Tag Insulation Materials

Polyurethane Rigid Foam (PUR) and the Essential Role of Pentane-Based Blowing Agents

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.

n-Pentane 95%: A Reliable Solution for Insulation and Industrial Applications

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.

Cyclopentane Market Pricing Holds Steady Amid Strong Demand for Insulation and Refrigeration Applications

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