King of Prussia, Pennsylvania -- Arkema Inc. has a new low-global-warming-potential blowing agent for rigid foams based on trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, the company said in a statement.
Designated Forane 1233zd, the agent is liquid at room temperature, it is non-flammable, and has a global warming potential of 7, said Arkema.
Trials at a household refrigerator maker showed that an unoptimised system delivered a 3% improvement in energy efficiency of the finished foam compared to HFC245fa, and beat DOE energy standards, Arkema said.
The firm added that in other trials foams made using Forane 1233zd, showed improvements in insulation values of: 6% compared to HFC245fa; 7% compared to HCFC 141b and 16% "versus hydrocarbons."
