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Abstract
This report presents a review of the properties and performance of urea-formaldehyde foams pertinent to their use as thermal insulation for buildings. The review is based primarily on existing published literature. The factors affecting the performance of these insulations are listed and discussed. Included among these factors are durability, effect on energy conservation, effect on other building materials, fungus resistance, shrinkage, and temperature and humidity effects on foam. A key issue involving the use of urea formaldehyde foam insulation is its release of formaldehyde, other gases, and particulates into the air of residences. Information concerning the release of these agents is summarized. The literature evidence indicates that where formaldehyde measurements have been made, on the average, formaldehyde levels in homes with foam insulation are higher than those without foam. The mechanism of formaldehyde release from foams is not totally understood. A review of remedial actions which may be taekn to reduce or eliminate formaldehyde release from foams into residences is given. The information concering the remedial actions discussed are those primarily being used in Canada. In addition, standards for urea-formaldehyde foam insulations developed in North America and Europe were reviewed and the material property requirements tabulated. The standards do not contain requirements pertaining to the long term release of formaldehyde from these foam insulations.
This report presents a review of the properties and performance of urea-formaldehyde foams pertinent to their use as thermal insulation for buildings. The review is based primarily on existing published literature. The factors affecting the performance of these insulations are listed and discussed. Included among these factors are durability, effect on energy conservation, effect on other building materials, fungus resistance, shrinkage, and temperature and humidity effects on foam. A key issue involving the use of urea formaldehyde foam insulation is its release of formaldehyde, other gases, and particulates into the air of residences. Information concerning the release of these agents is summarized. The literature evidence indicates that where formaldehyde measurements have been made, on the average, formaldehyde levels in homes with foam insulation are higher than those without foam. The mechanism of formaldehyde release from foams is not totally understood. A review of remedial actions which may be taekn to reduce or eliminate formaldehyde release from foams into residences is given. The information concering the remedial actions discussed are those primarily being used in Canada. In addition, standards for urea-formaldehyde foam insulations developed in North America and Europe were reviewed and the material property requirements tabulated. The standards do not contain requirements pertaining to the long term release of formaldehyde from these foam insulations.
Date
3/1985
3/1985
Author(s)
Rossiter Jr, Walter; Mathey, Robert
Rossiter Jr, Walter; Mathey, Robert
Page(s)
70
70
Keyword(s)
cellular plastic; energy conservation; formaldehyde; retrofit; thermal insulation; urea formaldehyde foam; performance factor
cellular plastic; energy conservation; formaldehyde; retrofit; thermal insulation; urea formaldehyde foam; performance factor