BASF’s Marine Flotation System Has Zero Ozone Depletion, Ultra-Low Global Warming Potential

BASF’s two new Autofroth Marine polyurethane systems’ foam performance keep boats afloat and have a low environmental impact with zero ozone depletion potential and ultra-low global warming potential of 1, which is 1,400 less than current hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) 134a based systems.

The two new systems are:

• Autofroth Marine 88-B-1502 Resin/ Autofroth 9300A Isocyanate
• Autofroth Marine 91-B-1502 Resin/ Autofroth 10000A Isocyanate

BASF says the systems offer marine manufacturers sustainable solutions that allow them to prepare for upcoming regulations. Both BASF systems are fully compliant with the US EPA HFC foam blowing agent phase out scheduled for Janury 2020, with zero HFCs.

In addition to the low environmental impact of these systems, Autofroth Marine foam is frothy with rapid cream times, which leads to reduced leakage and easier processing during manufacturing, the company says. Specifically, cycle times are reduced since it takes less time for the foam to gel, setting as quickly as 90 seconds and with a low free rise density of 2lbs/cf, less foam is required to fill the given volume of a part, leading to more efficient material usage.

BASF touts the system’s dimensional stability: during testing, the volume change was minimal at less than 1 percent when tested at 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 percent relative humidity.

Both of these systems passed the Coast Guard tests, exceeding the regulation of keeping a vessel (under 20 feet in length) afloat for at least 18 hours in the event that the boat becomes submerged.