1150
Foam Blowing Agent
Properties, Uses, S torage, and HandlingOpteon™ 1150

Foam Blowing Agent

Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................3
Background................................................................................................. 3
Uses................................................................................................................ 3
Regulatory................................................................................................... 3
Properties...............................................................................3
Chemical Properties............................................................................. 3
Physical Properties................................................................................ 3
Chemical/Thermal Stability and Compatibility................... 6
Chemical Stability............................................................................. 6
Thermal Decomposition............................................................... 6
Compatibility with Metals............................................................ 6
Compatibility with Elastomers................................................. 6
Compatibility with Plastics.......................................................... 6
Safe Use.................................................................................7
Inhalation Toxicity................................................................................... 7
Skin and Eye Contact.......................................................................... 7
Spills or Leaks........................................................................................... 7
Enclosed and Confined Spaces.................................................... 7
Air Monitors and Leak Detection................................................. 7
Storage and Handling............................................................8
Shipping........................................................................................................ 8
Storage.......................................................................................................... 8
Bulk Storage Systems......................................................................... 8
Converting Bulk Storage Systems to Opteon™ 1150... 8
Handling........................................................................................................ 9
Recycle and Disposal........................................................................... 9
Leaks and Spills.................................................................................. 9
Disposal................................................................................................... 9
References.................................................................................................. 93

Opteon™ 1150

Foam Blowing AgentIntroduction• Rigid Polyurethane Commercial Refrigeration

Background• Rigid Polyurethane Sandwich Panels

With the establishment and continued evolution of theMontreal Protocol, the foam blowing agents (FBAs) used for
closed-cell polymeric foam products have changed
dramatically over the last two decades. Beginning in 1989,
both thermoset and thermoplastic foam industries worldwide
have moved away from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in favor ofhydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), such as HCFC-141b and
HCFC-142b. These alternatives were chosen as they
provided a greatly decreased ozone depletion potential (ODP).
Today, countries have either eliminated the use of, or are in theprocess of phasing out, HCFCs in foam applications in order
to meet the amended Montreal Protocol’s regulated goal ofzero ODP foam blowing agents.

Opteon™ 1150 is subject to a Significant New Use Rule
(SNUR) under the U.S. EPA Toxic Substance Control Act(TSCA) – 40 CFR § 721.10907. Export notification
requirements according to TSCA §12(b) are referenced in the
Opteon™ 1150 safety data sheet (SDS) regulatory section.
Export notification requirements from the United States arereferenced in the Opteon™ 1150 safety data sheet (SDS)
regulatory section.

This has led to the widespread use of third-generation zero
ODP hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) foam blowing agents, such as
HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, and HFC-134a. However, maturing
environmental awareness has put such HFCs under regulation
and, per the Kigali Agreement, are being phased out (based on
application and country) due to their moderate global warming
potential (GWP). As a result, many countries and polymericfoam manufacturers find themselves in need of a zero ODP
and low GWP foam expansion agent.

Properties

Uses
Opteon™ 1150 is a zero ODP, low GWP foam expansion agent.
With a GWP of 7, Opteon™ 1150 readily meets regulations
established by the Montreal Protocol. The product isnonflammable and has a favorable toxicity profile.
Opteon™ 1150 is used as a physical foam blowing agent forthermoset polymer foams, including polyurethane,polyisocyanurate, and phenolic resins, as well as thermoplastic
foams, such as polystyrene or polyolefin. Opteon™ 1150
provides excellent formulation stability as well as low vapor
thermal conductivity. It may be used as a co-blowing agent inpolyurethane foam resins or froth foams. Due to its boilingpoint of 7.5 °C (46 °F), it can easily be handled in cylinders.

• Rigid Polyurethane Slabstock and other

This technical bulletin is intended for general informational
purposes only. As we are always discovering new and uniqueapplications for Opteon™ 1150, one should consult the
Chemours technical staff to best serve your application’s
needs. The Opteon™ 1150 SDS should always be consulted
prior to use for additional information.

Chemical Properties
Opteon™ 1150, a hydrofluorinated compound containing adouble bond, is otherwise known as a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).
The molecule does not contain chlorine or bromine; therefore,
it has zero ODP. The double bond of the molecule allows
Opteon™ 1150 to maintain its thermal stability in closed
systems, such as polymeric foams; but, when accidentally
released to the atmosphere, it has a very short atmospheric
lifetime. This short atmospheric lifetime leads to Opteon™
1150 having a 100-year ITH GWP of 7 (AR5). Chemical
information for Opteon™ 1150 is shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Opteon™ 1150 Chemical Information
Chemical NameTrans-1,1,1,4,4,4-Hexafluoro-2-Butene

Synonyms

Opteon™ 1150 HFO-1336mzz-E

Molecular Formula

CF3CHCHCF3

Regulatory

CAS Registry Number

66711-86-2

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
has listed Opteon™ 1150 as an acceptable substitute in foam
blowing agents for the end uses listed below under the
Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.

