Harmonising Analysis of VOCs from Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation
Oral Presentation
Prepared by C. Widdowson1, N. Watson2
1 - Markes International, Gwaun Elai Mediscience Campus, Llantrisant, RCT, CF72 8XL, United Kingdom
2 - Markes International, 11126-D Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45242, United States
Contact Information: cwiddowson@markes.com; 513-488-6161
ABSTRACT
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation products are designed to be applied on-site in a building by trained technicians using specialized equipment. There is a need to establish allowable re-entry times for building occupants following SPF applications and to provide assurance to consumers and building occupants regarding potential longer-term inhalation exposures to toxic chemicals.
The wide range of emissions from SPF (including ‘regular’ GC-compatible VOCs, aldehydes and isocyanates) requires the use of several different types of vapour sampler and analyzer. This poster looks at using chamber-sampling, followed by multiple analytical techniques, to simultaneously determine the relevant VOC and semi-VOC emissions from SPF.
This collaborative work is being carried out by members of an ASTM work group(1) with the objective being to develop a set of harmonized methods for test labs to use for certification of SPF emissions and for manufacturers to use in-house.
Polyurethanes are produced by reacting two raw materials commonly referred as the
'A-side' and the 'B-side'. One side consists of a liquid isocyanate (e.g. MDI – methylenediphenyl diisocyanate) and the other of a liquid blend of polyols, catalyst, and other additives, which can include chain extenders, cross-linkers, surfactants, flame retardants, blowing agents, pigments, and fillers.
For this study a generic SPF formulation was developed, which was representative of a typical open cell, closed cell and kit products, and was developed for research and method development purposes only.
Three vapour collection techniques were assessed: thermal desorption (TD) sorbent tubes, silica gel with DNPH tube for aldehyde analysis, and glass-fiber filter with 1-(2-pyridyl) piperazine (PP) and diethyl phthalate .
Preliminary data indicates that it is possible to use one sampling device to measure the emissions from catalysts, surfactants, flame retardants and blowing agents. Work is needed to reliably quantitate the emission of MDI using the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor as a sampling device, as the ‘stickiness’ of the compound causes wall-effects. Further research is ongoing, and may include modifying the sampling device to resolve this issue.
The work carried out in this study is still in progress, but there have already been some significant observations. The data suggests that for the best results the SPF emissions should be sampled and analysed within 48 hours of application.
The data from this project should eventually lead to the establishment of allowable
re-entry times for building occupants following SPF applications, and to provide assurance to consumers and building occupants regarding potential longer-term inhalation exposures to toxic chemicals.
REFERENCES
1 ASTM work group WK30960 – New Practice for Determination of volatile organic compounds, diisocyanates, oligomeric isocyanates, and amine catalysts emitted from spray polyurethane foam insulation products designed for on-site application in buildings.
Oral Presentation
Prepared by C. Widdowson1, N. Watson2
1 - Markes International, Gwaun Elai Mediscience Campus, Llantrisant, RCT, CF72 8XL, United Kingdom
2 - Markes International, 11126-D Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45242, United States
Contact Information: cwiddowson@markes.com; 513-488-6161
ABSTRACT
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation products are designed to be applied on-site in a building by trained technicians using specialized equipment. There is a need to establish allowable re-entry times for building occupants following SPF applications and to provide assurance to consumers and building occupants regarding potential longer-term inhalation exposures to toxic chemicals.
The wide range of emissions from SPF (including ‘regular’ GC-compatible VOCs, aldehydes and isocyanates) requires the use of several different types of vapour sampler and analyzer. This poster looks at using chamber-sampling, followed by multiple analytical techniques, to simultaneously determine the relevant VOC and semi-VOC emissions from SPF.
This collaborative work is being carried out by members of an ASTM work group(1) with the objective being to develop a set of harmonized methods for test labs to use for certification of SPF emissions and for manufacturers to use in-house.
Polyurethanes are produced by reacting two raw materials commonly referred as the
'A-side' and the 'B-side'. One side consists of a liquid isocyanate (e.g. MDI – methylenediphenyl diisocyanate) and the other of a liquid blend of polyols, catalyst, and other additives, which can include chain extenders, cross-linkers, surfactants, flame retardants, blowing agents, pigments, and fillers.
For this study a generic SPF formulation was developed, which was representative of a typical open cell, closed cell and kit products, and was developed for research and method development purposes only.
Three vapour collection techniques were assessed: thermal desorption (TD) sorbent tubes, silica gel with DNPH tube for aldehyde analysis, and glass-fiber filter with 1-(2-pyridyl) piperazine (PP) and diethyl phthalate .
Preliminary data indicates that it is possible to use one sampling device to measure the emissions from catalysts, surfactants, flame retardants and blowing agents. Work is needed to reliably quantitate the emission of MDI using the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor as a sampling device, as the ‘stickiness’ of the compound causes wall-effects. Further research is ongoing, and may include modifying the sampling device to resolve this issue.
The work carried out in this study is still in progress, but there have already been some significant observations. The data suggests that for the best results the SPF emissions should be sampled and analysed within 48 hours of application.
The data from this project should eventually lead to the establishment of allowable
re-entry times for building occupants following SPF applications, and to provide assurance to consumers and building occupants regarding potential longer-term inhalation exposures to toxic chemicals.
REFERENCES
1 ASTM work group WK30960 – New Practice for Determination of volatile organic compounds, diisocyanates, oligomeric isocyanates, and amine catalysts emitted from spray polyurethane foam insulation products designed for on-site application in buildings.
