Polyurethane Foam (Liquid A & B) in Kenya

Polyurethane Foam (Liquid A & B) in Kenya

Polyurethane (PU) Foam — Liquid A & B is a two-component system (isocyanate component “A” and polyol/resin component “B”) that reacts to form a rigid, closed-cell or open-cell foam used for thermal insulation, soundproofing, gap filling, structural bonding, and specialty coatings. Olinc Industrial Ltd supplies high-quality PU Foam A & B systems suitable for spray-applied insulation, poured foam panels, and cast or molded parts across Kenya.

📞 Call/WhatsApp: +254 722 830 970
📧 Email: sales@olincindustrial.com

p-u-foam-a-&-b-in-nairobi

What is PU Foam A & B?

Polyurethane Foam A & B is a reactive two-component system consisting of:

  • Part A (Isocyanate) — polymeric isocyanate component.

  • Part B (Polyol Blend) — polyols, catalysts, surfactants, flame retardants (optional), and blowing agents.

When accurately metered and mixed, Parts A and B react exothermically, expand, and cure into a cellular polymer. By selecting formulation and process parameters you can produce open-cell, closed-cell, rigid, semi-rigid or high-density structural foams. This system is used where high thermal performance, gap-filling capability, structural light-weighting, or seamless air/vapor barriers are required.

Typical Performance Targets (Representative Ranges)

These values are representative industry ranges for commercial rigid PU A+B systems. Final values depend on exact formulation, mix ratio, and cure conditions.

  • Recommended mix ratios (A:B): commonly 1:1 by volume or weight for many spray-rigid systems. Some specialized grades use 1.06:1 or 2:1; follow the product TDS for exact ratio.
  • Free-rise density: 30 – 60 kg/m³ (low-density insulation) up to >200 kg/m³ for high-density structural castings.
  • Thermal conductivity (λ): 0.020 – 0.035 W/m·K (closed-cell rigid foams at mean temperatures).
  • Compressive strength: 100 kPa – 2,000 kPa depending on density and formulation.
  • Service temperature range: typically -50°C to +120°C (select formulations extend this range).
  • Cream / rise / tack-free times: cream time 5–60 s, rise time 30 s–5 min, tack-free 1–10 min, full cure typically 24 hours under normal conditions.
  • Closed-cell content: >85% for rigid closed-cell grades (controls water absorption).
  • Water absorption (volume %): typically <2–5% for closed-cell rigid foams after immersion tests.

Product Forms & Packaging

  • Cold rooms & refrigerated storage panels — insulated sandwich panels, void filling and perimeter sealing.
  • Roof and cavity insulation — sprayed roof decks, inverted roofs and cavity fill for an air-tight seamless envelope.
  • Pipes, tanks and equipment insulation — pour and spray grades for annular fills and custom insulation shapes.
  • Structural cores & tooling — high-density castings for lightweight structural inserts, molds and formers.
  • Acoustic treatments — specific formulations tuned for sound absorption and vibration damping.
  • Gap filling & sealing — irregular voids, penetrations and service entries where continuity matters.

Application Methods & Equipment

  • Hand-held / low-pressure guns (for small jobs)

  • Simple and portable; suitable for site repairs and small cavities.

  • Requires accurate measuring or pre-weighed twinpacks to avoid off-ratio mixes.

High-pressure heated proportioners (spray rigs)

  • Industrial standard for consistent quality and high-volume spraying.

  • Precisely meters A and B, pre-heats to recommended temperature, delivers through heated hoses to the gun.

  • Required for large roofs, full building spray, and continuous production work.

Static mixing & pouring

  • For casting and block production, use accurate scales and static mixers or mechanical stirrers.

  • Pour into molds or enclosures; allow proper venting for gases produced during rise.

Best-practice process parameters 

  • Preheat components to recommended temperatures (commonly 20–40°C depending on product).
  • Maintain hose and pump temperatures where applicable. 
  • Keep mix ratio tolerance within ±2% to ensure full cure and performance.Apply in lifts where needed, allowing specified cure between layers.

Installation Checklist (Practical On-Site Guide)

  • Site preparation: remove dust, oil, frost, and standing water from substrates.
  • Environmental checks: substrate temperature within recommended band; ambient temperature and humidity monitored
  • PPE & safety: supplied-air respirator or full-face respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection.

  • Equipment check: proportioner calibration, hose heat set, gun nozzle condition.

