Solvay	Fluorides,	LLC

SNAP	APPLICATION	SUMMARY:		Solkane®	365/2271

The	purpose	of	this	document	is	to	summarize	and	organize	the	information	submitted	to	

the	U.S.	Environmental	Protection	Agency	(“EPA”)	by	Solvay	Fluorides,	LLC	(hereinafter,	

“Solvay”)	in	furtherance	of	Solvay’s	application	to	list	its	Solkane 365/227	liquid	

hydrofluorocarbon	(“HFC”)	blend as	an	alternative	to	HCFC-141b	in	all	foam-blowing	enduses. The	Agency	notified	Solvay	in	a	February	10,	2012	letter,	that	this	SNAP	application	

was	complete	as	of	January	31,	2012.	

Solkane	365/227

Composition:

Blowing agent blend containing from 7 to 13 % HFC-227ea and the remainder HFC365mfc:

CAS No. Formula Amount

HFC-365mfc: 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane 406-58-6 C4H5F5 93 – 87%

HFC-227ea: 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane 431-89-0 C3HF7 7 – 13%

See EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118-0278; Letter from Dr. Marc A. Feldman to Melissa Fiffer, 

EPA (Jan. 30, 2012) 

End-Uses:

Replacement for HCFC-141b in the following end-uses:

• Rigid Polyurethane: Appliance

• Rigid Polyurethane: Spray, Commercial Refrigeration, and Sandwich Panels

• Rigid Polyurethane: Slabstock and Other

• Rigid Polyurethane & Polyisocyanurate Laminated Boardstock

• Flexible Polyurethane

• Integral Skin Polyurethane

• Polystyrene: Extruded Sheet

• Polystyrene: Extruded Boardstock & Billet

• Polyolefin

• Phenolic Insulation Board & Bunstock

Atmospheric 

Performance:

HFC-365mfc has been determined by EPA to be “less harmful to the ozone layer” and is 

approved as an alternative to HCFC-141b in foam blowing applications. See EPA-HQOAR-2003-0118-0235 Risk Screen for HFC-365mfc in Foam Blowing.

Similarly, HFC-227ea does not deplete the ozone layer. EPA has approved HFC-227ea as 

an ODS alternative for use in chillers, and as a substitute to Halon 1301 in total flooding 

and certain streaming fire suppression systems. See generally, Protection of Stratospheric 

Ozone, 59 Fed. Reg. 13,044 (March 18, 1994). See also EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118-0004, 

Risk Screen on The Use of Substitutes For Class I Ozone-Depleting Substances: Fire 

Suppression And Explosion Protection (Halon Substitutes). 

The agency also has listed HFC-227ea as acceptable for use in metered dose inhalers 

because it meets a specialized application in metered dose inhalers where other substitutes 

do not provide acceptable performance. See Protection of Stratospheric Ozone, 63 Fed. 

Reg. 28,251 (May 22, 1998).

The GWPs of HFC-365mfc and -227ea, individually and as a blend, are comparable to 

																																																							 1 Solkane® is a registered trademark of Solvay Corporation S.A.
Solvay	Fluorides,	LLC

Solkane	365/227

other alternatives approved by EPA for foam blowing applications:

ODP GWP-100* ALT VOC

CFC-11 1 4,750 45 No

HCFC-141b 0.11 725 9.3 No

Formacel Z-6 0 370 – 1,290+ ?? No

HFC-245fa 0 1,030 7.6 No

HFC-365mfc 0 790 8.6 No

HFC-365/245fa2 0 865-960** 8.6/7.6 No

HFC-227ea 0 3,220 40 No

Solkane 365/227 0 959-1,105‡ 8.6/40 No * All GWP-100 values are from the ¶ 2.10.2, IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007 

available at http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/ch2s2-10-2.html, except where 

expressly indicated. + Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 27 for Significant New Alternatives Policy 

Program, 77 Fed. Reg. 47,768, 47,472 (August 10, 2012) ** Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice 24 for Significant New Alternatives Policy Program, 74 

Fed. Reg. 50,129, 50,133 (September 30, 2009)

‡ Calculated

Flammability

Neat HFC-365mfc is flammable, but the addition of HFC-227ea, which notably has been 

approved for use as a flame suppressant, renders the blend non-flammable. See generally

Attachment A1 – Solkane® 365 Foaming Agents; Note that some jurisdictions, such as 

Japan, do not regulate HFC-365mfc as flammable.

So long as there is at least 5% by weight HFC-227ea, Solkane 365/227 will not be 

flammable. Thus, it is expected that in-use concentrations of the blend will contain at least 

7% HFC-227ea to account for the non-azeotropic characteristics of HFC-227ea.

The flammability limits in air of Solkane 365/227 are nearly the same as for HFC-365mfc 

(3.6 – 13.3 % by volume), but have been demonstrated not to present an issue during spray 

foam application. See Attachment A2 – Blowing Agent Emissions During Spraying

Toxicity

As a general matter, EPA has previously evaluated the toxicity of both HFC-365mfc and 

HFC-227ea under the SNAP program. With regard to HFC-365mfc, EPA has determined 

that it has low toxicity with a recommendation that long-term exposures not exceed 1,000 

ppm as an 8-hour time weighted average. Consumer exposures to low levels of HFC365mfc over time do not pose a significant toxicity risk, as the exposures would be very 

small compared to AEL values developed for occupational exposures. In addition, chronic 

exposures to the substitute are not expected for the general population.

See EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118-0235 Risk Screen for HFC-365mfc in Foam Blowing; see 

also Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice 14 for Significant New Alternatives Policy 

Program, 65 Fed. Reg. 78,977 (Dec. 18, 2000)

With regards to HFC-227ea, Solvay provided toxicity and degradation information on this 

substance in its September 2, 2011 letter to Monica Shimamura, EPA Stratospheric 

Protection Branch. In addition, EPA has previously evaluated the toxicity of HFC-227a in 

prior SNAP submissions, albeit, not involving foam end uses. See EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-

0118-0004, Risk Screen on The Use of Substitutes For Class I Ozone-Depleting Substances: 

																																																							 2 The total global warming potential (GWP) of these mixture was calculated as a weighted average, derived from the 

sum of the weight fractions of the individual substances multiplied by their GWP. See e.g., Regulation (EC) No 

842/2006 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases, Annex I, Pt.2.
Solvay	Fluorides,	LLC

Solkane	365/227

Fire Suppression And Explosion Protection (Halon Substitutes); Protection of Stratospheric 

Ozone, 59 Fed. Reg. 13,044 (March 18, 1994); and Protection of Stratospheric Ozone, 63 

Fed. Reg. 28,251 (May 22, 1998). 

Solvay also provided degradation information on Solkane 365/227 blends in its January 30, 

2012 letter addressed to Melissa Fiffer:

“In both product blends it was shown, that there is no temperature influence up to 

200 C. During production of Polyurethane Foams, in general, a process of 

carbonization starts at 170oC. So, temperatures higher than this will always be 

avoided. Due to this temperature limitation, Solkane® 365mfc and Solkane 227ea 

will not decompose.

Solkane® 365/227 has been used in the industry (outside the U.S.) for

approximately seven (7) years and there have been no reports of any decomposition. 

Our experience with cell gas analysis shows no byproducts inside the foam with a 

detection limit of 200 ppm.”

See Letter from Dr. Marc A. Feldman to Melissa Fiffer, EPA (Jan. 30, 2012); Letter from 

Dr. Marc A. Feldman to Margaret Sheppard, EPA (Sept. 19, 2011)

Cost, Use and 

Performance

Information on the cost, ease of use and performance of Solkane 365/227 was provided in 

Solvay’s initial TSCA/SNAP addendum and in response to various Agency inquiries:

“Solkane 365mfc will be sold for approximately $5/lb at the time it is first 

introduced commercially into the U.S. for the foam blowing applications identified 

herein. This is in range of the current global world price for Solkane 365mfc 

currently being used in these applications.”

With the exception of new hoses and fittings, “it is not anticipated that the use of Solkane 

365/227 will require new equipment, retrofitting of existing equipment, or changes in 

current foam blowing technologies.”

See EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118-0278, TSCA/SNAP Addendum for Solkane® 365/227; 

Letter from Dr. Marc A. Feldman to Melissa Fiffer, EPA (Jan. 30, 2012); Letter from Dr. 

Marc A. Feldman to Margaret Sheppard, EPA (Sept. 19, 2011).

The spray foam industry is very familiar with transitions to alternative fluorocarbons 

especially with products that are currently used in other global markets. Solkane 365/227 

has been used in Europe since January 2004, and has provided Solvay with extensive, 

successful in situ experience in spray foam applications. The blend also has been used in 

Canada for the past year and a half and total user experience has been extremely positive 

from a handling and energy performance standpoint.

It is Solvay’s experience in these global markets that less of the Solkane 365/227 blend will 

be needed than HCFC-141b as spray foam formulations have evolved to use less blowing 

agents. In addition, Solkane 365/227 provides other advantage when compared to other 

blowing agents:

• Storage and Handling: Solkane 365/227 can be used in spray foam equipment 

currently in use for other HFC blowing agents without major modifications. No 

additional training should be needed, but as with other blowing agents, users should 

follow all requirements and recommendations specified in the MSDS and other 
Solvay	Fluorides,	LLC

Solkane	365/227

safety precautions and requirements generally applicable to foam blowing 

operations, such as the Spray Polyurethane Foam Equipment Guidelines. See 

http://www.sprayfoam.org/downloads/pdf/AY%20137.pdf.

• Energy Performance: HFC-365mfc has the best insulation performance (lowest 

specific gas thermal conductivity “λ or k value”) of all commercially available ODS

alternatives (HFC and hydrocarbons). Foams blown with Solkane 365/227 also 

obtain this energy performance benefit as the following applications indicate:

o Insulation of Liquefied Natural Gas (“LNG”) Tankers – Solkane 365/227 is 

the preferred blowing agent in this insulating application critical to 

maintaining LNG at approximately -260 °F. See Attachment B1 –

Solkane® 365: LNG Storage Tank Insulation

o Insulation of Solar Water Heaters – Solar water heaters are widely used in

Asia as an efficient means of heating water. Once heated, it is critical to 

provide appropriate insulation to limit heat loss. Solkane 365/227 is the 

preferred blowing agent for solar water heater applications because of its 

efficient insulation to density ratio. See Attachment B2 – Solkane® 365: 

Solar Water Heater Production.

o Insulation of Reefer-Containers – Because its “heat loss factor” is the lowest 

of any third generation blowing agent, Solkane 365/227 is the preferred 

system in Europe for insulating foams that are needed to keep perishable 

food at -4 °F. See Attachment B3 – Solkane® 365: Reefer Container 

Production.

• Physical Performance and Other Characteristics: Foams blown with Solkane 

365/227 also can benefit from improved physical characteristics, including:

o Low weight and a high-grade surface finish that provided automotive parts 

with an unblemished appearance, without streaks or air bubbles “virtually 

impossible to obtain with other blowing agents.” See Attachment B4 –

Bayer Polymers, Bayflex® 20/30 Foamed With Solkane® 365/227. 

o These foams also were found to offer much better abrasion resistance, very 

high tear strength, and energy absorbing capacity. Id.

