Tag Insulation Materials

Cyclopentane and Isobutane in Refrigerator Foam

Refrigerator manufacturers rely on Cyclopentane and Isobutane as key blowing agents in polyurethane foam systems. These two hydrocarbons play complementary roles, ensuring optimal insulation, foam performance, and energy efficiency.

In modern refrigeration manufacturing, insulation performance is crucial for energy efficiency and product reliability. Polyurethane (PU) foam is the most widely used insulation material in refrigerators and freezers. To produce high-quality PU foam, manufacturers rely on hydrocarbon blowing agents, among which Cyclopentane and Isobutane are the most common. Understanding the differences and synergy between these two agents is essential for optimal foam performance.

Cyclopentane: The Primary Blowing Agent

Cyclopentane has become the preferred primary blowing agent for PU foam due to its excellent thermal insulation properties and high closed-cell structure. Its relatively high boiling point (~49°C) allows controlled foam expansion. Advantages include:

• Superior insulation: High closed-cell content reduces heat transfer.
• Stable foam structure: Produces uniform foam density with minimal shrinkage.
• Safety and handling: Higher flash point makes it safer in large-scale industrial applications.

Isobutane: The Complementary Agent

Isobutane acts as a co-blowing agent. Its lower boiling point (~-12°C) and higher volatility bring benefits:

• Improved flowability: Reduces polyol blend viscosity, allowing better filling of cavities.
• Enhanced foam uniformity: Consistent cell size and density across insulation panels.
• Process optimization: Speeds up foam expansion and reduces production time.

Some manufacturers also use Isobutane as a refrigerant (R600a), but in foam production, it serves as an auxiliary agent. Typical proportion ranges from 20% to 30% relative to Cyclopentane.

Why They Cannot Replace Each Other

Although both Cyclopentane and Isobutane are hydrocarbons used in foaming applications, they are not interchangeable:

1. Boiling point differences: Cyclopentane ensures stable expansion; Isobutane evaporates too quickly alone.
2. Foam quality: Isobutane alone leads to low closed-cell content and uneven foam.
3. Safety considerations: Isobutane is more flammable, requiring stricter handling.
4. Solubility and compatibility: Cyclopentane dissolves better in polyols for uniform foam.

The Balance of Performance and Safety

Using Cyclopentane as the main blowing agent and Isobutane as a co-blowing agent achieves:

• High thermal insulation for energy-efficient refrigerators
• Optimized foam processing and consistent quality
• Enhanced safety and controlled volatility
• Cost-effectiveness with reduced material waste

For more details about refrigeration and insulation materials, visit ASHRAE or read about foam technology at Halonix.

Conclusion

In summary, Cyclopentane and Isobutane play distinct but complementary roles in refrigerator PU foam production. Cyclopentane ensures excellent insulation and foam stability, while Isobutane improves flowability, uniformity, and process efficiency. Manufacturers require both to achieve high-quality, energy-efficient refrigeration products, rather than substituting one for the other.

Cyclopentane: The Primary Blowing Agent

Cyclopentane has become the preferred primary blowing agent for PU foam due to its excellent thermal insulation properties and high closed-cell structure. Its relatively high boiling point (~49°C) allows for controlled foam expansion during the production process. The advantages of Cyclopentane in refrigerator insulation include:

• Superior insulation: High closed-cell content reduces heat transfer, improving energy efficiency.
• Stable foam structure: Produces uniform foam density with minimal shrinkage.
• Safety and handling: Higher flash point compared to other hydrocarbons makes it safer in large-scale industrial applications.

Cyclopentane’s excellent solubility in polyol components of PU systems ensures that the foam expands uniformly, filling all cavities of the refrigerator body and forming consistent insulation layers.

Isobutane: The Complementary Agent

While Cyclopentane provides the primary foaming action, Isobutane is often used as a co-blowing agent. Isobutane has a much lower boiling point (~-12°C) and higher volatility. Its inclusion in PU foam formulations brings several benefits:

• Improved flowability: Reduces the viscosity of the polyol blend, allowing better filling of complex cavities.
• Enhanced foam uniformity: Helps achieve consistent cell size and density across the insulation panel.
• Process optimization: Speeds up foam expansion and reduces production time.

