulation comprising a blowing agent containing the composition of the present invention, including but not limited to closed cell foam, open cell foam, Rigid foams, flexible foams, integral skin foams, and the like). Applicants have discovered the advantage of thermosetting foams such as the foams according to the invention, in particular polyurethane foams, in particular with respect to thermosetting foam implementations, and in particular and preferably at low temperature conditions, achieving exceptional thermal performance, - can be measured by a factor or lambda. The foams of the present invention, particularly the thermosetting foams of the present invention, can be used in a wide range of applications, but in certain preferred embodiments, the present invention is applicable to refrigerator foams, freezer foams, refrigerator / freezer foams, panel foams, The present invention includes an appliance foam according to the present invention, including a cold or cryogenic article of manufacture.

In certain preferred embodiments, the foams of the present invention provide one or more exceptional characteristics, features and / or properties including: low ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential associated with many preferred foaming agents of the present invention , Thermal insulation efficiency (especially for hardenable foams), dimensional stability, compressive strength, aging of thermal insulation properties. In certain highly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a composition that exhibits improved thermal conductivity over foams prepared using the same blowing agent (or commonly used blowing agent HFC-245fa) without the use of the compound of Formula I of the present invention A foam formed as a foam article, and the like. In certain highly preferred embodiments, the thermosetting foams and preferably the polyurethane foams of the present invention have a K-factor of less than about 0.14, more preferably less than 0.135, even more preferably less than 0.13 at 40 ° F / hr ft < ² > F). Further, in certain embodiments, the thermosetting foams and preferably the polyurethane foams of the present invention have a K-factor of less than or equal to about 0.16, more preferably less than or equal to 0.15, and even more preferably less than or equal to 0.145, / hr ft < ² > F).

In another preferred embodiment, the foams of the present invention exhibit improved mechanical properties over foams made with blowing agents outside the scope of the present invention. For example, certain preferred embodiments of the present invention are based on the use of a blowing agent composed of cyclopentane to provide an excellent, preferably at least about 10 relative percent, and more preferably a minimum To provide a foam and foam article having a compressive strength greater than about 15 percent relative. Further, in certain embodiments, it is preferred that the foam produced in the present invention has a compressive strength corresponding to a commercial standard of compressive strength obtained by producing the foam under substantially the same conditions, except that the blowing agent is composed of HFC-245fa. In certain preferred embodiments the foams of the present invention have a compressive strength (parallel and perpendicular directions) of at least about 12.5% yield and even more preferably at least about 13% It represents the compressive strength of the yield.

Example

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Example  1A - polystyrene Foam

This example illustrates two preferred embodiments of the present invention, namely the use of blowing agents with HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf and the production of polystyrene foams. A test apparatus and protocol were established to assist in the evaluation of the quality of the foam and whether foams could be made with specific blowing agents and polymers. A foaming agent consisting of a base polymer (Dow Polystyrene 685D) and essentially HFO-1234ze was formulated in a vessel. The sketch of the container is shown below. The volume of the vessel was 200 cm 3 and the vessel was made of two pipe flanges and a section of 4 inch long 2-inch diameter schedule 40 stainless steel pipe. The vessel was placed in an oven set at a temperature of about 190 [deg.] F to about 285 [deg.] F, preferably about 265 [deg.] F against polystyrene and allowed to stand until the temperature reached equilibrium.

The pressure was then released in the vessel, allowing the foam to form quickly. The foaming agent plasticizes the polymer as the foaming agent melts into the polymer. The resulting densities of the two foams thus prepared are shown in Table 1 below as the density of the foams prepared using trans-HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf. The results show that expanded polystyrene is obtained by the present invention. The bulk density of polystyrene at approximately room temperature is 1050 kg / m ³ or 65.625 lb / ft ³ .

Dow Polystyrene 685D
Foam density (lb / ft ³ ) (room temperature) Foaming formation temperature, F trans HFO-1234 ze HFO-1234 yf 275 55.15 260 22.14 14.27 250 7.28 24.17 240 16.93

Example  1B-polystyrene Foam

This example demonstrates the performance of HFO-1234ze alone as a blowing agent for a polystyrene foam formed in a twin screw type extruder. The apparatus used in this example is a Leistritz twin screw extruder having the following characteristics:

30 mm co-rotating screw

L: D ratio = 40: 1

The extruder is divided into ten sections, each representing a L: D of 4: 1. The polystyrene resin is introduced into the first section, the foaming agent is introduced into the sixth section, and the extrudate is discharged from the tenth section. The extruder is operated mainly with a melt / mix extruder. Subsequent cooling extruders are connected to a tandem, the design features of which are as follows:

Leistritz twin screw extruder

40 mm co-rotating screw

L: D ratio = 40: 1

Die: 5.0 mm round

Polystyrene resin, namely Nova Chemical's universal extruded grade polystyrene, Nova 1600, is fed to the extruder under the conditions described above. The resin has a Recommended Melt Temperature of 375 - - 525.. The pressure of the extruder in the die is about 1320 psi (pounds per square inch) and the temperature at the die is about 115 ° C.