• Compatibility: Solkane 365/227 is chemically stable allowing for long storage 

times of fully formulated systems. See generally Attachment A1:

o Its relatively high boiling point (real liquid up to ~70 °F) provides 

advantages during handling and transportation of fully formulated systems, 

including lower drum pressure. 

o Solkane 365/227 is fully compatible with all raw materials commonly in use 

today, providing for energy and other performance improvements without 

market upheavals.
ATTACHMENT A1

Solkane 365 Foaming Agents 

Solvay

Special Chemicals

SOLKANE® 365

Foaming Agents

Insulation
2 Solvay Special Chemicals

SOLKANE® 365 –

A Multi-Facted Blowing 

Agent for Plastic Foams

Product description and handling

SOLKANE® 365mfc is a hydrofluorocarbon of the latest generation. It has 

no ozone depleting potential and with its boiling point of 40°C it can be 

handeled as a true liquid at room temperature. It is a colourless, compound 

with a faintly ethereal odour, used for a wide range of applications within 

PU foams, solvents or heat transfer fluids.

The chemical stability of SOLKANE® 365mfc is even better when compared to HFC 141b. Therefor no stabilizer is needed if SOLKANE® 365mfc is 

stored under appropriate conditions (for details please refer to our SDS).

Top team

SOLKANE® 365mfc is a perfect team player. It is miscible with a wide range 

of other organic foam blowing agents like other HFCs or even hydrocarbons.

The choices are up to you and almost unlimited.

Blending of i.e. cyclopentane with SOLKANE® 365mfc strongly improves 

the lambda value while reducing the density of the resulting PU foam. That 

means, running SOLKANE® 365mfc in your system minimizes raw material 

costs while improving insulation performance. 

That is what we call a win win situation!
Solvay Special Chemicals 3

Strong protection

SOLKANE® 365mfc is your first choice when fire safety is demanded. Fire 

classifiactions and fire performance tests are of increased importance 

for modern PU products especially in the building industry. Combined 

with the Solvay's IXOL® range of reactive flame retardant polyols, 

SOLKANE® 365mfc blown PU foams reach the highest possible classifications for organic insulation materials.

Pole position

For high performance PUR at competitive prices its tough to beat 

SOLKANE® 365mfc. SOLKANE® 365mfc gives you the best lambda values 

of any ODP zero foaming agent. Ask for our latest eco-efficiency studies 

which impressively demonstrate how SOLKANE® 365mfc brings out the 

best in your PUR/PIR products – economically and ecologically!

Best choice

Solvay's own range of SOLKANE® 365/227 blends are approved solutions 

for a wide number of applications – utilising all of SOLKANE® 365mfc benefits in a non-flammable blend.

Ask for our expertise.
4 Solvay Special Chemicals

Physical Data

Stability and Storage Compared to HFC 141b the thermal and chemical stability of 

SOLKANE® 365mfc is excellent. It should not be exposed to strong alkaline compounds or alkali metals. Under high temperatures or/and pressure hazardous reactions are possible with reactive metals e.g. Zinc, 

Aluminium and its alloys, Magnesium as well as with air. In pre-formulated 

PU-foam systems SOLKANE® 365mfc has been observed to be stable, so 

no stabiliser is needed.

SOLKANE® 365mfc should be stored in a cool and well ventilated area. The 

contact to heat sources, open flames or sparks should be avoided.

For additional information please refer to our SDS or ask our specialist.

Quality

Packaging

The following table showes the physical properties of SOLKANE® 365mfc 

based blowing agents provided by Solvay.

■ Purity of SOLKANE® 365mfc 99.5% min.

■ Water 100 ppm max.

■ Acid 1 ppm max.

■ Non volatile residue 100 ppm max.

SOLKANE® 365mfc is available in:

Non returnable 

drums (240 kg)

ISO-tank 

container (20 mt)

Roadtanker 

(20 mt)

Other quantities 

on request

Chemical name Blend of

1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluorobutane 1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluorobutane and

1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane

Formula CF3-CH2-CF2-CH3 CF3-CH2-CF2-CH3 and

CF3-CHF-CF3

Ratio [mass-%] 100 93/7 87/13

Molecular weight average [g/mol] 148.09 149.6 150.9

Boiling point [°C at 1.013 bar] 40.2 30 24

Flammable yes no no

Vapour pressure at 20°C [kPa] 47 70 93

Density of liquid at 20°C [kg/dm3

] 1.27 1.28 1.29

Density of vapour at 20°C (Air=1) 5.7 6.4 6.5

Thermal conductivity of vapour

at 25°C [mW/m.K] 10.6 10.7 10.9

Viscosity of liquid at 20°C [μPa.s] 452 447 432

Log P o/w (pure SOLKANE® 365mfc) 1.6

Solubility in water at 23°C [g/kg] 0.84 0.84
Solvay Special Chemicals 5

SOLKANE® 365/227

versus Temperature

SOLKANE® 365/227

versus Temperature

Liquid Density

SOLKANE® 365/227

versus Temperature

Viscosity

Vapour Pressure
6 Solvay Special Chemicals

The polyol solubility* is lower than known from SOLKANE® 141b and is 

higher than hydrocarbons in most cases.

* Solubility in g per 100 g Polyol

** no changes expected for SOLKANE® 365/227 blends solubility behavior. 

SOLKANE® 365/227 blends are practically identical to pure SOLKANE® 365.

SOLKANE® 365mfc is a material friendly compound. It is compatible with a 

wide range of sealing materials as shown in table below. 