In addition, some manufacturers also use Isobutane as a refrigerant (R600a), but in foam production, it acts primarily as an auxiliary agent. The proportion of Isobutane is carefully controlled, typically ranging from 20% to 30% relative to Cyclopentane, depending on the foam formulation and production conditions.

Why They Cannot Replace Each Other

Although both Cyclopentane and Isobutane are hydrocarbons used in foaming applications, they are not interchangeable:

1. Boiling point differences: Cyclopentane’s higher boiling point allows stable expansion, while Isobutane would over-expand or evaporate too quickly if used alone.
2. Foam quality: Using only Isobutane leads to low closed-cell content, higher shrinkage, and uneven foam structure.
3. Safety considerations: Isobutane is more flammable due to its lower flash point, requiring stricter handling conditions.
4. Solubility and compatibility: Cyclopentane dissolves better in polyols, ensuring proper foam formation, whereas Isobutane alone cannot achieve the same uniformity.

Therefore, PU foam systems in refrigerators are designed to leverage the synergy between Cyclopentane and Isobutane rather than treating them as substitutes.

The Balance of Performance and Safety

By using Cyclopentane as the main blowing agent and Isobutane as a co-blowing agent, refrigerator manufacturers achieve:

• High thermal insulation: Energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers.
• Optimized foam processing: Smooth production and consistent quality.
• Enhanced safety: Controlled volatility and reduced fire risk.
• Cost-effectiveness: Efficient use of materials and reduced waste.

This complementary approach ensures that foam panels fill all cavities, maintain structural integrity, and provide long-lasting insulation performance.

Conclusion

In summary, Cyclopentane and Isobutane play distinct but complementary roles in refrigerator PU foam production. Cyclopentane ensures excellent insulation and foam stability, while Isobutane improves flowability, uniformity, and process efficiency. Manufacturers require both to achieve high-quality, energy-efficient refrigeration products. Understanding their synergy helps explain why icebox producers continue to source both chemicals rather than substituting one for the other.

n-Pentane | Isopentane | Cyclopentane

In today’s global chemical market, Pentane isomers play a vital role across industries ranging from polyurethane foam insulation to refrigeration systems and chemical extraction processes. High-quality Pentane products—particularly n-Pentane (CAS 109-66-0), Isopentane (CAS 78-78-4), and Cyclopentane (CAS 287-92-3)—are essential raw materials for manufacturers seeking efficiency, purity, and environmental compliance.

1. Overview of Pentane Isomers

Pentane is a family of hydrocarbons (C₅H₁₂) consisting of three structural isomers:

• n-Pentane — a straight-chain hydrocarbon known for its strong solvent power and consistent evaporation rate.
• Isopentane (2-Methylbutane) — a branched isomer offering a lower boiling point, ideal for refrigerant and foam-blowing applications.
• Cyclopentane — a cyclic hydrocarbon with excellent insulation performance and zero ozone-depleting potential (ODP).

All three are clear, colorless liquids with low toxicity, high volatility, and compatibility with a wide range of industrial materials.

2. Technical Comparison

Property	n-Pentane	Isopentane (2-Methylbutane)	Cyclopentane
CAS No.	109-66-0	78-78-4	287-92-3
Chemical Formula	C₅H₁₂	C₅H₁₂	C₅H₁₀
Boiling Point (°C)	36.1	27.8	49.3
Density (20°C, g/cm³)	0.626	0.620	0.746
Flash Point (°C)	-49	-51	-37
Applications	Solvent, extraction, blowing agent	Foam blowing, refrigerant blend	Insulation foaming agent

These distinct properties make each isomer suited for specific applications, ensuring performance consistency and compliance with global environmental standards.

3. Industrial Applications

• Refrigeration & Insulation Foams:
  Cyclopentane and Isopentane are widely used as eco-friendly blowing agents in polyurethane (PU) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam production. They offer high insulation efficiency with low global warming potential (GWP).
• Solvent Extraction:
  n-Pentane serves as a clean, fast-evaporating solvent in the pharmaceutical, adhesive, and oil extraction sectors.
• Chemical Blends:
  Blended Pentanes (n-/Isopentane or Cyclo/Isopentane) are tailored for optimized foam density, flow, and expansion performance.

