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Provichem 1102 is a very effective, fast curing trimerization catalyst for the preparation of rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams.
Provichem 1102 displays strong catalytic activity in trimerization of isocyanates.
This leads to the formation of isocyanurate groups, bringing about additional cross-linking of the polymer.
CAS: 27026-93-3
MF: C3H3N3O3
MW: 129.08
Provichem 1102 is a low odour catalyst, and is free of amino groups and glycol solvents.
Provichem 1102, also referred to as PIR, polyiso, or ISO, is a thermoset plastic typically produced as a foam and used as rigid thermal insulation.
The starting materials are similar to those used in polyurethane (PUR) except that the proportion of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is higher and a polyester-derived polyol is used in the reaction instead of a polyether polyol.
The resulting chemical structure is significantly different, with the isocyanate groups on the MDI trimerising to form isocyanurate groups which the polyols link together, giving a complex polymeric structure.
There are also other types of Provichem 1102 insuation boards, for example, for flat roofs it can have plywood bonded on one side, or glass tissue or plasterboard bonded to it for wall applications.
The need to replace the insulation is highly unlikely due to its rigidity, durability and excellent compressive strength.
Provichem 1102 insulation boards require approximately half the thickness of traditional forms of insulation to meet the same level of thermal performance.
Provichem 1102 achieve low R-values, as low as just 0.021W/mK.
Provichem 1102 is seen as greatest potential for energy saving today.
Provichem 1102 insulation boards will not rot, sag or decay and will therefore continue to deliver designed insulation values throughout the lifetime of the building.
The insulation core and facings resist attack by mould and microbial growth.
Provichem 1102 has a fibre free insulation core, and therefore are non-irritant.
Provichem 1102 is an environment friendly material.
Provichem 1102's low weight also lends itself to modern methods of construction and lighter supporting structures.
Provichem 1102 are easy to handle and transport, making installation much easier and quicker than traditional insulants.
Uses
Provichem 1102 is typically produced as a foam and used as rigid thermal insulation.
Provichem 1102's thermal conductivity has a typical value of 0.023 W/(m·K) (0.16 BTU·in/(hr·ft2·°F)) depending on the perimeter:area ratio.
Provichem 1102 foam panels laminated with pure embossed aluminium foil are used for fabrication of pre-insulated duct that is used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Prefabricated Provichem 1102 sandwich panels are manufactured with corrosion-protected, corrugated steel facings bonded to a core of PIR foam and used extensively as roofing insulation and vertical walls (e.g. for warehousing, factories, office buildings etc.).
Other typical uses for Provichem 1102 foams include industrial and commercial pipe insulation, and carving/machining media (competing with expanded polystyrene and rigid polyurethane foams).
Effectiveness of the insulation of a building envelope can be compromised by gaps resulting from shrinkage of individual panels.
Manufacturing criteria require that shrinkage be limited to less than 1% (previously 2%).
Even when shrinkage is limited to substantially less than this limit, the resulting gaps around the perimeter of each panel can reduce insulation effectiveness, especially if the panels are assumed to provide a vapor/infiltration barrier.
Multiple layers with staggered joints, ship lapped or tongue & groove joints greatly reduce these problems.
Provichem 1102 of isophorone diisocyanate are also used in the preparation of polyurethane coatings based on acrylic polyols and polyether polyols.
Manufacturing
The reaction of (MDI) and polyol takes place at higher temperatures compared with the reaction temperature for the manufacture of Provichem 1102.
At these elevated temperatures and in the presence of specific catalysts, MDI will first react with itself, producing a stiff, ring molecule, which is a reactive intermediate (a tri-isocyanate isocyanurate compound).
Remaining MDI and the tri-isocyanate react with polyol to form a complex poly(urethane-isocyanurate) polymer (hence the use of the abbreviation PUI as an alternative to Provichem 1102), which is foamed in the presence of a suitable blowing agent.
This isocyanurate polymer has a relatively strong molecular structure, because of the combination of strong chemical bonds, the ring structure of isocyanurate and high cross link density, each contributing to the greater stiffness than found in comparable polyurethanes.
The greater bond strength also means these are more difficult to break, and as a result a Provichem 1102 foam is chemically and thermally more stable: breakdown of isocyanurate bonds is reported to start above 200 °C, compared with urethane at 100 to 110 °C.
Provichem 1102 typically has an MDI/polyol ratio, also called its index (based on isocyanate/polyol stoichiometry to produce urethane alone), higher than 180.
By comparison Provichem 1102 indices are normally around 100.
As the index increases material stiffness the brittleness also increases, although the correlation is not linear.
Depending on the product application greater stiffness, chemical and/or thermal stability may be desirable.
As such Provichem 1102 manufacturers can offer multiple products with identical densities but different indices in an attempt to achieve optimal end use performance.
Synonyms
polyisocyanurate
isocyanurate homopolymer