A foaming agent consisting essentially of trans HFO-1234ze is added to the indicated location of the extruder together with about 0.5% by weight talc as a nucleating agent based on the total foaming agent. The foams according to the present invention were used at concentrations of 10% by weight, 12% by weight and 14% by weight, respectively. The density of the foam produced is from about 0.1 g / cm3 to about 0.07 g / cm3 and the cell size is from about 49 to about 68 microns. The foam with a diameter of about 30 mm was of very good quality in appearance, the cell size was very fine, and there were no visible or obvious blow holes or voids.

Example  1C - polystyrene Foam

The procedure of Example 1B was repeated except that a blowing agent comprising about 50% by weight of trans HFO-1234ze and 50% by weight of HFC-245fa was used and the nucleating agent in the concentration shown in Example 1B. Foamed polystyrene was prepared at a blowing agent concentration of about 10% and 12%. The density of the foam produced is about 0.09 g / cm < 3 > and the cell size is about 200 microns. The foam having a diameter of about 30 mm was very good in appearance, had a fine cell structure, and had no visible or obvious voids.

Example  1D - polystyrene Foam

The procedure of Example 1B was repeated except that a blowing agent comprising about 80% by weight of HFO-1234ze and 20% by weight of HFC-245fa and the nucleating agent in the concentration shown in Example 1B were used. Expanded polystyrene was prepared at a blowing agent concentration of about 10% and 12%. The density of the foam produced is about 0.08 g / cm < 3 > and the cell size is about 120 microns. The foam having a diameter of about 30 mm was very good in appearance, had a fine cell structure, and had no visible or obvious voids.

Example  1E - polystyrene Foam

The procedure of Example 1B was repeated except that a blowing agent comprising about 80% by weight of HFO-124ze and 20% by weight of HFC-245fa was used and the nucleating agent in the concentration shown in Example 1B. Expanded polystyrene was prepared at a blowing agent concentration of about 10% and 12%. The density of the prepared foam was in the range of 0.1 g / cm < 3 >. The foam having a diameter of about 30 mm was very good in appearance, had a fine cell structure, and had no visible or obvious voids.

Example  1F - Polystyrene Foam

The procedure of Example 1E was repeated except that no nucleating agent was used. The density of the foam is in the range of 0.1 g / cm < 3 > and the cell size is about 400 microns in diameter. The foam having a diameter of about 30 mm was very good in appearance, had a fine cell structure, and had no visible or obvious voids.

Example  2-polyurethane Foam  Compressive strength

This example demonstrates the performance of compositions comprising HFO-1234ze and isomers thereof, especially HFO-1234ze and cyclopentane co-blowing agents, used in combination with a hydrocarbon co-blowing agent in the compressive strength performance of polyurethane foam.

A commercially available, refrigeration appliance-type polyurethane foam formulation (foam former) is provided. The polyol mixture consisted of a commercial polyol, a catalyst and a surfactant. The formulation was adapted for use with a gas phase blowing agent. Standard commercial polyurethane processing equipment is used in the foam forming process. To form a gas phase blowing agent formulation comprising HFO-1234ze (including isomers thereof) at a concentration of about 60 mole% of the total blowing agent and cyclopentane at a concentration of about 40 mole% of the total blowing agent. This example demonstrates physical property performance by HFO-1234ze (including isomers thereof) and cyclopentane co-blowing agent combination. Compressive strengths of polyurethane foams made with similar foams using the foaming agent of the present invention are shown in Table 2 below in comparison with foams prepared using blowing agents made of HFC-245fa and blowing agents made of cyclopentane.

blowing agent Compressive Strength parallel Perpendicular (% yield) (% yield) HFO 1234ze / cyclopentane 13.513 14.672 HFC-245fa 13.881 14.994 Cyclopentane 11.462 10.559

The surprising effect described in this example is the ability to process HFO-1234ze and HFC-1234ze / HFC mixtures in conventional foam processing equipment, and in particular in polyurethane processing equipment. This can be accomplished using masterbatch type blending equipment, a gas phase blowing agent mixer, a third stream addition of blowing agent, or various types of systems and devices including the addition of blowing agent in a foam head, It is beneficial.

