HP 152aAerosol Propellant

Stability Overview

Technical Information
HP 152a (also known as HFC-152a or 1,1-difluoroethane) isa relatively inert chemical that is used in several commercialapplications. It is used as a propellant in aerosol products, asa fluid in refrigeration systems, and as a blowing agent forplastic foams. HP 152a does not react with the solventscommonly used in aerosol formulations, e.g., ethanol,chlorocarbons, hydrocarbons, etc. It is also very stable tohydrolysis, especially under alkaline conditions.
Over the years, different types of stability testing havebeen done with HP 152a under test conditions designed tointentionally stress the molecule. Stability testing attempts

Thermal Stability Tests
HFC-152a was tested with napthenic oils and a metal
coupon assembly (Fe/Al/Cu) in glass tubes for two time/
temperature combinations:
For 90 days at 250 °F (121 °C): no significant HFC-152a
decomposition compared to 0.16% decomposition of CFC-12.
For 30 days at 400 °F (204 °C): no measurable
decomposition of HFC-152a compared to significant
decomposition observed for CFCs 11, 12, 113, and 114.

to relate test conditions to actual use. Some of the testing

Hydrolytic Stability

has stressed HFC-152a at temperatures up to 450 °F

Hydrolytic stability experiments show that HFC-152a is(232 °C) (to simulate extrusion conditions for making
foams). HFC-152a has been tested in the presence ofother materials and metals to determine if there are any
catalytic effects from the environment within which it isused. Additionally, these tests are typically carried out forseveral compounds at a time, so as to offer comparativeresults. Overall, HFC-152a has demonstrated exceptional
stability over a very broad range of use and conditions.
The following test summaries demonstrate the stability of
HFC-152a.
Like any molecule, HFC-152a can be cracked if stressedsufficiently; but, this would require extremes, like hightemperatures (e.g., fires), unusually reactive chemicalsystems, or intentional processing to generate decomposition (e.g., glass etching). None of these conditions are foundin day-to-day aerosol product filling or use.

generally stable in aqueous systems, especially in alkalinesystems. The attached data compares HFC-152a to otherfluorocarbon propellants and shows at least equivalent
and/or better hydrolytic stability.

Aerosol Stability Tests
Over the years, HP 152a has been tested in numerous
aerosol formulations, typically in unlined tinplate containers
at elevated temperatures (e.g., 120 °F [49 °C]). With
respect to HP 152a stability, all tests and observations
made to date continue to support the basic compoundstability. The Chemours Laboratory continues to evaluate
all the propellants from Chemours in aerosol productformulations to grow the understanding of performanceand behavior.

HP 152aAerosol Propellant

Hydrolysis of Fluorochemicals in Aqueous Systems
Hydrolysis Rate (g hydrolyzed/L of solution/year)
Sealed Tube Tests in Specified Solution with Metal Coupon, as Indicated Test
Temperature, 30°C (86°F)
SystemTested in Lined (vinyl over epoxy) Tinplate Aerosol
Can Test Temperature, 54°C (130°F)

Freon™ 12

Freon™ 22

Freon™ 114

HFC 114

HP 152a<0.005<0.01<0.00500.00561.4

00.0010.002–0.005

0.0604

Neutral
Water Alone
Water + Fe

0.80.12Water + Sn

<0.0020.009

Water + Al1.60.087

0.04

220

0.03

220

Alkaline
1% Sodium Carbonate
3% Sodium Bicarbonate
1% Sodium Carbonate + Fe

<0.01Acidic
0.5% Acetic AcidFor more information about propellants from Chemours, visit Chemours.com/Propellants
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, attheir own risk. Because conditions of use are outside our control, Chemours makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and assumes no liability in connection with any use of thisinformation. Nothing herein is to be taken as a license to operate under, or a recommendation to infringe, any patents or patent applications.
© 2016 The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Freon™ and any associated logos are trademarks or copyrights of The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Chemours™ and the Chemours Logo aretrademarks of The Chemours Company.
Replaces: H-75375
C-10780 (3/16)