Investigations on Shrinkage Characteristics of Foam Type Thermal Insulation

Abstract

Polyurethane Foam has got wide applications in the construction of cold rooms, chillers, refrigerators etc. owing to its low thermal conductivity. However, eld studies indicate that some of the Polyurethane Foam (PUF) panels reported shrinkage after a period of 2-3 months. The literature review conducted to nd out the reasons for the same, indicate that a detailed study of shrinkage in a PUF panel was yet to be done. The present study attempts to identify the root cause behind this shrinkage by a 3D mapping of temperature and density inside the panel. The present study suggest that the technique of removal of air by creating partial vacuum before material pouring in the panel mould could lead to a reduction in the shrinkage of insulation material.