Polyurethane Foam and why you should make the switch
Leave a CommentIt started in 1937; Leverkusen, Germany
Polyurethane foam was first said to be made in Leverkusen Germany 1937. However, Polyurethane foam didn’t really make its mark until the market for flexible foam in 1954 for commercial production first in Europe then, the United States. Polyurethane foam became the “go-to” for a variety of markets. From furniture upholstery to car seats then eventually the mattress market, polyurethane foam is still seen today in some of our everyday products like kitchen sponges and clothing which in 2010 brought the estimated worth of the polyurethane market to $33 billion.
For some time, polyurethane foam was thought to be the go-to product for insulation and creating versatility for coating and adhesives due to its ease of implementation. However, as recently as 2017 the EPA released health concerns about SPF (spray polyurethane foam) in regard to health concerns and misleading marketing claims.
“Some advertising claims for SPF do not clearly indicate that these products contain hazardous chemicals. Marketing claims that ignore the presence of isocyanates and other toxic chemicals in SPF insulation mask the need for safe work practices.”
Source:
Durability, Moisture, Fire and Waste
Polyurethane foam may have an easy implementation; however, Polyurethane foam is known for having hydroscopic tendencies or water absorption characteristics that can be a nightmare for certain industries. Polyurethane adhesives and sealants absorb water making it subject to mold and mildew which can be a nightmare for marine environments. PUF also does not work well in direct sunlight and can emit orders and fumes that with prolonged exposures can make people ill. ESP Energy research shoes that Polyurethane foam releases toxic fumes that are not healthy to inhale. Allergic reactions, rashes, loss of consciousness and even blindness; should you become exposed can occur.
The Technicon Difference and Capabilities
PF-091 is a low-cost alternative to polyurethane foam. PF-091 is non-toxic, UL94 HF1 listed and tolerates a higher operating temperature of 350 °F. PF-091 also has superior low-frequency absorption due to its structure It is made from consumer pre and post-consumer waste making it environmentally friendly and recyclable. PF-091 has no off-gassing or fogging when used inside cabs and can be Die cut to fit into specific applications with or without pressure sensitive adhesive for easy installation. HVAC units can be fiberglass free or, if you’re in the Marine Industry PF-091 can be used on the inside of an engine room or bulkhead. PF-091 is unaffected by moisture, drains when submerged into water and will not degrade in UV benefiting Marine and HVAC applications.
At Technicon, we continually reinvest in the latest manufacturing technologies to ensure a quality product and exceeds the demands of our current and future customers.
In our 85,000 square foot
We are committed to your Perfect Order Experience. Contact us today to see how we can assist you. sales@techniconacoustics.com
