Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Highlighted at 2010 Polyurethanes Technical Conference

HOUSTON, TX – October 11-13, 2010 – Scientists, engineers, manufacturers and business leaders from around the world have convened to discuss new technology developments and sustainability in polyurethanes. For the second time, CPI’s Technical Polyurethanes Conference is being held in conjunction with UTECH North America Expo. This brings together the resources of two of the world’s largest polyurethane events. The event is being held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

Polyurethane foam insulation, sealants and spray foam roofing materials continue to gain popularity, from construction professionals and building science community experts. Along with this growth, polyurethane foam industry leaders have announced continued efforts and new programs to provide consumers and applicators with more detailed information on the various product types, applications, benefits over other materials, and most importantly, safe use and handling of spray foam materials throughout the total supply chain.

Conference Highlights
The conference includes presentations of more than 75 technical papers on the latest innovations in polyurethanes used in industries such as construction, appliances, automotives, footwear, furniture, bedding, and coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers (CASE). Along with 16 technical sessions, the conference also featured numerous poster presentations, a special issue session on spray polyurethane foam health and safety, a professional development program and the annual Polyurethane Innovation Awards.

Neeva-Gayle Candelori, former director of CPI stated, “Each year we set out to design a program centered on the most current needs and relevant topics, both for the industry and for end-users of polyurethane products. Sustainability is a key issue for us, and we have entire sessions and numerous papers dedicated to showing how technological advances are helping manufacturers lower greenhouse gas emissions and make products more efficient.”                       

Technical sessions to highlight the “green” aspects of polyurethane production and use include:

•  Flammability Performance and Fire Retardants – contributions of backbone materials and flame retardant additives.
•  Chemistry and Fundamentals – new materials and developments including bio-based content and advances in water-blown foams.
•  Energy Critical Foams – the development of blowing and expansion agents with low global warming potential (GWP), with a focus on rigid polyurethane foam.
•  CASE – unique applications and technological advancements, such as the use of recycled materials and environmentally friendly coating technologies.
•  Renewable Content Polyols – sessions on chemistry and applications address polyols produced from scrap polyurethane and the use of different feedstocks for polyurethane production.
•  Construction – next generation of low-GWP blowing agents and new catalysts for spray polyurethane foam; minimizing environmental impact in construction chemicals.
•  Sustainability – key “green” and sustainability issues.
•  Health, Safety and the Environment – the significant product stewardship work being done in the spray polyurethane foam industry.

The conference closes with a panel discussion on spray polyurethane foam which highlighted ongoing product stewardship work being done in the industry.

About the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI)
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council promotes the sustainable growth of the polyurethane industry, by identifying and managing issues that could impact the industry, in cooperation with user groups. Its members include the nation's leading producers and distributors of chemicals and equipment used to make polyurethane and manufacture polyurethane products. CPI provides a single, strong and credible voice to advocate on behalf of the interests of the U.S. polyurethanes industry. The business of polyurethanes is a $56.1 billion enterprise, supports about 220,000 jobs and a key element of the nation's economy. www.americanchemistry.com/polyurethane