Molecular Weight

164.05• Rigid Polyurethane Spray Foam (High Pressure
Two-Component)• Integral Skin Polyurethane• Rigid Polyurethane and Polyisocyanurate

Chemical Structure

Physical Properties
Physical properties of Opteon™ 1150 are shown in Table 2.
Saturated vapor pressure vs. temperature is shown in Figure
1. Liquid density vs. temperature is shown in Figure 2. Vapor
thermal conductivity vs. temperature is shown in Figure 3.

• Laminated Boardstock• Rigid Polyurethane Appliance4Opteon™ 1150

Foam Blowing Agent

Table 2. Opteon™ 1150 General Physical Properties
Physical Property

Unit

Opteon™ 1150

Vapor Pressure at 25 °C (77 °F)

kPa
psia

194.55
24.6

Boiling Point (1 atm)

°C
°F

7.5
45.5

Critical Temperature

°C
°F

137.7
279.9

Critical PressurekPa abspsia

3148.9456.72

Critical Density

kg/m3
lb/ft3

538.5
33.62

Liquid Density at 25 °C (77 °F)

kg/m3
lb/ft31294.7
81.6

Vapor Density at 25 °C (77 °F)

kg/m3
lb/ft314.3
0.89

Specific Heat, Liquid at 20 °C (68 °F)

kJ/kg·K
Btu/lb·F

1.15
0.274

Specific Heat, Vapor at 20 °C (68 °F)

kJ/kg·K
Btu/lb·F

0.81
0.193

Heat of Vaporization at Normal Boiling Point

kJ/kg
Btu/lb

154
66.3

Thermal Conductivity, Liquid at 25 °C (77 °F)

W/m·K
Btu/hr·ft·F

0.08040.0465

Thermal Conductivity, Vapor at 25 °C (77 °F)

W/m·K
Btu/hr·ft·F

0.01150.00665

Viscosity, Liquid at 25 °C (77 °F)

MPa·s

240.9

Viscosity, Vapor at 25 °C (77 °F)

MPa·s

11.15

ASTM E-681

None

Solubility of H2O in HFO-1336mzz-E at 25 °C (77 °F), % wt

g/L
lb/gal

0.57790.00456

Solubility of HFO-1336mzz-E in H2O at 25 °C (77 °F), % wt

g/L
lb/gal0.77890.00702

CFC-11 = 1.00

Global Warming Potential (GWP) 100-yr ITH (AR5)CO2 = 1

7

TSCA Inventory Status

Included

Included

WEEL Exposure Limit

ppm (8- and 12-hr TWA)

400

Flammability Rating at 60 °C (140 °F)

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)

5

Opteon™ 1150

Foam Blowing Agent

Figure 1. Opteon™ 1150 Saturated Vapor Pressure vs. Temperature (SI Units)

Figure 2. Opteon™ 1150 Liquid Density vs. Temperature (SI Units)

Figure 3. Opteon™ 1150 Vapor Thermal Conductivity vs. Temperature (SI Units)

6

Opteon™ 1150

Foam Blowing Agent

Chemical/Thermal Stability and Compatibility

Compatibility with Plastics

Due to the wide range of applications in which Opteon™ 1150
can be used, it is important to always review the system’schemicals, as well as the materials of construction forcompatibility, before using Opteon™ 1150 in a new
application. The following are general test results. To
determine the compatibility of the specific system andmaterials being considered for use, additional tests should beconsidered at the conditions of the system.

Plastics compatibility tests were similarly performed byexposing plastic materials to Opteon™ 1150 at room
temperature for two weeks. Weight, volume, and hardness
before and after the exposure were measured. Observationsof changes are summarized in Table 4, which indicates that
Opteon™ 1150 is compatible with commonly employedplastics.

Chemical Stability
Opteon™ 1150 is expected to be stable when used in
combination with many typical polyurethane foamcomponents, including polyols, surfactants, catalysts, andflame retardants. Consult your Chemours technicalrepresentative for details.

