August 14, 2004 -- SEATTLE, Wash., (USA) -- Jobwerx News -- Breakthrough technology provides best hydrocarbon blowing agents compatability and superior thermal insulating properties for appliance manufacturers.

GE Advance Materials does it again with silicone surfactants double benefit for the appliance industry. Silicone surfactants can improve the energy efficiency of appliances manufactured for greater consumer appeal.

NIAX® Silicone L-6884 and NIAX Silicone L-6988 silicone surfactants represent a breakthrough in the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foam systems based on hydrocarbon (HC) blowing agents. The new products not only improve the solubility of hydrocarbon into the polyurethane system for a stable mix, but also enable formation of very fine foam cells for superior insulating properties. By implementing NIAX silicone surfactants, manufacturers of refrigerators, freezers, and coolers can improve the energy efficiency of their appliances for greater consumer appeal.

The global industry has widely adopted rigid polyurethane foam systems based on HC blowing agents. While these blowing agents offer good performance, they also have historically had the significant disadvantage of limited solubility into the raw material blend, which causes pentane phase separation and loss of the homogeneity of the mix. GE's NIAX silicone surfactants, however, provide improved HC solubility, resulting in a clear and stable system that reduces the issue of pentane separation. Further, the new products expand the range of polyols that can be used in formulated systems.

GE Advanced Materials (GEAM) recently announced a new family of these silicone surfactants for stabilizing MDI and MDI-TDI flexible molded foam for use in the automotive seating industry. NIAX® Silicone L-3415, L-3416 and L-3417 are based on a new molecular design that can reduce emissions from finished parts.

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