Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Aging of Polyurethane Foam Insulation in Simulated Refrigerator Panels--Two-Year Results with Third-Generation Blowing Agents

Conference ·

Laboratory data are presented on the effect of constant-temperature aging on the apparent thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam insulation for refrigerators and freezers. The foam specimens were blown with HCFC-141b and with three of its potential replacements--HFC-134a, HFC-245fa, and cyclopentane. Specimens were aged at constant temperatures of 90 F, 40 F, and {minus}10 F. Thermal conductivity measurements were made on two types of specimens: full-thickness simulated refrigerator panels containing foam enclosed between solid plastic sheets, and thin slices of core foam cut from similar panels. Results are presented for the first two years of a multi-year aging study. Preliminary comparisons of measured data with predictions of a mathematical aging model are presented.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-96OR22464
OSTI ID:
775408
Report Number(s):
P00-107629
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English