Thermoplastics Percent change of weight

PVC -0.02

PE-HD 0.4

PMMA 57

Polycarbonate 0.3

PP 0.2

Nylon 66 - 0.3

PS 0.2

Elastomers

Neoprene 1.0

Viton A 90.5

EPDM 1.6

Natural rubber 7.2

Nitril rubber 2.5

Silicone 16.1

Change in % by weight after 7 days immersion.

Polyol SOLKANE® SOLKANE® n-pentane c-pentane

141b 365mfc**

Caradol® 585 100 32 5 11

Castor Oil 100 18 47 100

Ethyleneglycol 4 3 1 1

IXOL® M125 37 5 2 5

Stepanpol® 3152 33 30 6 7

TCPP 100 100 10 100

Tercarol® A 350 100 100 36 100

Tercarol® RF 55 100 100 4 18

Voranol® RA 640 100 100 20 100

Materials Compatibility

for SOLKANE® 365

Solubility in Polyols
Solvay Special Chemicals 7

Miscibility As mentioned before SOLKANE® 365mfc is miscible with a wide range 

of organic compounds. It forms azeotropes even with some popular 

co-blowing agents.

Toxicity Long term evaluation of SOLKANE® 365mfc has been finished and showed 

no toxicity concern, even less effect than HCFC 141b.

Based on these good results, the registration of the product has been done 

in Europe. SOLKANE® 365mfc is registered in ELINCS under the number 

430-250-1.

The average exposure limit will probably be set to 500 or 1000ppm which 

is comparable to HCFC 141b (500 ppm). All results available up to date 

indicate the product to be safe for a broad range of industrial applications 

when the recommended standard hygiene practices and safety rules are 

observed.

SOLKANE® 365mfc /227ea blends offered by Solvay have no flash point 

(ISO 1516/1523) and are not subject to flammable liquid regulation.

Being non azeotropic blends, the composition can change during handling. Below a concentration of 5 mass% of SOLKANE® 227ea the liquid 

becomes flammable.

Straight SOLKANE® 365mfc has a flash point below –27°C (DIN 51755, 

Teil 2) but is difficult to ignite. The minimum ignition energy is around 50 

times higher than of n-pentane and is 10.4 mJ (25°C, 8 Vol% in air at 

1 bar).

The explosion limits at standard conditions in dry air are:

■ Lower explosion limit (LEL) 3.6% by volume in air

■ Upper explosion limit (UEL) 13.3% by volume in air

For more information please read our brochure about flammability characteristics and handling.

Compound Composition Boiling Point

[pbw SOLKANE® 365mfc] [°C]

Methanol 94 37.5

Ethanol 97.5 39.5

n-Pentane 58 27

Iso-Pentane 46 22.5

Cyclo-Pentane 72 32

1,2-trans-Dichloroethylene 70 36

Galden HT 55 65 36

Galden HT 70 66 37

Flammability
35/232/05.11/007/250 

Disclaimer:

The use of SOLKANE® 365mfc and of blends containing SOLKANE® 365mfc might fall within the scope of U.S. patent no. 5,496,866. The following must be noted regarding the USA (until March 5, 2013): (1) 

SOLKANE® 365mfc cannot be used in the USA, by itself or in a blend, as a blowing agent to foam a plastic based on an isocyanate to form plastic foam compositions; (2) SOLKANE® 365mfc and blends containing 

SOLKANE® 365mfc must not be made, used, offered for sale, or sold in the USA, or imported into the USA, for such blowing uses; and (3) closed cell plastic foam compositions prepared by foaming a plastic material 

based on isocyanate in the presence of a propellant comprising SOLKANE® 365mfc and/or a blend contain- ing SOLKANE® 365mfc, cannot be made, used, offered for sale, or sold, within the USA, or imported into the USA. To do so can result in a claim of patent infringement under U.S. patent no. 5,496,866. Solvay will 

not sell SOLKANE® 365mfc or blends containing SOLKANE® 365mfc to any purchaser intending to use the product accordingly.

For technical or sales information 

please refer to

Solvay Fluor GmbH

Postfach 220

30002 Hannover

Germany

Phone +49 511 857-2444

Fax +49 511 817338

foaming.agents@solvay.com

www.solvay-fluor.com

Solvay (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

Zhang Jiang Hi-Tech Park

Building 7, No.899, Zu Chong Zhi Rd

Shanghai 201203, P.R. China

Phone +86 21 50805080

Fax +86 21 50807501

Solvay Fluorides LLC

3333 Richmond Avenue

Houston, Texas 77098

USA

Phone +1 713 525-6000

Fax +1 713 525-7805
ATTACHMENT A2

Blowing Agent Emissions During Spraying





ATTACHMENT B1

Solkane® 365: LNG Storage Tank Insulation

LNG, a liquefied natural gas, is becoming more and more important as a fossil fuel to 

compete with crude oil all over the world. Gathered in warmer regions like Qatar it has 

to be transported over greater distances by sea. The natural gas (cooled for transport 

to –162°C) is shipped in so called LNG tankers, which are specifically equipped for this 

kind of overseas transport. The standards for insulation at cryogenic temperatures are 

demanding. 

The highest priority is given to keeping low storage temperatures and to minimizing 

expensive losses during transport. LNG storage tanks are insulated with polyurethane 

foam (PUF) and cargo containments are often insulated with glass fiber reinforced 

polyurethane foams (R-PUF).

In the beginning CFC 11 was used as a blowing agent, followed by HCFC-141 b, which 

in turn has been substituted by Solkane®.

