Polyurethane foam in 2010s: HFO / pentane

The low-λ organic foam of fridges and buildings — excellent insulation, a fire design problem unless PIR and coverings are honest. Polyurethane foam is one of 32 materials in this atlas, grouped under thermal: history, structure, measured properties, process routes, uses, safety and market — not a product catalogue.

Scores compare Polyurethane foam with the rest of the atlas on strength, heat, fire behaviour, insulation, workability and circularity. They are editorial, not certificates. Seven chapters follow. Fire and insulation claims name test families (Euroclass, ASTM E84, ISO 5660, KS F) rather than inventing a single safety number.

Polyurethane foam (R-NH-COO-R′ network + blowing agent) is a family of grades whose density 30–60 kg/m³ rigid boards, heat band pyrolyses; does not melt cleanly, and fire letter typically E–B with facers; not A1. Polyurethane foam is sold as grades, not as a single substance. Chemistry R-NH-COO-R′ network + blowing agent, density 30–60 kg/m³ rigid boards, heat band pyrolyses; does not melt cleanly.