The chlorofluoro-free
polyurethane foamer, which is developed in China for the first time, passed the
identification of sci-tech achievement in Beijing. This will strongly
facilitate the substitution of traditional foamers and helps phase-out CFC and
HFC.
At
the end of April 2018, the innovation project regarding an
advanced chlorofluoro-free polyurethane foamer, which is completed by
Shandong University of Technology and Butian New Material jointly, passed the
identification of sci-tech achievement carried out by the China Petroleum and
Chemical Industry Federation in Beijing, according to market intelligence firm
CCM.
The
identification outlines 4 keys of this sci-tech achievement. First of all, two
types of newly structured chlorofluoro-free polyurethane foamers are
designed to be synthesised. They are new chemical substances, which have been
tested for their toxicity and have been registered as new substances. They are
safe and environmental-friendly.
Secondly,
a new way to develop newly structured formeris has been found. Such a
foamer, promoted by reaction heat, may produce carbon dioxide by decomposition.
It is compatible with polyhydric alcohols in a better way, and the foaming
material produced in this way show well-distributed and fine foam structure and
excellent performance.
Furthermore,
technologies for the applications of newly structured foamer in building
thermal insulation board, pipeline thermal insulation and cold insulation of
refrigeration house are developed.
And
finally, the preparation process for newly structured foamer is developed and
the facility for pilot-scale experimentation is constructed. The foaming
material produced based on this process shows up-to-national standard
performance indicators such as heat conductivity.
So
far, SDUT and Butian New Material have applied for 38 invention patents in
China, of which 2 have been authorised, and meanwhile, have applied for 2
patents under the Patent Cooperation Treaty. The chlorofluoro free
polyurethane foamer has been regarded as a theoretical innovation and
technological invention of great importance, after the examination made by the
State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China and the
searching at home and abroad.
In
China, moving to climate-friendly refrigerants, and boosting the energy
efficiency of cooling technologies could save as much energy as would be
produced by eight Three Gorges hydroelectric dams.
The need for HFC and
HCFC substitutes
In
2030, China will thoroughly stop the production and use of
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). As a substitute for HCFC physical foamer,
the chlorofluoro-free polyurethane foamer is expected to make a great
contribution to the phase-out of CFC and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) in the
domestic polyurethane foaming material industry, the protection of ozonosphere
and the reduction of carbon emission. In addition, the Identification Committee
under CPCIF is of the opinion that this foamer will offer strong technical
support during China's fighting against climate changes and fulfilment of the
Paris Agreement and the Montreal Protocol on Substances at Deplete the Ozone
Layer.
The Kingali Amendment
is part of the Montreal Protocol, which guides the international community to
fight against climate change. The new amendment will come into effect on
January 1, 2019, since with the ratification of Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago,
21 parties, including China, have ratified the Montreal Protocol so far. 20
parties were the minimum to get the amendment into effect.
With
the Kigali Amendment, manufacturers of refrigerants are now urged to start
researching and producing alternative substitutes that are less harmful to the
climate. This has a significant effect on China, which is the largest producer
and consumer of HFCs worldwide with a technology still lacking behind
international competition.
At
present, China is the largest country in consumption as well as production and
export of HCFCs and HFCs. Hence, the elimination of these chemicals is a
mammoth task for the country, which manufacturers are still lacking behind
international competitors when it comes to the research and development of new
and safe refrigerants.
The
middle kingdom has already eliminated CFCs back in the year 2007, which was
even three years ahead of the deadline stated in the Montreal Protocol. It
stays to be expected if the country can show the same pace and progress in the
elimination of fluorohydrocarbons in the coming years ahead.
About the article
The
information for this article comes from CCM, China’s leading market
intelligence provider for the fields of chemicals, agriculture, food and feed.
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