As always, verifying compatibility using fabricated parts under
end user conditions is advised, as the performance of plastics
is affected by polymer variations, compounding agents, fillers,and molding processes.
Table 3. Elastomer Compatibility – 2 Weeks Exposure to
Opteon™ 1150 at Room Temperature% Weight
Change% Volume
Change% ASTM
Hardness
ChangeNeoprene C1276-70

-1.0

1.9

0.0

Epichlorohydrin YB 146-75

0.0

1.6

0.0

Butyl B0612-70

0.6

8.3

0.0

EPDM E0893-80

1.7

-1.7

0.0

Fluorosilicone

50.7

40.6

-22.5

HNBR Nitrile N1173-70

2.6

8.4

-5.0

Thermal Decomposition
Although Opteon™ 1150 contains a carbon-carbon doublebond, the molecule shows remarkable stability attemperatures up to 250 °C (482 °F) for at least 2 weeks inthe presence of air, moisture, and metals (ASHRAE Standard
97 Sealed Tube Method).
Opteon™ 1150 will decompose when exposed totemperatures in excess of several hundred degrees Celsius(such as prolonged exposure to flame sources).
Decomposition may produce toxic and/or irritating
compounds, such as hydrogen fluoride. The decomposition
products released will irritate the nose and throat.
Therefore, it is important to prevent exposure todecomposition products by following the Chemours SDS’s
recommendations for handling.
Compatibility with Metals
Compatibility tests were conducted in heavy walled glass
tubes in accordance with ASHRAE 97. The tests wereconducted with metal coupons (copper, brass, carbon steel,stainless steel, and aluminum) in the presence of Opteon™
1150 and aged for 14 days at 175 °C (347 °F). Changes inweight and appearance of the metal coupons were recorded.
The liquid solutions were also evaluated for appearance anddecomposition products, such as fluoride. There were nochanges in the color of the liquid or the condition of the metals
at the conclusion of this test.
Compatibility with Elastomers
Compatibility tests with elastomers were performed similarly
to the metal stability test, except the aging was done at room
temperature (23 °C [74 °F]). This test indicates that Opteon™
1150 is compatible with most common elastomers thatexhibit negligible swelling, weight gain, or hardness change
after exposure (shown in Table 3).

Elastomer Material

NBR Nitrile NA151-70

0.9

-2.4

-2.5

Fluorocarbon FKM V0747-75

32.9

16.8

-12.5

Neoprene C0873-70

0.3

1.4

0.0

Viton™ A-401C

30.1

28.7

-12.5

Viton™ GF-600S

54.4

76.2

-19.5

Table 4. Plastic Compatibility – 2 Weeks Exposure to Opteon™
1150 at Room Temperature% Weight
Change% Volume
Change% ASTM
Hardness
ChangePolyester (Thermoplastic)
Bexloy V-978

2.4

1.9

2.2

Nylon Resin -Zytel 330

-0.1

1.7

6.7

Torlon Polymer(Polyamideimide Plastic)

-0.1

-0.6

8.0

Ryton Polymer(Polyphenylene Sulfide)

0.1

-2.5

-7.6

PEEK (Ketaspire 820 NT)

0.0

1.1

-2.2

Nylon 6.6 Polymer Plastic(Zytel 101)

-0.2

1.4

-2.2

PTFE

4.7

6.4

-2.2

Plastic Material

7

Opteon™ 1150

Foam Blowing Agent

Safe Use

Evacuate everyone until the area has been well ventilated. Use
blowers or fans to circulate the air at floor level. Do not
re-enter the affected area without self-contained breathingapparatus (SCBA) or unless the area has been monitored toindicate that the concentration of Opteon™ 1150 vapors in
the area is below the WEEL and oxygen levels have returned
to normal.

