BARRIER

Elimination of Rigid PU Foam Thermal Insulation Shortcomings by Developing Bio-based Composites with a Gas Permeability Barrier Effect (BARRIER)

Project summary

Aim of the project: The synergistic research approach of the BARRIER project will result in the development of rigid polyurethane (PU) foam composite for efficient long-term thermal insulation. By the introduction of fillers into bio-based rigid PU foam matrix, a decreased gas permeability of low GWP blowing agent through polymer matrix will be achieved. It will be determined what factors of the polymer matrix chemical structure and filler nature influence the gas permeability. The BARRIER project results will allow the design of rigid PU foam thermal insulation with higher efficiency and prolonged service lifetime to be used in civil engineering and appliance industry sectors. The BARRIER will advance expertise in developing low permeability rigid PU foams and gaining a deep understanding of rigid PU foam composite ageing and the influence of fillers to reduce gas diffusivity.
The scientific group in the project consists of the project leader Dr.sc.ing Jānis Andersons, the principal investigator, the leading researcher of the Polymer Laboratory, PhD Miķelis Kirpļuks, the candidate for the Doctor of Science degree Jānis Modniks, and the students.

Planned total duration of the project – 36 months. 

There are 5 work packages planned:

  • WP1    Development of dispersion method of sustainable fillers into bio-based      polyols, Month 1-12
  • WP2    Development of sustainable material-based rigid PU foam composites using novel low GWP blowing agents, Month 3-24
  • WP3    Determination of novel low GWP blowing agent gas permeability, diffusivity and solubility in sustainable PU polymer matrix and its composites, Month 6-33
  • WP4    Modelling of low GWP gas diffusion through sustainable material-based rigid PU foam thermal insulation, Month 6-35
  • WP5    Exploitation and dissemination, Month 1-36

Call, activity: Latvian Council of Science Fundamental and Applied Research Project 2025/1 (LCS FARP 2025/1)

Place of project implementation – Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), Dzerbenes str. 27, Riga, LV-1006 

Contact: anda.fridrihsone@kki.lv

Project status:
Active
Execution time:
01.01.2026 - 31.12.2028
Project type:
LCS FARP
Project number:
Nr. lzp-2025/1-0404
Project manager:
Dr.sc.ing. Jānis Andersons
Polymer Laboratory