ABSTRACT
The zero-ODP product SOLKANE 365mfc is currently being developed to replace HCFC-141b as a blowing and insulation agent in high-performance polyurethane (PU) foams for the thermal insulation of buildings. In a life cycle assessment (LCA) study, HFC-365mfc-blown PU sprays were investigated in comparison with water/CO2-blown PU sprays.
The climatic conditions were recognized as being decisive for the absolute environmental benefits achievable with high-performance insulation products. In order to support the positioning of these new products in distinct markets, the environmental profiles were calculated for different climatic zones in Spain and Portugal.
The SOLKANE 365mfc-blown rigid PU sprays were found to be environmentally advantageous or at least competitive as compared to the water/CO2-blown PU sprays with respect to all environmental criteria and in the investigated climatic zones. They show the potential to set the future standard of environmentally sound highperformance insulation products with SOLKANE 365mfc as blowing and insulation agent.
