The LIFE+ K12 project goals are the feasibility of an innovative polyurethane (PU) insulation technology for improving thermal insulation and energy efficiency of households’ cold appliances, while having an energy saving in the refrigerator industrial production process, and applying such novel insulation material with a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and minimum Global Warming Potential (GWP). Aim of the project is to contribute to the European Union’s goals of creating an energy efficient economy mitigating the threat of global warming.

LIFE+ K-12project www.dow.com/en-US/k-12

With the contribution of theLIFE Financial Instrument

of the European Community

A new high pressure equipment composed by an innovative piston mixing and injecting technology has been developed in order to foam polyurethanes with CO2 as green expanding agent.

Open Cell polyurethane foam which uses carbon dioxide as sole blowing agent has been obtained, with a fine cellular structure and robust mechanical properties suitable to withstanding reduced pressure inside the insulating material.

ZERO OZONE DEPLETIONMINIMUN GLOBAL WARMING

IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCYIMPROVED THERMAL INSULATION

Refrigerator’s prototypes unit has been successfully assembled. It demonstrates the K12 technology capability to insulate the refrigerator with the same efficiency of today but using carbon dioxide as sole blowing agent, thus offering significant advantages on environmental footprint

748-07401_LIFE+ K-12 project Poster