Blowing Gas CFC 11 HCFC 141b Solkane® 365/227 93:7 Carbon Dioxide

Formula CCl3F CCl2 FCH3 CF3 CH2 CF2 CH3 CO2

Mol. Wt. 128 117 148 44

Boiling Point [30°C] 23.8 32.1 40.2 subt. –78.5

Heat Conductivity of Vapor 

[mW/m.K, 25°C]

8.8 9.5 10.7 16.6

ODP 1 0.11 0 0

GWP 4750 725 964 [2] 1

[1] GWP (ITH 100 y), Source IPCC 4th Assessment Report issued in 2007 (International Panel on Climate Change)

[2] Based on weighted average (1,1,1, 3,3-pentafluorobutane: 93 %, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane 7 %)

Table 1: Properties of various blowing agents

Large temperature differences of up to 190°C (between –160°C and +30°C) cause 

high strain due to the LNG’s static pressure, sloshing etc. Different PU densities are 

required to fulfill the dimensional and compressive stability requirements; table 2 

shows the very similar mechanical data when HCFC 141b is compared to 3rd generation

Solkane® 365/227.

Unit [MPa] Solkane® 365/227 HCFC 141b Water

A E I R-PUF A E I R-PUF

Density (dev.)

[kg/m3]

Mea 41.5

(0.16)

82.7

(0.15)

110.0

(0.31)

125.38

(0.77)

42.0

(0.50)

84.0

(0.72)

118.0

(2.32)

123.47

(0.58)

Req ≤ 46.0 85.02 118.0 130.0 46.0 85.0 118.0 130.0

Comp. strength

(dev.) z-dir.

Amb. 0.34

(0.018)

0.84

(0.005)

1.33

(0.003)

1.26

(0.027)

0.27

(0.023)

0.77

(0.010)

1.28

(0.095)

1.31

(0.046)

Req ≤ 0.17 0.53 0.87 1.2 0.17 0.53 0.87 1.2

Cryo. 0.84 1.13 1.95 1.43 0.53 1.69 2.52 1.45

Req ≥ 0.22 0.69 1.23 * 0.22 0.69 1.23 *

Mechanical Properties of PUFs and R-PUF

Table 2: Mechanical properties in comparison Notes: Mea. = measured value; Amb. = ambient temperature (23°C)

Cryo. = cryogenic temperature; Req. = required value

Solvay

Special Chemicals

SOLKANE® 365 

LNG Storage Tank Insulation
35/240/05.12/007/pdf

It is evident from table 2 that the compressive strength at both ambient and cryogenic temperatures shows no remarkable differences between Solkane® 365/227 and HCFC 141b foam systems. 

This is also valid for the tensile and shear strengths, which can be reviewed in the proceedings[1].

The initial thermal conductivity of PUFs did not show any significant differences between 

Solkane® 365/227 and HCFC 141b systems. 

All results for PUFs and R-PUF discussed in this paper show good thermal stabilities at cryogenic 

temperatures. 

Based on these test results it is possible to substitute HCFC 141b with Solkane® HFC 365/227 as 

a blowing agent in the LNG industry. Besides, R-PUF blown with Solkane® HFC 365/227 seems to 

be a better selection as a new insulator for LNG cargo containment than R-PUF blown with water 

in the current situations.

Fresh/initial Thermal Conductivity of PUFs and R-PUF

Table 3: Thermal conductivities

Unit [MPa] Solkane® 365/227 HCFC 141b Water

A E I R-PUF A E I R-PUF

Fresh/initial

λ-value [W/m/K]

Amb.

(23°C)

0.021 0.0225 0.0244 0.0261 0.0208 0.0222 0.0238 0.0374

Req ≤ 0.0213 0.0229 0.0251 - 0.0213 0.0229 0.0251 -

Conclusion

Another main criterion to achieve the expected and required properties, besides mechanical 

strength, is high performance insulation. As shown in table 3, the λ-value of Solkane® 365/227 is 

almost as good as that of HCFC 141b. 

[1] Proceedings of 5th (2005) International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference, Seoul, Korea, June 19–24 (477– 481)

Notes: Amb. = ambient temperature; Req. = required value

Disclaimer:

The use of SOLKANE® 365mfc and of blends containing SOLKANE® 365mfc might fall within the scope of U.S. patent no. 

5,496,866. The following must be noted regarding the USA (until March 5, 2013): (1) SOLKANE® 365mfc cannot be used in 

the USA, by itself or in a blend, as a blowing agent to foam a plastic based on an isocyanate to form plastic foam compositions; (2) SOLKANE® 365mfc and blends containing SOLKANE® 365mfc must not be made, used, offered for sale, or sold in 

the USA, or imported into the USA, for such blowing uses; and (3) closed cell plastic foam compositions prepared by foaming 

a plastic material based on isocyanate in the presence of a propellant comprising SOLKANE® 365mfc and/or a blend containing SOLKANE® 365mfc, cannot be made, used, offered for sale, or sold, within the USA, or imported into the USA. To do so 

can result in a claim of patent infringement under U.S. patent no. 5,496,866. Solvay will not sell SOLKANE® 365mfc or blends 

containing SOLKANE® 365mfc to any purchaser intending to use the product accordingly.

For technical or sales information please 

refer to

Solvay Fluor GmbH

Postfach 220

30002 Hannover

Germany

Phone +49 511 857-2444

Fax +49 511 817338

foaming.agents@solvay.com

www.solvay-fluor.com

Solvay (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

Zhang Jiang Hi-Tech Park

Building 7, No.899, Zu Chong Zhi Rd

Shanghai 201203, P.R. China

Phone +86 21 50805080

Fax +86 21 50807501

Solvay Fluorides LLC

3333 Richmond Avenue

Houston, Texas 77098

USA

Phone +1 713 525-6000

Fax +1 713 525-7805
ATTACHMENT B2

Solkane® 365: Solar Water Heater Production

Sangle: Wang Bin, Ding Haicheng

Dongda: Liu Jun, Wang Xinli, Wang Chao

Solvay: Liu Hongci, Wang Luzhen

The Chinese solar water heater

industry and HCFC 141b phase-out

The Chinese solar water heater industry is currently using 

HCFC141b as a blowing agent to produce rigid foam for water 

tank insulation. According to the new schedule of the Montreal 

Protocol, the HCFCs phase-out in developing countries will happen 10 years earlier. In view of its 30% growth rate and its 

scale, which represents 80% of the global output, the Chinese 

environmental protection department has included solar water 

heaters as one of the priorities for HCFC 141b phase-out within 

the PU foam industry. Therefore, solar water heater manufacturers are trying different new blowing agents to develop their 

own technology to prepare for the conversion.

