CX-100966 Development of Low-Cost Isocyanurate-Based Super Insulation

Development of Low-Cost Isocyanurate-Based Super Insulation
Award Number: DE-EE0008223
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6, B3.15
Building Technologies Office
Location(s): MA
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Fraunhofer, USA, Inc., Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (Fraunhofer) for the development of a polyisocyanurate (PIR) aerogel-based super insulation at atmospheric pressure (SIAP) by benchtop formulation of chemicals and use of a low-cost freeze drying method for pore solvent to create the foam. Project work would occur at Fraunhofer’s facility in Boston, MA and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) laboratory space in Richmond, VA.

Project activities include design, development, and laboratory activities such as chemical formulation; optimization; procedure development; production of PIR nanofoam; physical, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and hygrothermal property characterization of batches of foam produced; design of processing vacuum equipment; and initial cost predictions. All project work would be done in existing office space or a laboratory environment. No physical modifications or ground disturbing activities would be required and no change in the use of the facilities would result from project activities. No modifications to permits or new permits, additional licenses and/or authorizations would be necessary for proposed project activities. Typical hazards of working in a chemical laboratory would be expected from project activities. All facilities have chemical hygiene plans with appropriate health and safety policies and procedures in place and all facilities are equipped with personal protective equipment and safety equipment to minimize risks of chemical exposure to project personnel. All handling of hazardous materials would occur in-lab and all facilities would collect hazardous waste and utilize an environmental waste company to dispose of unwanted chemicals in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws. The project is expected to create a foam with nano-sized pores. Commercially available raw materials would be used to achieve that end-product. Specimens would be prepared and handled inside ventilated fume hoods, and kept inside closed containers (e.g. vials, centrifuge tubes) once synthesized to minimize dispersion of the nano-materials in the environment. Foam samples would be disposed of in accordance with federal and state regulations after testing. DOE does not anticipate any impacts to resources of concern due to the proposed activities of the project.