With the accelerated phase-out of HCFC-141b, the Center for Environmental Protection External Cooperation of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment recommends that the selection of HCFCs phase-out replacement technologies should be environmentally friendly, low-carbon, safe, and economical. This means no damage to the ozone layer; low global warming potential (GWP), good insulation performance, and high energy efficiency; production that meets safety standards; and a high cost-performance ratio, with raw material and production costs that are acceptable to the market.

At present, the main alternative technologies include alkane foaming agents (HC), hydrofluorocarbon foaming agents (HFC), hydrofluoroolefin foaming agents (HFO), all-water foaming, liquid carbon dioxide, methyl formate, and paraformaldehyde. Due to the special nature of the spraying process, alkane foaming agents (HC) are not suitable for this industry. Most customers choose HFC, HFO, and all-water as substitutes.

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of the HFC- 245fa foaming agent in polyurethane spraying applications.

 Advantages:

1. HFC-245fa has an ODP of 0, is environmentally friendly and safe, non-flammable, and low in toxicity;

2. It has a low gas-phase thermal conductivity and good compatibility with polyols, giving polyurethane foam excellent insulation and aging resistance;

3. At the same density, the PU insulation layer sprayed with HFC-245fa foam exhibits features such as good strength, a thin surface hardening layer, and the spraying area increased, etc.;

4. It has low sensitivity to environmental temperature and humidity, which helps ensure the stability of thermal insulation and waterproofing projects;

5. Liquid HFC-245fa is safe and convenient to use, which is recognized in various polyurethane applications.

Disadvantages:

1. Due to the high cost of HFC-245fa ,small and medium-sized enterprises face significant cost pressures. So, it has not yet been widely promoted in the spraying industry of developing countries.

2. Their global warming potential (GWP) is relatively high and is not supported by policy.   

Physical property parameters table of main blowing agents

During the accelerated replacement of HCFC-141b, Qichen continuously made technical improvements for the HFC-245fa blend polyol, and has received high praise from our foreign customers.