The new product, hydrofluoroolefin HFO-1234ze, is non-flammable, non-ozone depleting and has a global warming potential (GWP) of 6.
HFO-1234ze can replace HFC-134a (with a GWP of 1,430) and HFC-152a (with a GWP of 142) in aerosol applications, extruded polystyrene board, rigid polyurethane foam, and one- and two-component insulating and sealant foam.
The company said that by reducing fuel consumption, fluorocarbons directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating, cooling and electrical power generation, and are cost-effective for the end user compared with fluorocarbon alternatives.
In addition, fluorocarbons are mostly nonflammable and have a low order of toxicity, which makes them significantly safer in use than alternatives such as hydrocarbons and ammonia that are either extremely flammable or highly toxic.