Sangle – its alternative selection

Having compared different blowing agents, Sangle believes 

that SOLKANE® 365/ 227 should be very suitable for solar 

water heater applications due to its advantages, such as 0 ODP, 

high boiling point for easy processing, low thermal conductivity, outstanding compressive strength and no requirement for 

equipment modification. In the second half of 2009, Sangle 

together with Dongda and Solvay started trials for the use of 

SOLKANE® 365/227 in solar water heater production to find 

an effective way for the replacement of HCFC 141b within the 

industry.

Dongda – 365/227 based

PO development 

With respect to the technical requirements of Sangle, 

Dongda developed a SOLKANE® 365/ 227 based Polyol 

system and tested it several times at Sangle’s production line 

for optimization.

1. Experiment conditions

2. Experimental formulation

Results analysis

1. PO structure & bonding performance

During the foaming process on water tanks, foam should have 

good adhesion to colored steel sheet. Separation of the two 

parts would be disastrous for the product quality. It was discovered in these trials that blending polyols of different structures 

cannot only reduce effectively the brittleness of the foam surface, but also improve both the bonding strength and the compressive strength of foam. Results are as follows:

Comment:

Polyether A, B (OH: 380±10mg KOH/g)

Polyether C (OH: 110±10mg KOH/g)

Polyether D (OH: 160±10mg KOH/g)

Material pbw

Polyether 100

Foam stabilizer 2.0 – 2.5

Catalyst 1.0 – 3.0

Water 1.8 – 2.2

HFC-365/227 15 – 20

Isocyanate Index 1.05– 1.10

Equipment Standard Parameter

Blowing machine OMS high 

pressure

flux: 600 g/s injection pressure: 

120 – 130 MPa

Mat. Temp. (P/I): 

21±3°C/ 21 ±3°C

Water tank 1800 mm x 

20 tubes

Filling pressure: 0.24 MPa

Cold storage –40°C

Polyether Ratio Density

kg/m3

Compressive 

strength 

kPa

Foam 

Performance

A/D 80/ 20 34.1 140 debonding, serious shrinkage

A/C 90/10 33.5 170 slight debonding, 

no shrinkage

B/C 90/10 33.1 175 slight debonding, 

no shrinkage

A/B/C 75/15/

10 34.5 169 strong adhesion, no shrinkage

SOLKANE® 365

Solar Water Heater Production

Solvay

Special Chemicals
35/238/05.12/007/pdf

2. Additives selection

In Polyol systems, foam stabilizers and catalysts are of critical importance for the foam quality and foaming process. 

For SOLKANE® 365/ 227 foaming, it was found during the 

experiments that the use of mixed catalysts DC13/DC12/DC17 

and B8538 stabilizer can improve the product quality and foaming process.

3.Foam properties

The above figures show that with 14.5% density reduction, 

SOLKANE® 365/227 based foam can provide the same compressive strength as the HCFC 141b system and a lower thermal 

conductivity than the cyclo-pentane version.

4. Low temperature resistance performance

The SOLKANE® 365/ 227 based water tank was placed in a 

cold storage room to test breaking, shrinkage and debonding 

of the foam. It was proved that after 72 hours of storage at 

–5 °C – 25 °C, its dimensional stability was good at low temperature, and that the product meets the requirements for use 

in winter time.

Conclusion

SOLKANE® 365/227 based foam can satisfy the requirements 

of the solar water heater industry in terms of its product quality 

and production process with the following benefits:

n Foam density 15 % reduction compared with HCFC 141b

10 % reduction compared with pentane

n Lambda 10 % lower than Cp

Based on the above-mentioned results and rough estimates 

of replacement cost (replacing HCFC 141b with SOLKANE®

365/227, the cost increase can be minimized to RMB 14 per unit), 

Sangle has considered using SOLKANE® 365/227 for a batch of 

scale production for the purpose of process optimization.

Three parties believe that 

HFC 365/227 as Blowing Agent 

used in solar WH has its unique 

advantages for the technology conversion within the solar 

water heater industry. For the 

HCFC 141b phase-out target, 

HFC 365/227 can ease the transition with no safety concerns or 

investment burdens for manufacturers, leaving room for their further development in future.

Blowing Agent 141b 365/227 CP

Overall density kg /m3 55 47 52

Core density kg /m3 42 38 37

λ at 23°C mw/m.k 19.1 20.5 22.8

Compressive strength KPa 168 171 161

Solar heater made by Sangle 

in China.

Disclaimer:

The use of SOLKANE® 365mfc and of blends containing SOLKANE® 365mfc might fall within the scope of U.S. patent no. 

5,496,866. The following must be noted regarding the USA (until March 5, 2013): (1) SOLKANE® 365mfc cannot be used in 

the USA, by itself or in a blend, as a blowing agent to foam a plastic based on an isocyanate to form plastic foam compositions; 

(2) SOLKANE® 365mfc and blends containing SOLKANE® 365mfc must not be made, used, offered for sale, or sold in the 

USA, or imported into the USA, for such blowing uses; and (3) closed cell plastic foam compositions prepared by foaming a 

plastic material based on isocyanate in the presence of a propellant comprising SOLKANE® 365mfc and/or a blend containing 

SOLKANE® 365mfc, cannot be made, used, offered for sale, or sold, within the USA, or imported into the USA. To do so can 

result in a claim of patent infringement under U.S. patent no. 5,496,866. Solvay will not sell SOLKANE® 365mfc or blends 

containing SOLKANE® 365mfc to any purchaser intending to use the product accordingly.