4. Quality & Packaging

High-purity Pentane products (95%–99%) are available in ISO tanks, drums, and bulk deliveries, ensuring safe transportation and global supply reliability. Each batch is tested for purity, moisture, and color to meet international quality standards.

5. Sustainability & Global Reach

As environmental regulations tighten worldwide, the transition to non-CFC, non-HCFC blowing agents has accelerated. Cyclopentane and Isopentane are now preferred alternatives for manufacturers seeking greener, high-performance materials. With stable supply capability and flexible logistics, reliable Pentane suppliers help global partners maintain consistent production and cost efficiency.

For manufacturers and distributors seeking high-purity Pentane isomers that meet international standards, reliability and consistency are key. Whether you require n-Pentane for solvent extraction, Isopentane for refrigerant formulations, or Cyclopentane for eco-friendly foam production, sourcing from trusted global suppliers ensures performance and safety.

Learn more about sustainable blowing agents and global chemical standards from ChemEurope — a leading resource for chemical industry insights. Partner with reliable Pentane producers today to secure stable supply, technical support, and long-term value in your production chain.

Polyurethane Rigid Foam (PUR) is a high-performance, closed-cell insulation material widely used in cold storage, cold-chain logistics, industrial refrigeration, and other low-temperature insulation applications. Its excellent thermal insulation, structural stability, and adaptability make it the material of choice for modern insulation projects.

Its core advantages include:

1. Outstanding Thermal Insulation

Low Thermal Conductivity: PUR exhibits thermal conductivity as low as 0.018–0.024 W/(m·K), making it one of the most effective insulation materials currently available. This reduces energy loss and lowers operational costs. High Closed-Cell Content (≥90%): The closed-cell structure blocks air convection, enhances moisture resistance, and prevents performance degradation due to water vapor infiltration.

Enhancement: The use of high-purity Cyclopentane, Isopentane, or n-Pentane as blowing agents ensures that the foam maintains its low thermal conductivity and closed-cell integrity over time, directly contributing to superior insulation efficiency.

2. Structural Strength and Durability

Compressive Strength and Deformation Resistance: With densities typically ranging from 35–60 kg/m³ and compressive strengths of 150–300 kPa, PUR can support internal racks, equipment, and transport loads. Dimensional Stability: Maintains its volume across extreme temperatures (-50°C to +100°C) with minimal shrinkage or cracking, ensuring long-term reliability.

Enhancement: The controlled purity of pentane-based blowing agents (<2 ppm sulfur, <50 ppm moisture) prevents defects during production and guarantees that the foam retains its strength and dimensional stability throughout its lifecycle.

3. Easy Installation and Adaptability

On-Site Spraying / Pouring: PUR can be applied seamlessly onto walls, roofs, or cavities, eliminating thermal bridges and providing a continuous insulation layer. Compatibility with Multiple Substrates: Bonds firmly to concrete, metal sheets, and composite panels, making it ideal for complex cold storage structures.

Enhancement: Using optimized pentane blends ensures uniform foam expansion and adhesion, improving application efficiency and minimizing material waste.

4. Environmental Friendliness and Safety

Low Global Warming Potential (GWP): Modern PUR systems employ environmentally friendly blowing agents such as Cyclopentane, Isopentane, or water-based formulations, reducing environmental impact. Fire Safety: With proper flame retardants, PUR can achieve B1-class flame resistance (GB 8624-2012), meeting stringent cold storage fire standards.

Enhancement: Our high-purity pentane products are fully compliant with international environmental regulations, providing a sustainable and safe option for manufacturers aiming to meet both GWP and fire safety requirements.

5. Economic Advantages

Although initial costs may be higher than traditional materials like EPS or rock wool, PUR’s long lifespan (20+ years) and energy-saving properties significantly reduce operating costs.

Enhancement: By selecting our reliable pentane blowing agents, manufacturers can achieve consistent foam quality and maximize energy efficiency, enhancing ROI over the lifetime of the insulation system.