Users of Opteon™ 1150 should read and understand the
Chemours SDS that can be obtained from Chemours
Customer Service or any authorized distributor.
Inhalation Toxicity
When handled in accordance with Chemours
recommendations and exposure is maintained below the
WEEL of 400 ppm (8-hr TWA), no acute or chronic adverse
health effects are expected from exposure to Opteon™ 1150.
Opteon™ 1150 should only be used with adequate ventilation;
and, when inhalation of high concentrations is a possibility, use
of NIOSH-approved respiratory protection should beconsidered.
Inhaling high concentrations of Opteon™ 1150 vapor may
cause temporary central nervous system effects, such as
convulsions, dizziness, headache, confusion, and loss ofcoordination and even consciousness. Higher exposure tovapors may cause temporary alteration of the heart’s
electrical activity with irregular pulse, palpitations, orinadequate circulation. Similar effects are observed with manyhydrocarbons and halocarbons at high concentrations. The
likelihood of these cardiac problems increases if the person isunder physical or emotional stress. Intentional misuse ordeliberate inhalation may cause death without warning.
If a person is experiencing any of these initial symptoms,
they should be moved to fresh air and kept calm. If notbreathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, giveoxygen. Seek medical attention immediately.
Because of possible disturbances of cardiac rhythm,
catecholamine drugs, such as epinephrine, should beconsidered only as a last resort in life-threatening
emergencies.
Skin and Eye Contact
At room temperature, Opteon™ 1150 vapors have little or noeffect on the skin or eyes.
Always wear protective clothing (e.g., eye protection and faceshield) when there is a risk of exposure to liquid Opteon™
1150. If skin or eye contact occurs, flush the exposed area
in lukewarm water, not hot or cold, for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Spills or Leaks
If a large release of vapors occurs, such as from a leak or spill,
the vapors may concentrate near the floor or in low elevation
areas and displace the oxygen available for breathing, causing
suffocation.

Enclosed and Confined Spaces
To ensure safety when working with halocarbons in enclosed
areas:
1. R
 oute relief and purge vent piping outdoors, away from air
intakes.
2. M
 ake certain the area is well ventilated, using auxiliary
ventilation if necessary, to move vapors.
3. M ake sure the area is clear of vapors prior to beginningwork. Be conscientious of low lying areas where vapors maygather.
4. U
 tilize constant air monitoring and/or spot check detection
equipment to detect leaks.
Always use SCBA or a supplied air mask when entering tanks
or other confined spaces where vapors might exist. Use thebuddy system, a lifeline, and regular air monitoring. Refer to
the Opteon™ 1150 SDS for more information.
Air Monitors and Leak Detection
Opteon™ 1150 vapors have virtually no odor. Therefore,
frequent leak checks or the installation of area monitors arenecessary in areas where leaks can occur. Whenever a system
is assembled or serviced, it should be checked for leaks. This
is not only for the protection of employees, but also to reduce
fugitive emissions to the atmosphere, protect valuable
equipment, and conserve material.
Leak detectors exist not only for pinpointing specific leaks,
but also for monitoring an entire room on a continual basis forthe absence of oxygen or presence of a fluorochemical. Prior
to the purchase of a detector or monitor, make sure toconsider your requirements or criteria, such as sensitivity,
detection limits, selectivity, and flammability.
There are many commercially available leak detectors. These
devices are readily available through a refrigeration contractor
or service store. For more information on recommended types
and technologies of air monitors and leak detectors, pleasecontact Chemours Customer Service or any authorized
technical service representative.

8

Opteon™ 1150

Foam Blowing Agent

Storage and Handling

Bulk Storage Systems

Shipping

Chemours can supply storage systems to its Opteon™
customers. The type of systems can vary from region to region
and customer site to customer site. Some systems are
prefabricated, tested, and ready to install on-site. These units
are designed to optimize economy, efficiency, and safety inthe storage and dispensing of fluorochemicals.

Opteon™ 1150 is a nonflammable gas (ASTM E-681). The
appropriate DOT designations are as follows:
Proper Shipping Name:(E)1,1,1,4,4,4-Hexafluoro-2-Butene
Hazard Class:
2.2 (Nonflammable Gas) UN No.: 3159
DOT/IMO Label:
Nonflammable Gas
Details of our current Opteon™ 1150 packaging options arefound in Table 5.
Storage
Cylinders of Opteon™ 1150 should be stored tightly closed
and in an upright position. Cylinders should be in a clean, dry,
and, if possible, temperature-regulated area. Cylinders should
be kept away from direct sunlight. Cylinders should be stored
at temperatures less than 46 °C (115 °F). Never expose
cylinders to temperatures at or above 52 °C (125°F). If 52 °C(125 °F) or greater temperatures are possible, relocating to atemperature-controlled area or usage of refrigerated storage/transportation is recommended.
Storage areas should also be equipped with adequate
ventilation. Quantities stored should be limited to that needed
for reasonable process requirements. No storage of Opteon™
1150 should be permitted in areas containing alkali or alkaline
earth metals, such as powdered aluminum, zinc, or beryllium.