For technical or sales information please 

refer to

Solvay Fluor GmbH

Postfach 220

30002 Hannover

Germany

Phone +49 511 857-2444

Fax +49 511 817338

foaming.agents@solvay.com

www.solvay-fluor.com

Solvay (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

Zhang Jiang Hi-Tech Park

Building 7, No.899, Zu Chong Zhi Rd

Shanghai 201203, P.R. China

Phone +86 21 50805080

Fax +86 21 50807501

Solvay Fluorides LLC

3333 Richmond Avenue

Houston, Texas 77098

USA

Phone +1 713 525-6000

Fax +1 713 525-7805
ATTACHMENT B3

Solkane® 365: Reefer Container Production 

Reefer containers – insulated with polyurethane foam – are considered first 

choice for oversea transports of temperature sensitive products. The preferred 

blowing agent for this application in recent years has been HCFC141b.

When the European Parliament decided to ban the use of HCFC in the European 

countries, this regulation also has an impact on imports of finished products.

In terms of reefer containers the requirement is HCFC-free PU insulation.

The company Yangzhou Tonglee Reefer Equipment Co Ltd (Tonglee) has been 

a well-known producer of reefer containers in China since 1994. Prompted 

by the strong interest in the export business Tonglee started to look into ODP 

zero blowing agents in order to be prepared to meet the requirements of the 

Montreal Protocol.

The following table compares alternatives to HCFC 141b:

A decision was taken in favour of Solkane® 365/227 93:7 when comparing 

alternative blowing agent technologies.

The fact that there is practically no need for equipment investment when 

switching from HCFC141b to Solkane® 365/227 was one of the major economic arguments. Both products are non-flammable, and their physical properties, such as the boiling points, are in the same range. From a technical point 

of view the change to the zero odp alternative could be arranged smoothly.

The material costs of Solkane® 365/227 93:7 and HCFC141b are different. 

In close cooperation with Huntsman Polyurethanes (China) Ltd. a new polyurethane system was developed. The consumption of HFC 365/227 has been 

reduced by > 20 % versus an equimolar replacement of the blowing agent, 

without a negative impact on the processing and foam properties. Although 

this means a higher MDI consumption when using less blowing agent, the 

increase in MDI consumption is still in an acceptable range. 

Molecular Weight

[kg/kmol]

Boiling Point

[°C]

Therm. Conductivity

[mW/m.K; 25°C]

HCFC 141b 116.95 32 9.5

HFC 245fa 134.05 15 12.2

HFC 365mfc 148.08 40 10.6

Solkane® 365/227 93:7 149.43 30 10.7

cyclo-Pentane 70.15 49 12.0

SOLKANE® 365 

Reefer Container Production

Solvay

Special Chemicals
35/237/05.12/007/1.pdf

Cost Analysis for Blowing Agent Technologies 

Assuming an FEU – 40-ft Container – uses 550 kg of PU material 

When changing production parameters to replace HCFC141b, close attention 

is paid to maintaining insulation efficiency and high mechanical strength, both 

properties being seen as key issues by the shipping lines and leasing companies, 

who are the final consumers of reefer containers.

Meeting customer requirements while considering both economic terms and 

environmental regulations is the objective and requires the combined efforts 

of all parties, including blowing agent manufacturers, polyurethane material 

reefer containers and end users.

Blowing Agent 

(B.A.)

Boiling 

Point 

[°C]

Mixing ratio 

Polyol:B.A.:MDI

Average 

Foam 

density 

[kg/m3]

B.A. 

price* 

B.A. 

costs* 

per 

FEU

MDI/

Polyol 

price* 

MDI/

Polyol 

Cost* 

per FEU

Total 

cost 

per FEU 

(US $)

HCFC 141b 32 100 : 25 : 130 42 1** 1** 1** 1** 1,167

HFC 365mfc/227ea 

93:7

30 Reference system

100 : 24 : 130

42 5.5 5.3 1 1 1,496

HFC 365mfc/227ea 

93:7

30 Huntsman system

100 : 19 : 132

42 5.5 4.2 1 1.03 1,450

* raw material prices are generalized 

and subject to market fluctuations

** price indications for HCFC141b,

MDI and polyols are fixed as 1

Disclaimer:

The use of SOLKANE® 365mfc and of blends containing SOLKANE® 365mfc might fall within the scope of U.S. patent no. 

5,496,866. The following must be noted regarding the USA (until March 5, 2013): (1) SOLKANE® 365mfc cannot be used in 

the USA, by itself or in a blend, as a blowing agent to foam a plastic based on an isocyanate to form plastic foam compositions; 

(2) SOLKANE® 365mfc and blends containing SOLKANE® 365mfc must not be made, used, offered for sale, or sold in the 

USA, or imported into the USA, for such blowing uses; and (3) closed cell plastic foam compositions prepared by foaming a 

plastic material based on isocyanate in the presence of a propellant comprising SOLKANE® 365mfc and/or a blend containing 

SOLKANE® 365mfc, cannot be made, used, offered for sale, or sold, within the USA, or imported into the USA. To do so can 

result in a claim of patent infringement under U.S. patent no. 5,496,866. Solvay will not sell SOLKANE® 365mfc or blends 

containing SOLKANE® 365mfc to any purchaser intending to use the product accordingly.