  • Trial spray / sample panel: verify cream/rise/cure profiles and adhesion.
  • Layering & thickness: observe maximum single-pass thickness per TDS to avoid overheating/voids; build in passes if required.
  • Curing & trimming: waitrecommended cure time before cutting or applying finishes; trim with appropriate tools.
  • Protection: protect fresh foam from direct UV exposure if left exposed (coat or cladding recommended).

Safety, Handling & Storage

Hazards & controls

  • Part A (isocyanates) is a sensitizer: inhalation or skin exposure can cause respiratory sensitization and dermatitis. Avoid exposure.
  • Part B may contain catalysts and additives that are irritant.
  • Mixing and spraying produce aerosols and reaction by-products; controls must be in place.

         Personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Supplied-air respirator (or fresh-air positive-pressure respirator) for spray applications.
  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl), eye protection, full body coveralls.
  • Use local exhaust ventilation where possible.

      Storage

  • Store drums and tanks upright, sealed, dry and away from direct sunlight and ignition sources.
  •  Recommended storage temperature range typically 10–30°C (confirm with TDS).
  • Avoid contamination with moisture — isocyanates react with water.

       Spill & disposal

  • Contain and absorb liquid spills with inert material.
  • Uncured liquids are hazardous waste; cured foam is inert and may be disposed of as construction waste following local regulating.

Environmental Considerations

  • PU systems vary in blowing agents and additives. Low-GWP formulations are available and recommended where environmental impact is a priority.
  • Select non-halogenated flame-retardant systems if required for environmental/health objectives.
  • Minimise waste through accurate batching, good inventory practices, and recovery of unused material where feasibl

Quality & Batch Control

  • Each delivery should be accompanied by a Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) on request.
  • For critical projects, batch testing and mock-ups are strongly recommended prior to full-scale application.

  • Olinc Industrial can assist with technical training, on-site start-up support, and proportioner commissioning.

Typical Problems & How to Fix Them

  • Soft, tacky foam (off-ratio) — check proportioner calibration, drum pressures and hose temperature. Re-calibrate and re-test.
  • Poor adhesion — verify substrate cleanliness and dryness; consider primer or mechanical retention.
  • Excessive shrinkage — may indicate incorrect formulation, low component temperature or poor mix. Adjust temperatures and verify ratios.

  • Discoloration / yellowing — UV exposure; protect exposed foam with coatings or cladding.

Procurement & Pricing Factors

  • Price drivers include: product grade (open vs closed cell, density), packaging (twinpack vs drums), required application equipment, freight, and quantity. For project quotes, Olinc Industrial requests: project scope (m² or m³), desired density and thermal value, application method (spray/ pour/ cast), and delivery location.
  •          Contact for quotations and lead times: sales@olincindustrial.com | +254 722 830 970

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  •  What is the difference between two-component (A&B) PU foam and spray foam cans?
    A&B systems are professional reactive chemistries designed for consistent large-area insulation, high-performance closed-cell structures and structural castings. Aerosol cans are single-component, moisture-cure products for small gap-filling and repairs and do not provide the same performance or control.
  • How do I choose the right density and grade?
     Choose low-density (~30–40 kg/m³) closed-cell foams for thermal insulation; medium/high densities (80–200+ kg/m³) for structural cores, tooling and high-compressive applications. Match grade to application, load and fire requirements.
  • What mix ratio should I use?
     Use the manufacturer TDS. Many rigid spray systems are 1:1 by weight or volume, but precise tolerance and calibration are essential — ±2% mixing accuracy is a common target.
  • Can I spray PU foam myself?
     Small kits exist for DIY, but professional spray applications require proportioners, heated hoses, PPE and training. For building-scale insulation or cold rooms, use experienced contractors.
  • Is cured PU foam waterproof?
     Closed-cell PU foam is water-resistant and acts as an effective vapour barrier in many formulations, but it is not a substitute for dedicated waterproof membranes where liquid water intrusion is a risk.
  •  Are there fire-retardant options?
     Yes. Flame-retardant grades with tested fire classifications are available; specify reaction-to-fire requirements when ordering.
  • How long does it take to cure?
     Initial tack-free occurs in minutes; full mechanical properties commonly develop over 24 hours. Very thick sections may require longer cure times.
  •  Do you supply equipment and training?
     Olinc Industrial offers technical support, equipment sourcing guidance and can arrange training and contractor referrals for installation.