Supercritical-fluid extraction of chlorofluoroalkanes from rigid polyurethane foams

Abstract Preliminary results about a process for recovering expanding agents chlorofluoroalkanes (CFCs) both trapped in the cavities and dissolved in the polymer from rigid polyurethane foams are reported. The performances of liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide, and of CO2-propane supercritical mixtures were compared. Better results in terms of extraction time and amount of extracted CFCs were obtained with finely ground materials and supercritical propane-carbon dioxide fluids.