| Abstract | Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation has been reported to emit hazardous compounds if it is not applied correctly. As two-component low-pressure spray foam insulation is more readily available for a do-it-yourself (DIY) project in homes, the importance of optimal application is getting attention. The goal of this paper was to compare chemical emissions from spray foam insulations applied in four different ways in attempt to simulate normal and abnormal application. The “normal” application (SPF1c) involved adhering to the manufacturer’s application instructions and assumed identical amounts of component A and B (1:1) and a final foam thickness of 2-inch in 2 passes applied at room temperature (22 – 23°C). The A-component opening was reduced to “¼-turn” in attempt to achieve a 0.25:1 ratio with the intention of generating a non-optimal ratio of two components in the next application (SPF1d). SPF1e and SPF1f were applied at 16°C and 5°C, respectively, which are sub-optimal compared to the recommended application temperature of 21 to 32°C. After application, the specimens were tested for 4 days in 50-L chambers at 23°C, 50 % RH, and 1 air change per hour. In general, the emission factors were higher if the foam was applied below the manufacturer’s recommended application temperature. More specifically, the emission factor was the highest when the foam was applied either at 5°C for most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or at 16°C for some VOCs, followed by SPF1d. For example, the emission factor of triethyl phosphate (TEP) increased by a factor of 2, 8, and 12 for foams SPF1d, SPF1e, and SPF1f. The observation demonstrates that the VOC emissions can increase significantly when the spray foam is not applied according to the manufacturer’s application instructions. |
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