Continuous Improvement: Bayer MaterialScience PIR Insulation Uses Alternative Blowing Agent, Meets Key Flammability Requirement for Continuous Insulation

Phoenix, AZ, September 26, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Residential and commercial building and construction professionals are seeking more choices for continuous insulation materials that not only improve energy efficiency but also meet stringent building code requirements for flammability.

Ecomate®, a halogen-free blowing agent sold under license by Foam Supplies Inc., has been evaluated in polyisocyanurate (PIR) laminate boardstock formulations and found to improve flammability resistance, obtaining flame spread index values of 25 or less in UL723 (ASTM E-84) tests of developmental samples. The PIR foam also provides excellent thermal performance when laminated with an impermeable facer material, such as foil, which is typical for external wall insulation applications.

Scientists from Bayer MatieralScience LLC and Foam Supplies Inc. collaborated to optimize formulation and processing conditions that are necessary to produce rigid foam insulation with Ecomate® or Ecomate®/pentane blends that meet ASTM C-1289 Standard Specification for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board.

George Combs, senior principal scientist, product development and technical support, Rigid/Specialties and Raw Materials, Polyurethanes, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, detailed specific research findings during a presentation entitled “Production of PIR laminate boardstock insulation with Ecomate® blowing agent” as part of the 2013 Polyurethanes Technical Conference that was held Sept. 23-25 in Phoenix.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,500 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2012 sales of 11.5 billion euros. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, social responsibility and respect for the environment.