Polyurethane insulation markets

The use of CFCs as foam blowing agents has decreased 35% from 1986 levels. Polyurethanes, phenoHcs, extmded polystyrenes, and polyolefins are blown with CFCs, and in 1990 the building and appHance insulation markets represented about 88% of the 174,000 t of CFCs used in foams (see Foamed plastics). 

Venezuela is emerging as a strong Latin American market for urethanes. A strong consumer demand and significant exports to Andean Pact countries have provided much of the growth. Continued increases in auto production, furniture/bedding, and some insulation markets should give further impetus to polyurethane demand. 

While it would be foolhardy for me to imply or suggest that isocyanurates and polyurethanes offer this country the solutions to its multi-faceted energy-related problems, I strongly believe that they represent the most cost-effective way to meet the challenges present within the shelter insulation markets of the 80s. 

Fig. 1.24 Two designs of pacing leads using cabled conductors. Above A traditional multifilar coiled conductor for stylet delivery lies parallel to a cabled conductor. The lead is slightly oval (Medtronic 5044. Never marketed). Below. Coaxial design (Medtronic 3830 SelectSecure ). The cathode cable lies at the center of the lead and is then covered with a protective cover (ETFE) and over that a conventional silicone insulator. It is then surrounded with a polyurethane insulated multifilar coiled anode conductor. There is no lumen for a stylet. (Permission for use Medtronic.)...

State of the art testing at the time, but we wanted more long term in vivo data for cardiovascular. In vitro and ex vivo testing demonstrated that the materials were biocompatible and stable in the intended environment (as it was understood at the time) [6]. Just to be sure, however, we implanted the materials in the subcutis of rabbits for 2 years, conducting extensive characterization tests as a function of time. No untoward biocompatibility or biostability issues were revealed. Device tests were conducted in canines for 12 weeks, which had been shown to be sufficient time to characterize acute and chronic performance. Human clinical evaluations over 1-2 years (depending on the models) demonstrated that the devices had superior performance compared to their predecessors [7, 8]. Four polyurethane-insulated lead models were market released in the United States in April 1980 with FDA approval. 

The manufacturers and their suppliers are actively seeking alternatives, and some CFC-free polyurethane is already appearing on the market. However, these new products do not have such good insulating properties (thermal conductivity of the order of 0.03 W/mK is being quoted, as against the 0.02/0.025 W/mK of the originals). 

We have already been introduced to polyurethane chemistry in Chapter 10, Section 2, where we used toluene diisocyanate (TDI) reacting with a diol to give a polyurethane. Polyurethanes derived from MDI are more rigid than those from TDI. New applications for these rigid foams are in home insulation and exterior autobody parts. The intermediate MDA is now on the Reasonably Anticipated to Be Human Carcinogens list and the effect of this action on the market for MDI remains to be seen. The TLV-TWA values for MDA and MDI are some of the lowest of the chemicals we have discussed, being 0.1 and 0.005 ppm respectively. 

The current polymer foam market is dominated by gas imbibed polystyrene, polyolefins and polyurethanes used in consumer products, packagings and construction markets. However, there is a growing market for high performance foam products. Insulation materials for aerospace, transportation and some construction industries are required to have higher temperature performance and non-flammability. In this respect polyimides are naturally the material of choice. 

Polyurethane rigid foam insulation also can be applied as a spray system to a variety of surfaces. Retro-fitting commercial roofs as well as insulation of tanks and pipes has had increasing acceptance. The next decade will require even further conservation of energy in all manufacturing facilities, and provide an ideal market for sprayed rigid foam insulation. By the end of this decade, the demand for spray systems could readily double the current level. 

There is also interest in using polyurethane foam for the insulation of LNG tankers. These ships use high-density rigid foam (up to 100 kg/in ) and require significant quantities per tanker. Countries with well established ship building industries are vying for this market. 

The PRC markets for polyurethanes are centered in a range of applications from conventional flexible cushioning and rigid foam insulation to more sophisticated uses, such as shoe soles, synthetic leather and gymnasium playing surfaces. While statistics are not readily available, the PRC consumes about 10 million pounds of rigid foam and 8 million pounds flexible foam annually. Recent plans to build a 3 million in per year poromeric polyurethane synthetic leather plant should give impetus to polyurethane demand in 1982/83. 

Regulation, which my company has supported, would be a partial solution. While affecting only the residential market, it would set the precedent of establishing consistent testing and reporting methods for various insulation materials. The obvious superiority of polyurethanes and isocyanurates will thus be demonstrated. 

The Effects of Regulatory Actions on the Marketing of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Insulation... 

It is estimated that 615 million pounds of rigid polyurethane foam were made during 1979.(1). The market for these foamed plastics has been growing at an annual 15 percent rate for the last few years. It is projected that similar growth may resume in future years. The construction market is the key to future growth, as the greatest share of rigid polyurethane foam is used in thermal insulation applications. 

---