Application Considerations

Controlled Installation Environment: Surfaces must be dry and clean; recommended temperature is 15–35°C with humidity below 85%. Insulation Thickness Design: Determined by the target cold storage temperature (e.g., -18°C for refrigeration or -60°C for ultra-low temperature). Typical PUR layers range from 50–150 mm. Safety Protection: Workers must wear protective gear to avoid exposure to uncured chemicals.

Enhancement: Using high-purity pentane ensures predictable foam behavior even under varying environmental conditions, reducing installation risk and ensuring design specifications are met.

Why Pentane-Based Blowing Agents Are Critical

The superior performance of PUR depends directly on the quality of the blowing agent. Our Cyclopentane, Isopentane, and n-Pentane products offer:

Purity Control: Low sulfur (<2 ppm) and low moisture (<50 ppm) for defect-free foam. Processing Stability: Uniform cell structure for optimal insulation and mechanical strength. Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications including cold storage, refrigerated trucks, and PIR/PUR panels. Environmental Compliance: Non-ozone-depleting, low GWP, aligned with global regulations.

Conclusion

Polyurethane Rigid Foam remains the top choice for modern cold storage insulation, offering unparalleled thermal performance, durability, and adaptability. High-purity pentane-based blowing agents are essential to fully realize these benefits, ensuring:

Maximum thermal insulation efficiency Consistent structural integrity Reliable production and long-term performance Compliance with environmental and fire safety standards

By choosing our products, manufacturers can deliver high-quality, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible insulation solutions, ensuring optimal performance for decades.

As global industries continue to advance toward energy efficiency and sustainable construction, demand for cost-effective and versatile raw materials is on the rise. One such material is n-Pentane 95%, widely recognized for its performance in insulation foam manufacturing and industrial solvent applications.

Why n-Pentane 95%?

Optimized Purity for Industrial Use With a guaranteed 95% purity, n-Pentane strikes the right balance between performance and cost. This grade is especially suitable for large-scale industrial applications where ultra-high purity is not necessary but consistent quality is critical. Preferred Blowing Agent in Insulation Panels n-Pentane 95% is extensively used as a blowing agent in the production of PU and PIR sandwich panels, roofing boards, and cold storage insulation panels. Its compatibility with modern production lines ensures excellent insulation performance while helping manufacturers meet regional energy-efficiency standards. Cost Efficiency Compared with higher-purity solvents, n-Pentane 95% offers a more economical solution without compromising on application results. This makes it highly attractive for companies that require regular, bulk procurement. Versatile Industrial Applications Beyond insulation materials, n-Pentane 95% is also applied in adhesives, coatings, and cleaning formulations across multiple industrial sectors. Its fast evaporation rate and solvent properties make it a reliable choice for diverse manufacturing needs.

Packaging and Logistics

n-Pentane 95% is typically supplied in ISO tanks, drums, or customized bulk packaging to meet different production scales. Our logistics partners ensure compliance with international hazardous goods regulations, guaranteeing safe and timely delivery.

Market Outlook

With construction growth across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, the need for energy-saving insulation materials is rapidly expanding. n-Pentane 95% will remain a cornerstone raw material for manufacturers aiming to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions for modern infrastructure and industrial projects.

As of April 28, 2025, the domestic price of Cyclopentane in China stands firm at RMB 11,200 per metric ton, approximately USD 1,555 per metric ton based on today’s official exchange rate (1 USD ≈ 7.2043 RMB).

After a significant adjustment in mid-April, the Cyclopentane market has remained stable for two consecutive weeks. This provides global buyers with a more predictable cost structure for sourcing.

Cyclopentane is a key blowing agent for polyurethane (PU) foam, extensively used in building insulation panels, refrigeration appliances, and cold chain logistics solutions. Stable pricing is crucial for industries targeting low-GWP and energy-efficient products. Global procurement teams are encouraged to leverage the current pricing stability for inventory planning and to mitigate risks linked to raw material price volatility during the second quarter of 2025.

Cyclopentane, PU Foam, Insulation Materials, Refrigeration Industry, Blowing Agents, Global Procurement, China Exports, April 2025, USD Price, RMB Price