Cryogenic Insulation-Towards Environmentally Friendly Polyurethane Foams.

Cryogenics is the science and technology of very low temperatures, typically below 120 K. The most common applications are liquified natural gas carriers, ground-based tanks, and propellant tanks for space launchers. A crucial aspect of cryogenic technology is effective insulation to minimise boil-off from storage tanks and prevent frost build-up.

Influence of Long-Term Storage and UV Light Exposure on Characteristics of Polyurethane Foams for Cryogenic Insulation.

Rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams have been the most effective insulation material used in space launchers since the beginning of cryogenic fuel use, due to their outstanding thermal and mechanical properties. In this study, spray-applied PUR foams using different ratios of amine-based catalysts were produced. Due to climate change, several restrictions have been made regarding the usage of blowing agents used for PUR foam production.

Influence of Reactive Amine-Based Catalysts on Cryogenic Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foams for Space and On-Ground Applications.

Rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams have outstanding properties, and some of them are successfully used even today as cryogenic insulation. The fourth-generation blowing agent Solstice LBA and commercial polyols were used for the production of a low-density cryogenic PUR foam composition. A lab-scale pouring method for PUR foam preparation and up-scaling of the processes using an industrial spraying machine are described in this article.