These delivered systems include all components, such as
storage tanks, pumps, piping, valves, motors, and gauges, as
an integrated unit. All such systems are equipped with the
Chemours Fluorochemical Emission Elimination Delivery(FEED) or alternative system to prevent emissions during
deliveries and dual pumps to provide an installed spare. Whenpossible, units are skid-mounted and require only placement
on a concrete pad and connection to electrical and processsystems.
Your Chemours marketing representative can arrange for
guidance on site selection, purchase, installation, startup, andmaintenance.
Converting Bulk Storage Systems to Opteon™ 1150
Before switching from previous foam expansion agents to
Opteon™ 1150, the existing storage equipment must be
checked to verify that it is adequate and can be converted foruse with Opteon™ 1150. Your Chemours marketing or
technical service representative can arrange for guidance onstorage system conversion.

Table 5. Opteon™ 1150 Packaging Options
Water Capacity

123 lb (55 kg)

1000 lb (453 kg)

Dimensions

55 in (140 cm) H x 10 in(25.4 cm) OD

50 in (127 cm) H x 30 in(76 cm) OD

4BA300

4BW260145 lb (65 kg)

1200 lb (544 kg)

Spec
Net Weight9Opteon™ 1150

Foam Blowing Agent

Handling

Recycle and Disposal• A minimum of gloves, safety glasses with side shields, andsafety shoes are recommended at all times when handlingOpteon™ 1150. Always assess the job for the proper choiceof glove. Splash goggles or face shield and chemicalresistant clothing/aprons to avoid skin contact arerecommended when handling open drums.

Opteon™ 1150 that is not used for foam production should berecovered for reuse or disposal. Chemours will accept thereturn of unused or empty Opteon™ 1150 packages. If you
need to return an empty or partial cylinder of Opteon™ 1150,
please contact your Chemours representative for details.

• Opteon™ 1150 should only be handled in areas withadequate ventilation. If exposure to Opteon™ 1150 vapors is
possible, a NIOSH-approved respirator is recommended.

Major leaks or spills may not evaporate readily due to the highboiling point of Opteon™ 1150, forcing recovery as a liquid.
Until levels, as verified by the proper monitor, are reduced
sufficiently to permit other or no respiratory protection,
SCBAs are required. Spill control measures should be
preplanned, and all washes should be disposed of inaccordance with applicable government regulations. If splash
potential exists, wear protective equipment fabricated from animpervious material, such as butyl rubber.

• Never apply direct flame or live steam to a container.
• Never use a lifting magnet or sling (rope or chain) whenhandling containers. A crane may be used when a safe cradleor platform is used to hold the container.
• Use of cylinder handling equipment, such as hand carts,
dollies, and forklifts, are recommended per the equipment
manufacturer’s restrictions.
• Never use container for any purpose other than to store
Opteon™ 1150.
• Never attempt to repair or alter containers.
• Never force connections that do not fit.
• Protect containers from any object that will result in cuts orother abrasion to the surface of the metal.
• Use a vapor recovery system when possible to collectvapors from lines after unloading a container.
• Pumps can be utilized for transfer of material. Selection will
be based on individual setup and flow requirements andshould be reviewed to minimize emissions and loss of
product, as well as for safety and efficiency.
• Methods of movement, such as nitrogen pressure pumpingor blow casing, are not recommended due to the inert gas’s
ability to solubilize in the product and potentially lead topressurized containers.

Leaks and Spills

Disposal
Disposal refers to the destruction of used Opteon™ 1150.
Although Chemours does not presently accept severely
contaminated foam blowing agents for disposal, licensed
waste disposal firms are available. Be sure to check thequalifications of any firm before sending them contaminatedOpteon™ 1150.

References
Myhre, G., Shindell, D., Bréon, F.-M., Collins, W., Fuglestyedt, J.,
Huang, J., Zhang, H. (2013). Anthropogenic and naturalradiative forcing. In T.F. Stocker, D. Qin, G.-K. Plattner, M.
Tignor, S.K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia, V. Bex, andP.M. Midgley (Eds.), Climate change 2013: The physicalscience basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change. New York: Cambridge University Press.

• When working near other drums and equipment, be careful of
pinch points.
• Opteon™ 1150 cylinders should always be tightly secured
when stored.

For more information on Opteon™ foam blowing agents, visit opteon.com or call (800) 235-7882.
The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and based on technical data that Chemours believes to be reliable. It
is intended for use by persons having technical skill, at their own risk. Because conditions of use are outside our control,
Chemours makes no warranties, express or implied, and assumes no liability in connection with any use of this information.
Nothing herein is to be taken as a license to operate under, or a recommendation to infringe, any patents or patent applications.

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© 2021 The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Opteon™ and any associated logos are trademarks or copyrights of The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Chemours™ and the Chemours Logo are trademarks of The Chemours Company.