Example  3-polyurethane Foam  K- Factor

A polyurethane foam was prepared and adapted to use it as a commercial "electronic type" polyurethane blend. The same foam formulation as described in Example 2 is used in the same standard industrial polyurethane processing apparatus as used in the foam forming process. With the exception of the blowing agent, several systems are prepared in which the same components, systems and devices are used in each system. Not only the foaming agent of the present invention, but also HFC-134a, HFC-245fa and cyclopentane, respectively, are tested as foaming agents. In each system, a blowing agent is added to the polyol mixture at substantially the same molar concentration. The polyol mixture consists of a commercial polyol, a catalyst and a surfactant. The foams are prepared in standard commercial manufacturing operations, for example, in the usual operation for producing foams for refrigeration applications. The K-factor of the prepared foam was evaluated, and it is shown in Table 3 below. For benchmarking purposes, foams were prepared with HFC-134a, and commercial data on this could be referenced. The K-factors for these foams are shown in Table 3.

Mean temperature (℉) K-factor (BTU in / hr ft ² ℉) HFO-1234ze HFC-134a Cyclopentane 40 0.127 0.146 0.143 75 0.142 0.163 0.153

This example demonstrates the k-factor performance of HFO-1234ze and its isomers when the HFO-1234ze blowing agent is substituted for the polyurethane blend. HFO-1234ze is replaced with the same molar concentration for the molar concentration of the benchmark foam. The data in Table 3 show that the HFO-1234ze foam k-factor is significantly better than HFC-134a or cyclopentane foam.

Example  4-polyurethane Foam  K- Factor

This example demonstrates the performance of a blowing agent comprising HFO-1234ze (including its isomers) together with various HFC co-blowing agents used in the manufacture of polyurethane foams. Except for the blowing agent, the same foam formulations, apparatus and procedures as those used in Examples 2 and 3 are used. The foaming agent is prepared comprising HFO-1234ze (including its isomers) 3 at a concentration of about 80% by weight of the total blowing agent and HFC-245fa at a concentration of about 20% by weight of the total foaming agent. HFC-134a and cyclopentane were tested as foaming agents, respectively, as well as the blowing agent of the present invention. In each system, the blowing agent was added at substantially the same molar concentration to the polyol mixture. The foaming agent is then used to form the foam and the k-factor of the foam is measured. Table 4 below shows the k-factor performance of the combination of HFO-1234ze (including its isomers) when used with an HFC co-blowing agent.

 Temperature (℉) K-factor (BTU in / hr ft ² ℉) HFC-1234ze / HFC-245fa HFC-134a Cyclopentane 40 0.129 0.146 0.143 75 0.144 0.163 0.153

The surprising effect described in this example is the ability to process HFO-1234ze and HFC-1234ze / HFC mixtures in conventional polyurethane processing equipment. This can be accomplished using masterbatch type blending equipment, a gas phase blowing agent mixer, a third stream addition of blowing agent, or various types of systems and devices including the addition of blowing agent in a foam head, It is beneficial.

Example  5-polyurethane Foam  K- Factor

This example further demonstrates the unexpected performance of the blowing agent according to the present invention used in the production of polyurethane foams. Three electronic appliance polyurethane foams were prepared, each of which was made from substantially the same materials, methods and apparatuses except that different blowing agents were used. The polyol system is a commercially available appliance-type combination modified to use a liquid blowing agent. A foaming machine is used to form the foam. Essentially the same molar concentration of blowing agent is used. After formation, each foam was cut into samples suitable for measuring k-factors, the k-factors for which are shown in Table 6 below. The composition of the blowing agent is shown in Table 5 as weight percent based on the total blowing agent:

blowing agent A B C HFO-1234ze * 85 0 60 HFC-245fa 15 100 11 Cyclopentane 0 0 29

* 100% cis

Average temperature (℉) k-factor (BTU in / hr ft ² ℉) A B C 40 0.116 0.119 0.116 75 0.131 0.134 0.132 110 0.146 0.149 0.148

The results shown in Table 8C indicate that the compound of the present invention (HFO-1234ze) for thermosetting foams can be used alone or in combination with HFC-245fa when used at such levels with cyclopentane and HFC-245fa as co- Indicating no deleterious effect on the k-factor performance of HFO-1234ze. So far, the results have been surprising since k-factor performance has had a deleterious effect when cyclopentane is used in substantial amounts in the blowing agent formulation.

Example  6-polyurethane Foam  K- Factor

Additional tests were conducted using the same polyol blend and isocyanate as in Example 5. The foam is made in a hand mix. The blowing agent is composed of approximately the same mole percent of the compound of formula II as HFCO-1233zd (CF ₃ CH = CHCl) *, as in the blowing agent of Example 5. The k-factors are shown in Table 7 below.

Average temperature (℉) k-factor (BTU in / hr ft < ² > F) 40 0.127 75 0.143 110 0.159

Claims (1)

A composition for use as a blowing agent for the production of a thermally insulated foam,
(a) from 30% to 99% by weight of at least one fluoroalkene comprising trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (trans HFO-1234ze); And
(b) from 1% to 70% by weight of at least one fluorinated ether
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