For technical or sales information 

please refer to

Solvay Fluor GmbH

Postfach 220

30002 Hannover

Germany

Phone +49 511 857-2444

Fax +49 511 817338

foaming.agents@solvay.com

www.solvay-fluor.com

Solvay (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

Zhang Jiang Hi-Tech Park

Building 7, No.899, Zu Chong Zhi Rd

Shanghai 201203, P.R. China

Phone +86 21 50805080

Fax +86 21 50807501

Solvay Fluorides LLC

3333 Richmond Avenue

Houston, Texas 77098

USA

Phone +1 713 525-6000

Fax +1 713 525-7805
ATTACHMENT B4

Bayer Polymers, Bayflex® 20/30 Foamed With 

Solkane® 365/227

The effect of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the ozone layer in the stratosphere is a generally known fact. The position of the United Nations on

substances that damage the ozone layer was defined in the Montreal

Protocol of 1987 and subsequent amendments. The European Union and

a few other countries will halt the production of CFCs even before the

deadline set by the United Nations.

With arm rests and steering wheels it is difficult

to achieve a balanced relationship between hardness, weight and surface

finish, but this can be

achieved with integral

skin foam systems blown

with Solkane® 365/227.

These systems also offer

much better abrasion resistance than systems

containing blowing agents such as water or

Solkane® 134a.

The transport segment also includes, of

course, two-wheeled vehicles. Bicycles and

motorcycles need a saddle that is not only

light and comfortable, but also weatherproofed. Thanks to the specific properties

described above, the Bayflex® 20/30 integral

foam systems currently offer the only practicable solution for such applications. 

In the furniture industry, properties similar to

those specified by the automotive segment

are needed, although the mechanical stresses to which different products are subjected

vary considerably. 

Bayflex® 20/30 with Solkane® 365/227 has

a very high tear strength and energy absorbing capacity. Here are a few examples from

the multitude of possible applications for

this system: impact-absorbing shoulder and

elbow protectors for motorcycle suits, hydrolOne use of CFCs is as a blowing agent in the

production of rigid and flexible polyurethane

integral skin foams. The integral skin foams

used in the furniture and automotive industries in particular have to meet particularly

strict specifications and quality standards.

The ban on the use of blowing agents with

an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) presents

producers of these foams with major

problems. 

In order to comply with the legal requirements,

Bayer has introduced a Bayflex® 20/30

integral skin foam system blown with

Solkane® 365/227, which offers users the

full range of properties required for the

production of vehicle and furniture parts. 

Solkane® 365/227 is a hydrofluorocarbon

(HFC).

What applications are involved, and what

advantages does Solkane® 365/227 have

over other approved blowing agents?

In the automotive segment, the 

Solkane® 365/227-blown Bayflex® 20/30

integral skin foam system offers manufacturers of head restraints, for example, the

advantage of low weight in combination

with a high-grade surface finish. This permits

the production of parts with an unblemished

appearance, without streaks or air bubbles,

which is virtually impossible to obtain with

other blowing agents. 

ysis-resistant head and arm rests for bath

tubs, weather-resistant equipment for children's playgrounds (e.g. seats for swings and

impact-absorbing parts for kiddies' rides),

and flexible seats, benches and wheels for

gym equipment. 

Bayflex® 20/30 delivers all the specified

physical and mechanical properties, such as

hardness, density, abrasion resistance and

weather resistance. 

Our expert for Bayflex® 20/30 is 

Dr. Hoffmann, who can be contacted at 

andreas.hoffmann@bayerpolymers.com.

Cross section through Bayflex® 20/30

Bayflex® 20/30 foamed with Solkane® 365/227 

A flexible integral skin foam and its applications in the furniture 

and automotive industries 

POLYURETHANE GLOSSARY

Bayer AG

Bayer Polymers

51368 Leverkusen, Germany

www.bayerpolymers.com

This information and our technical advice – whether verbal‚ in

writing or by way of trials – are given in good faith but without

warranty‚ and this also applies where proprietary rights of

third parties are involved. Our advice does not release you

from the obligation to verify the information currently provided

– especially that contained in our safety data and technical

information sheets – and to test our products as to their suitability for the intended processes and uses. The application‚

use and processing of our products and the products manufactured by you on the basis of our technical advice are

beyond our control and‚ therefore‚ entirely your own responsibility. Our products are sold in accordance with the current

version of our General Conditions of Sale and Delivery.

Printed in Germany 

For further information, comments and suggestions contact:

Clive A. Jennings, Bayer plc Newbury

Tel.: +44 1635 56 32 62; Fax: +44 1635 56 32 72

E-mail: clive.jennings.cj1@bayer.co.uk

Bayer AG

Bayer Polymers

51368 Leverkusen, Germany

www.bayerpolymers.com

This information and our technical advice – whether verbal‚ in

writing or by way of trials – are given in good faith but without

warranty‚ and this also applies where proprietary rights of

third parties are involved. Our advice does not release you

from the obligation to verify the information currently provided

– especially that contained in our safety data and technical

information sheets – and to test our products as to their suitability for the intended processes and uses. The application‚

use and processing of our products and the products manufactured by you on the basis of our technical advice are

beyond our control and‚ therefore‚ entirely your own responsibility. Our products are sold in accordance with the current

version of our General Conditions of Sale and Delivery.

Printed in Germany 

For further information, comments and suggestions contact:

Monika Brandt

Tel.: +49 214 30 33013; Fax: +49 214 30 55352

E-mail: monika.brandt@bayerpolymers.com

Order no.: PU 6446384 Order no.: PU 6446384

Baydur

In

®/Bayflex®

Form

– Polyurethanes for Design and Functionality

Issue 2/2003